Welcome to NSL end-of-season player rankings. Top 10 Centers in the NSL Part 1, 1 - 5.

This list is ranking the top 10 centers in the NSL/NBA 2K23. These rankings are based partially on NBA 2k player overall rating and my opinion on how they fit within an NSL team structure. 

1. Nikola Jokic - 97 - Jokic is considered by many to be the absolute best player in the NBA. Rated a 97 overall by NBA 2k he is hands down one of the most versatile players in the game. At 6�11� and 280lbs. He is a literal brick wall in the paint (just ask Markieff Morris). The Joker doesn�t have the speed or agility of most other NBA players. But he has a superb basketball IQ paired with a high level of skill that allows him to act on what he sees unfolding on the court. Offensively he can operate as a playmaker or be the primary scorer with the ability to use his size and strength inside for high-percentage shot opportunities or knock it down from distance when his guards initiate drive and kick opportunities. Although not the most impactful defender. He is underrated in this area as his IQ allows him to do the little things that matter such as positioning and react as help when necessary to help deter opposing offensive players and he does it all with a level of smoothness that makes it appear as if he is hardly exerting any effort. 

2. Joel Embiid - 97 - Embiid is the current reigning NBA MVP and a hot debate could start on if he should be No 1, or No 2, on this list depending on if playmaking or defense is your cup of tea. Joel at 7�0� tall and 280 lbs is a throwback to when centers were true giants on the court. Despite early career injury concerns, Embiid has blossomed into a true post-beast that can play with power and finesse. Practically automatic from mid-range he can also stretch defenses with a reliable 3-point stroke. He takes pride in post-defense and is capable of deterring shot attempts just with his presence alone and reinforces that with capable shot-blocking. He is an average playmaker at best but bring so many other elite-level attributes to the game in can be overlooked. 

3. Bam Adebayo - 87 - Bam is a bit undersized as far as true centers go at a listed 6�9� and 255 lbs he is physically more in the mold of an old-school Power Forward. But logs most of his game time at Center and by most metrics, he is one of the best in the league. With above average athleticism and agility for his size. Adebayo can get down into the post earlier in the offense than most other centers due to his speed and his lateral quickness allows him the ability to guard bigs as well as wings making him an extremely versatile defender in any set. Bam has great scoring instincts and can score in the post as well as effectively from 17 feet out with a relatively consistent jumper. He is also an adequate playmaker that trusts his teammates and makes few mistakes in the heat of the moment. 

4. Rudy Gobert - 84 - Rudy is no longer considered one of the elite centers in the NBA. But his value in the NSL is still top tier. At 7�1� and 258 lbs. Gobert has the core prerequisites of size, strength, and girth.  Rudy is a bit limited offensively with little to no jump shot to speak of and an unwillingness to develop a true post-game. But in his case, this is a plus, not a detriment as he requires little time with the ball to impact the game on offense and defense. As a post-defender and rebounder, very few players can match his ability to lock down the post and rebound at an extremely high rate. On offense, he is a super screen setter and is a constant lob threat on pick�n�rolls. With above-average offensive rebounding skills his team's shooters can fire away with impunity and feel confident that Rudy can clean up any missed opportunities. 

5. Jarret Allen - 84 - Allen is described as a �Paint Beast� in NBA 2k23, which requires some context. Not really elite in any one area, Jarret does enough things at an above-average rate to place him 5th on this list. A limited offensive player with a shaky jump shot. He is however near automatic inside the paint and is above average at shooting Free Throws. A big who can deliver an �And 1� routinely can be the difference between a 1-point win or loss. A solid post-defender that can intelligently fade for help and get a key block or deter a shot as well as secure the defensive rebound all in the same play Allen has enough going on that he can anchor a team's defense. Faster than most other bigs end to end he can be the recipient of early offense scoring opportunities and still get back on defense. 

Part 2 of this list 6 - 10 will be available soon as well as lists for PF, SF, SG, and PG.