Center is trickiest position in fantasy basketball. It's easily the thinnest position -- there simply aren't that many great centers in the league these days, and the NBA's elite centers typically have holes in their games that really hurt fantasy values. Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan... even going back to Wilt Chamberlain... many of the best pivots have been cover-your-eyes horrible from the free throw line. A horrific free-throw percentage from a player that gets fouled as often as a Shaq-in-his-prime can really sink a fantasy team's overall number.
As a result, the best "centers" to have in fantasy basketball are often power forwards that occasionally play in the middle, and who qualify at the position in most leagues. Take a long look at players like Amar'e Stoudemire, David Lee or Pau Gasol to fill your center spot if your league's guidelines allow.
Players are ranked in terms of overall value in an eight-category (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, FT%, FG% and three pointers made) rotisserie-style league. Allowances have been made for positional scarcity -- players who qualify at center are worth a bit more. Injuries and concerns over playing time are also considered.
The number in parentheses is each player's rank on our Top 100 Fantasy NBA Players for 2011-12.
The Top 25 Centers
1. (14) Dwight Howard: C/Magic - Howard's value increases in H2H formats and nine-category leagues, where his dismal free-throw shooting isn't as big a liability.2. (15) Amare Stoudemire: C/Knicks - It's still unclear how much Anthony's arrival at Madison Square Garden will impact STAT's stats.
3. (24) Al Horford: C/Hawks - Posted career-bests in scoring and assists last season, but we'd like to see his rebounding average in the double figures.
4. (25) Al Jefferson: C/Jazz - Took a little time to get acclimated in Utah, but was one of the league's better bigs in the second half of 2010-11.
5. (30) Marc Gasol: C/Grizzlies - That trade that brought Marc to Memphis and sent his brother Pau to the Lakers doesn't look so lopsided now, does it?
6. (39) Brook Lopez: C/Nets - Went into last season billed as the league's top young center, but a horrid year on the boards has cooled that buzz considerably.
7. (48) Nene Hilario: C/free agent - Where will he play this season? His value could fluctuate wildly depending on where he signs.
8. (59) Marcin Gortat: C/Suns - By the end of last season, was looking like he'll thrive running the pick and roll with Steve Nash.
9. (66) Andrew Bogut: C/Bucks - Will he ever be the same player he was before all the injuries?
10. (68) JaVale McGee: C/Wizards - Great source of blocks, and an improving scorer/rebounder. But just dismal from the free throw line.
11. (70) Andrea Bargnani: C/Raptors - Rather than dwell on what he's not (a traditional center), appreciate what he is (a talented scoring four).
12. (72) Tyson Chandler: C/free agent - Was an outstanding fit in Dallas. Will the Mavs be able to retain his services?
13. (73) Joakim Noah: C/Bulls - Highly valuable with his blocks/boards/steals, but has missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to injury.
14. (74) DeMarcus Cousins: C/Kings - Tremendous potential if he keeps his head on straight. Prone to turnovers, so avoid in nine-category leagues.
15. (79) Roy Hibbert: C/Pacers - Was excellent at times last season; Indiana needs him to be more consistent.
16. (80) Greg Monroe: C/Pistons - Started slow, but finished the season with a flourish; could break out as a soph.
17. (91) Emeka Okafor: C/Hornets - Could be a bigger part of the Hornets' offense if David West is out of the mix.
18. (96) Andrew Bynum: C/Lakers - Would be much higher on this list if I had any faith he'd be able to stay healthy.
19. (101) Samuel Dalembert: C/free agent - Still a dependable shot-blocker. Strong rumor is he'll end up in Miami.
20. (102) DeAndre Jordan: C/Clippers - Move him up a few spots if the Clippers do manage to trade Chris Kaman.
21. (103) DeJuan Blair: C/Spurs - Antonio McDyess' retirement could mean more consistent playing time for Blair.
22. (124) Chris Kaman: C/Clippers - Move him up a few spots if the Clippers do manage to trade him. (To Philly? For Andre Iguodala?)
23. (128) Chuck Hayes: C/free agent - Wildly undersized for the position, but qualifies due to all the time he spent filling in for Yao Ming. Could help a lot of teams, but probably as a defense-first four.
24. (136) Anderson Varejao: C/Cavaliers - Poor man's Joakim Noah, but coming off a major ankle injury (and doesn’t have Derrick Rose to break down opposing defenses).
25. (144) Ekpe Udoh: C/Warriors - Defensive presence could be a nice complement to David Lee.
