As of September 23, 2026, the center position in the NBA is notably competitive, featuring several MVP candidates and a former league MVP who is surprisingly outside the top eight rankings. This group also includes the player who recently surpassed Kobe Bryant's scoring record and the starting center for the reigning champions.
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Following a thorough analysis of the best players across all positions, here are the rankings for the top 27 centers heading into the 2026-27 season.
**Honorable Mentions:** Deandre Ayton, Neemias Queta, Mark Williams, Nikola Vucevic
**27. Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte)**
2025-26 stats: 7.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.0 bpg, 63.1 FG%, 65.9 FT%
2026-27 salary: $2,461,462
Diabate had a strong breakout season, showcasing excellent finishing around the rim and contributing significantly as a rebounder and shot-blocker. His on-court impact has made Charlotte 9.9 points per 100 possessions better during his time on the floor.
**26. Nicolas Claxton (Chicago)**
2025-26 stats: 11.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.1 bpg, 57.1 FG%, 61.6 FT%
2026-27 salary: $23,320,738
Claxton is a versatile big man known for his defensive potential, particularly as a switch defender. However, his limited scoring ability and free-throw percentage could hinder his overall impact, especially in crunch time.
**25. Mitchell Robinson (Boston)**
2025-26 stats: 5.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.2 bpg, 72.3 FG%, 40.8 FT%
2026-27 salary: $15,044,000
Robinson brings solid defensive capabilities and efficient finishing but struggles with free-throw shooting. He joins the Celtics looking to solidify a starting spot against Neemias Queta.
**24. Dereck Lively (Dallas)**
2025-26 stats: 4.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.6 bpg, 61.1 FG%, 80.0 FT%
2026-27 salary: $7,238,897
Lively possesses elite athleticism and a lengthy wingspan, though health concerns limit his potential. He remains a formidable rim protector but needs to stay on the court more consistently.
**23. Walker Kessler (LA Lakers)**
2025-26 stats: 14.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.8 bpg, 70.3 FG%, 70.0 FT% (five games)
2026-27 salary: $30,108,821
Coming off a shoulder injury, Kessler is a top shot-blocker but must prove his numbers hold up following limited action last season.
**22. Kel'el Ware (Milwaukee)**
2025-26 stats: 11.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 0.7 apg, 1.1 bpg, 53.0 FG%, 39.5 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $4,654,920
Ware has flashed potential as a floor-spacing big with reliable shot-blocking skills, though his past performance in Miami leaves questions about his overall impact on the game.
**21. Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta)**
2025-26 stats: 15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 48.0 FG%, 37.6 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $16,120,000
Okongwu is proving to be a versatile player with a well-rounded skill set that allows him to thrive on both ends of the floor.
**20. Derik Queen (New Orleans)**
2025-26 stats: 11.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.9 bpg, 47.3 FG%, 26.1 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $5,416,080
Queen’s skill as a passer and ability to score close to the basket make him a unique center, though he needs to improve his perimeter shooting to elevate his game.
**19. Alex Sarr (Washington)**
2025-26 stats: 16.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.0 bpg, 48.2 FG%, 33.3 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $12,370,680
With a strong shot-blocking presence, Sarr is evolving into a modern center, and how he complements Anthony Davis will be pivotal for his future.
**18. Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City)**
2025-26 stats: 9.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 62.2 FG%, 62.1 FT%
2026-27 salary: $23,148,148
A solid role player, Hartenstein's efficiency and work ethic led to success during championship runs, as he excels in what he does best.
**17. Naz Reid (Charlotte)**
2025-26 stats: 13.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 bpg, 45.6 FG%, 36.2 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $23,275,862
Known for his scoring versatility, Reid joins Charlotte with the potential to contribute as either a starter or from the bench.
**16. Donovan Clingan (Portland)**
2025-26 stats: 12.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.7 bpg, 52.0 FG%, 34.1 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $7,519,920
Clingan has quickly improved his game, including a more reliable three-point shot, which could make him a highly impactful player.
**15. Myles Turner (Milwaukee)**
2025-26 stats: 11.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.6 bpg, 44.0 FG%, 38.3 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $26,584,164
Turner remains a solid option but needs to enhance his impact further to help Milwaukee become competitive.
**14. Kristaps Porzingis (Golden State)**
2025-26 stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 bpg, 44.6 FG%, 33.8 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $20,000,000
Despite injury troubles affecting his production, Porzingis still carries value as a scorer and can help Golden State in various ways.
**13. Ivica Zubac (Indiana)**
2025-26 stats: 14.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.8 bpg, 59.8 FG%, 71.1 FT%
2026-27 salary: $19,550,160
Zubac’s performance alongside playmakers like Tyrese Haliburton may elevate his scoring potential, making him a player to watch.
**12. Jarrett Allen (Cleveland)**
2025-26 stats: 15.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 63.8 FG%, 70.9 FT%
2026-27 salary: $28,000,000
Allen’s efficiency near the basket and defensive presence have made him a vital piece for Cleveland.
**11. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Utah)**
2025-26 stats: 19.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.4 bpg, 47.6 FG%, 35.7 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $49,000,000
Jackson Jr. is a dynamic shot-blocker and versatile defender but faces concerns regarding rebounding and decision-making.
**10. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota)**
2025-26 stats: 10.9 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.6 bpg, 68.2 FG%, 52.6 FT%
2026-27 salary: $36,500,000
Gobert remains elite defensively and impacts games positively for Minnesota, ranking among the top centers despite being older.
**9. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia)**
2025-26 stats: 26.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.2 bpg, 48.9 FG%, 33.3 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $57,736,350
Embiid’s health is a constant concern, but his productivity when on the court keeps him as a top-tier center.
**8. Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)**
2025-26 stats: 15.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.1 apg, 0.9 spg, 54.3 FG%, 72.7 FT% (19 games)
2026-27 salary: $45,472,000
While Sabonis excels in scoring and rebounding, questions exist regarding his overall defensive contribution.
**7. Jalen Duren**
2025-26 stats: 19.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.8 bpg, 65.0 FG%, 74.7 FT%
Duren’s skill improvement has him poised for a standout season, although his postseason performance raises questions.
**6. Bam Adebayo (Miami)**
2025-26 stats: 20.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 44.2 FG%, 31.8 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $49,488,300
Adebayo is an elite defender and refined offensive player, and his shooting will be crucial for Miami's success.
**5. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City)**
2025-26 stats: 17.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.9 bpg, 55.7 FG%, 36.2 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $41,240,250
Holmgren's length and versatility make him valuable, though strength remains a concern.
**4. Alperen Sengun (Houston)**
2025-26 stats: 20.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 6.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.1 bpg, 51.9 FG%, 30.5 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $35,642,202
Sengun's passing and offensive prowess place him among the best, despite the need for improved shooting.
**3. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York)**
2025-26 stats: 20.1 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 50.1 FG%, 36.8 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $57,078,728
Towns' contributions helped New York win a championship, emphasizing his offensive skill set.
**2. Nikola Jokic (Denver)**
2025-26 stats: 27.7 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 10.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 56.9 FG%, 38.0 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $59,033,114
Jokic's efficiency, playmaking, and impact keep him at or near the top despite not being ranked first this year.
**1. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)**
2025-26 stats: 25.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.0 spg, 3.1 bpg, 51.2 FG%, 34.9 3PT%
2026-27 salary: $16,868,013
Wembanyama's extraordinary talent and ability to impact games mark him as the current king of centers as he continues to evolve into a star.