NBA 2K19 Player Ratings: Best Centers (C)

Source: NBA 2K19

The center position is the epitome of big man basketball. Expected to stay inside the paint and grab every rebound, these guys often spend 30+ mins in an all-out physical battle with opposing centers. Similar to the power forward position, posting up inside is no longer acceptable for a center. They are now expected to stretch the floor and knock down 3s as well. Here we have the top centers in the game.

Karl-Anthony Towns (OVR 91) 

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves

Height: 7'0"

Traits: Rebounding Scoring Machine

Best stats: Stamina, Layups, Mid-Range

“KAT” is player that immediately impacted the game at a young age and will likely be a monster in the league for years to come. With averages of 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists from last season, Towns is a big part of why Minnesota is going all-in on the present. 

DeMarcus Cousins (OVR 90) 

Team: Golden State Warriors

Height: 6'11"

Traits: Offensive Superstar

Best stats: Strength, Stamina, Post Offense

Cousins finds himself in a unique spot this year. Coming off a season that included averages of 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, but ended with a ruptured achilles, people are not sure what to expect next. This is a big part of why Cousins is playing on a one-year deal to prove he is still worthy of a big contract. The fact that he gets to play for the Warriors and likely win a title in the process is just icing on the cake.

Joel Embiid (OVR 90) 

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Height: 7'0"

Traits: Two-Way Star

Best stats: Post Offense, Strength, Blocks

The ever confident Embiid has proven to the city of Philadelphia that he is indeed the "Process". In just his second season in the league, Joel averaged 22.9 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Between Embiid and Ben Simmons, Philly has a lot to look forward to in both the present and the future.

Nikola Jokic (OVR 89)

Team: Denver Nuggets

Height: 6'10"

Traits: Offensive Superstar

Best stats: Post Offense, Layups, Rebounding

While his scoring numbers wouldn't necessarily be considered elite, his overall average of 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists show how well-rounded this big man is. Denver has let Jokic come into his own and are now letting him run the show for the most part.

Andre Drummond (OVR 87)

Team: Detroit Pistons

Height: 6'11"

Traits: Elite Paint Protector

Best stats: Rebounding, Strength, Blocks

Drummond has played his entire career in Detroit, but now gets to share the frontcourt with a true star in Blake Griffin. The Pistons are hoping that Drummond's averages of 15 points, 16 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game can be bolstered even more when teams have to worry about another inside threat. A big surprise in Andre's game was seen last season when he raised his free throw average to 60.5%, after sitting below 40% for most of his career.

Rudy Gobert (OVR 87) 

Team: Utah Jazz

Height: 7'1"

Traits: Paint Protector

Best stats: Blocks, Stamina, Rebounding

As a former Salt Lake resident, I actually got to experience Gobert's height in person at a public appearance the star center made. With averages of 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, it is easy to see why he was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The big man continues to dominate inside and lead one of the top defensive teams in the league.

Al Horford (OVR 86)

Team: Boston Celtics

Height: 6'10"

Traits: Two-Way Superstar

Best stats: Strength, Post Offense, Stamina

The veteran big man continues to grind away, to the tune of 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Luckily, he is being rewarded for his consistency and efforts by playing on one of the top teams in the league. Look for him to continue to be efficient and hold value.

DeAndre Jordan (OVR 86) 

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Height: 6'11"

Traits: Defensive Star

Best stats: Dunks, Rebounding, Strength

After previously humiliating the Mavericks in free agency, the Dallas front office decided to come back to Jordan for round two. This time they were successful in locking DeAndre down and will now reap the benefits of his 12 points, 15.2 rebounds and 64.5% field goal averages.

Hassan Whiteside (OVR 85)

Team: Miami Heat

Height: 7'0"

Traits: Elite Paint Protector

Best stats: Rebounding, Blocks, Strength

Whiteside was a hot name during his rise to success over the past couple of seasons. While his numbers dropped last season from the previous in terms of scoring (17 to 14 point), rebounding (14.1 to 11.4) and blocks (2.1 to 1.7), the Heat are still hopeful they can ship him out for a decent return value. Look for the Heat to showcase his skills early on in hopes of a decent trade of picks and youth.

Marc Gasol (OVR 85)

Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Height: 7'1"

Traits: Two-Way Star

Best stats: Strength, Post Offense, Blocks

The younger of the Gasol brothers, Marc is still looking like he is closing in on retirement. After posting 17.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game last season, one has to wonder if his mental fortitude can keep up with the lack of depth on his current team. A trade to a contender would be ideal for Gasol, as he still has a lot to offer. He's just at a point where he's too good to benefit a tanking team, but not good enough to carry them.

Other Notable Centers