NBA 2020-21: 5 Best centers so far this season

The center position in the NBA is arguably one of the most difficult and important positions in basketball today. Some of the best players in the league right now play at the five, but who are the best of the big men in the NBA 2020-21 season?

NBA 2020-21: Top 5 centers so far this season

For this list, we will be looking at some of the best centers in the NBA right now and pick the top 5 based on their performances this season and the position of their franchise on the standings. Here are the top 5 centers of the 2020-21 NBA season so far.

#5 Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic)

Nikola Vucevic

NBA Season 2020-21: 23.6 PPG l 10.9 RPG l 3.6 APG

Nikola Vucevic has been quietly excellent this season. Before the unfortunate injury to Markelle Fultz, the 30-year-old did extremely well as the second option on offense for Memphis. But now, he is giving some of the best centers in the league a run for their money.

Nikola Vucevic drops 17 PTS (7-8 FGM) as the @OrlandoMagic set a franchise record with 81 first-half points! #PureMagic 📱💻: https://t.co/cb8TXyNer6 pic.twitter.com/iYsmocIJ4l

— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2019

Thanks to his efforts, the Orlando Magic currently sit 8th in the East with an 8-11 record. And if Vucevic continues to perform at this level, the Grizzlies are likely to move up the table as the season progresses.

---

#4 Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

Rudy Gobert

NBA Season 2020-21: 13.4 PPG l 14.2 RPG l 1.4 APG

After penning the biggest contract of any center in NBA history, Rudy Gobert received a lot of backlash and criticism, as many believed he was being overpaid. But, as this season has progressed, the 28-year-old has silenced his critics.

.@JordanClarksons and @rudygobert27 play beautiful music together in this alley-oop connection! 🎵 #OnlyHere #TakeNote NBA League Pass got you covered with games, stats, stories, and more! Grab your FREE trial 👉 https://t.co/eUdyYCqKC3 pic.twitter.com/eCK8uNKj59

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) January 27, 2021

The Frenchmen is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA today and is averaging an astounding 2.8 blocks per game.

An integral piece in the Utah Jazz's core, Gobert has been magnificent this campaign and is once again in the race for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

#3 Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)

Miami Heat

NBA Season 2020-21: 20.1 PPG l 9.1 RPG l 5.6 APG

The Miami Heat have been dealt with multiple injuries to key players during this season, which has caused them to perform far beneath the level many expected of them earlier this season.

However, Bam Adebayo has continued to improve for the franchise and is one of the best centers in the NBA right now. And if he continues to develop at the same rate, it won't be long before he's one of the best players in the league.

---

#2 Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Nikola Jokic

NBA Season 2020-21: 25.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 8.9 APG

Nikola Jokic has been on a tear this season. The 25-year-old is averaging a near triple-double and has been the Denver Nuggets' best player over the first month of the campaign.

Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic this season:- Embiid: 27.7 PPG - 11.1 RPG - 2.8 APG - 1.2 SPG - 1.4 BPG - 54 FG% - 40 3P%- Jokic: 25.2 PPG - 11.8 RPG - 8.9 APG - 1.8 SPG - 0.6 BPG - 56 FG% - 32 3P%Big men are still thriving in today’s NBA. ✊ pic.twitter.com/c50Hhsy5ki

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 28, 2021

Jokic has continued to impress fans with his exquisite passing this season. Moreover, his ability to also make difficult shots in clutch moments in the game has convinced many that he could be a dark horse in the race for NBA MVP this season.

---

#1 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid

NBA Season 2020-21: 27.7 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG

Joel Embiid is among the early favorites to win the MVP this season, and it is easy to see why.

The 26-year-old has led the Philadelphia 76ers to the best record in the Eastern Conference while enjoying the most efficient season of his career, shooting 54.6% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc.

If Joel Embiid can keep performing at this level, not only will he probably win the MVP title, but the Philadelphia 76ers could even finish the season as the 2021 NBA Champions.

---