With the NBA season just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the best fantasy players for this season. With most fantasy drafts set to take place this week it’s important to dissect the players and break down the pre-season rankings for each position.
This particular article will explore the top centers that can help your fantasy team out this season. The center position isn’t the deepest in the league, so landing one of these top players could be the difference between winning and losing for your fantasy team this season.
Productive big men are hard to find in the NBA these days, so having one of the most productive centers on your team can have a major impact on your success this season. Make sure you take the time to check out the whole list to prepare yourself for your draft.
15. Marc Gasol: C, Sacramento Kings
2011-12 Projections: 13.0 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Pau’s younger brother has grown up. Once upon a time Gasol was trade filler, but has turned into a legitimate starting option for your fantasy team. His numbers may not be superb, especially with Zach Randolph doing most of the heavy lifting offensively. But, if Randolph goes down Gasol could see a boost in his offensive production this season.
14. DeMarcus Cousins: PF, C, Sacramento Kings
2011-12 Projections: 16.1 PPG, 2.9 APG, 9.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The biggest concern for Cousins when he came into the league was his attitude. While he has had a few problems with that during his young career it does seem that he is beginning to get control of his emotions on the court. Still, Cousins is an aggressive player that plays with plenty of emotion. With Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and now Jimmer Fredette drawing a lot of the defensive attention, Cousins should see an increase in his numbers this season.
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13. Serge Ibaka: C, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
2011-12 Projections: 11.0 PPG, 0.3 APG, 8.7 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 2.6 BPG
Ibaka is the type of center that will be taken late in your draft as a back-up. The Thunder are the favorites to walk away with the Western Conference this season, but Ibaka is far from their top offensive option. Still, with nearly three blocks per game, Ibaka will give you positive minutes as a reserve, and could fill in your roster on nights when the majority of your big men are inactive.
12. Marcin Gortat: C, Phoenix Suns
2011-12 Projections: 12.4 PPG, 1.0 APG, 10.4 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Gone are the days when the Phoenix Suns would outscore every other team on the planet. Surprisingly, Alvin Gentry has the team playing a more defensive style of play. But the Suns have a lot of perimeter shooters, which will give Gortat plenty of rebounding opportunities. Defensively Gortat is also productive, and could offer fantasy owners a solid block average when needed.
11. Andrew Bogut: C, Milwaukee Bucks
2011-12 Projections: 11.0 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.4 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 2.5 BPG
Andrew Bogut has never quite lived up to the expectations that come with being the number one overall pick, but is still a serviceable center for most fantasy leagues. The problem with Bogut will be his durability. He has spent a lot of time sidelined in the past due to injuries, which accounts for his low draft stock. But, if he can remain healthy he should be a solid fantasy option at center this season.
Next Page: Top Fantasy Centers 10-6
10. David Lee: PF, C, Golden State Warriors
2011-12 Projections: 17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 10.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
After several productive seasons with the New York Knicks Lee saw his numbers take a dip during his first year in Golden State. While part of that was due to an early-season elbow injury, Lee ended up having trouble living up to his draft position in many leagues. However, he finished the season strong and is looking to continue his high level of play this year. With Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis running the backcourt Lee should get plenty of rebound opportunities, which can result in easy buckets.
9. Joakim Noah: PF, C, Chicago Bulls
2011-12 Projections: 14.4 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Noah has been a frustrating fantasy player for many of his owners over the course of his career. He has plenty of potential, but always seems to get hurt at the most inopportune time. Plus, when Carlos Boozer arrived in Chicago last season Noah’s numbers decreased as well. If Noah is able to stay healthy in 2011-12 he should produce solid fantasy numbers that will make him a productive reserve forward or center.
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8. Al Horford: PF, C, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 15.9 PPG, 3.7 APG, 9.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG
The Atlanta Hawks have been a team looking to take the next step for about four years now but have been unable to do it. Horford has been a solid player since being drafted by the team out of Florida back in 2007. He has established himself as one of the top forwards in the league, and might see his numbers increase this season. After Atlanta lost Jamal Crawford to free agency there will be more shots to go around. This means Horford might find himself getting more attempts at the basket, but it might also hurt his shooting percentage in the process.
7. Chris Bosh: PF, C, Miami Heat
2011-12 Projections: 19.6 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Not surprisingly, Bosh was the biggest superstar to suffer statistically when he, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James teamed up in Miami. He had trouble finding his role within the offense, but by the end of the season was arguably more productive than even James. With another season of practice and familiarity under his belt with his Heat teammates Bosh should have a better season than the one he had a year ago.
6. Andrew Bynum: C, Los Angeles Lakers
2011-12 Projections: 14.2 PPG, 1.4 APG, 9.9 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Even though Bynum is suspended for the first four games of the season, he still should be a top fantasy center this season. New head coach Mike Brown has stated that he will look to focus his offense around Bynum and fellow Lakers big man Pau Gasol. This plus a rapidly aging Kobe Bryant could turn Bynum into an offensive juggernaut this season. The biggest question for him will be staying healthy, which has been hard for him in the past.
Next Page: Top 5 Fantasy Centers
5. LaMarcus Aldridge: PF, C, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 20.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Aldridge was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and proved it as he averaged career highs practically across the board. This could be the season that Aldridge goes next level, and establishes himself as one of the top forwards in the league. Without Brandon Roy the Blazers will need Aldridge to lead the team on and off the court, and if he’s up to the challenge his numbers should benefit greatly. Aldridge is one of the most skilled, versatile power forwards in the Western Conference, and should have a very strong season.
4. Pau Gasol: PF, C, Los Angeles Lakers
2011-12 Projections: 18.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 10.3 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG
The 7-foot Spaniard started last season on an absolute tear. In fact, for the first quarter of the year many considered him an early MVP candidate. However, Gasol’s season ended in disappointment as he performed a disappearing act in the post-season. To cap that off he spent most of the off-season at the center of trade rumors, and was even traded to Houston before the league vetoed the trade. Still, when he’s on his game Gasol is one of the most productive fantasy players in the league. Gasol is a strong scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s also one of the most efficient big men in the NBA.
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3. LaMarcus Aldridge: PF, C, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 20.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Aldridge was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and proved it as he averaged career highs practically across the board. This could be the season that Aldridge goes next level, and establishes himself as one of the top forwards in the league. Without Brandon Roy the Blazers will need Aldridge to lead the team on and off the court, and if he’s up to the challenge his numbers should benefit greatly. Aldridge is one of the most skilled, versatile power forwards in the Western Conference, and should have a very strong season.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire: PF, C, New York Knicks
2011-12 Projections: 25.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 8.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Entering his second season as a member of the New York Knicks, Amar’e Stoudemire is looking to have another solid statistical season. This will also be the first full season he will play with teammate Carmelo Anthony. Now, generally it is not ideal for fantasy production to have two superstar players on the same team. But, Stoudemire and Anthony seem to play well off one another. Stoudemire should still see strong offensive numbers in 2011-12, and may even see an increase in his blocks as well under head coach Mike D’Antoni’s defensive scheme.
1. Dwight Howard: C, Orlando Magic
2011-12 Projections: 23.8 PPG, 1.4 APG, 13.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.6 BPG
Howard is one of the few, true centers in the game, and is clearly heads and shoulders above the rest. Even though he will spend most of the season shrouded in trade rumors, and may even finish the season somewhere other than Orlando, Howard is the top fantasy option at center. His explosive offensive and powerful defensive make him one of the most threatening players on the floor. Howard will most likely be a first or early second round pick, so if you get the chance to snag him early – do it.
Make sure you’re prepared for your fantasy draft with our complete fantasy rankings. Check out the top fantasy point guards, shooting guards, fantasy small forwards and power forwards as well.