NBA Power Rankings: Predicting the top 5 centers going into the 2020-21 season

#3 Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz - Game Four

Rudy Gobert keeps getting better with each season and has arguably become one of the best rim protectors in the NBA.

He has been putting up big numbers consistently, earning his first NBA All-Star appearance last season. Gobert averaged 15.1 points, 13.5 rebounds and two blocks in 34.3 minutes per game in the 2019-2020 NBA campaign.

Rudy Gobert dunks on Nurkic AND ONE. #RipCity x #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/vc4EnMFC2w

— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta1) December 24, 2020

With two back-to-back NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2018, 2019), one begins to see why he got a five-year $205-million contract extension with the Utah Jazz.

Gobert is likely to continue impacting the game at both ends of the floor, giving Utah Jazz fans hopes of witnessing a title run.

#2 Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)

Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers - Game Three

One of the most dominant big men in the NBA today, Joel Embiid continues to perform at an elite level.

Embiid can drive to the rim at will and has impressive speed for someone his size. With his shooting still improving, the future is bright for the Cameroonian.

“I don’t think anybody can stop me, especially with the different mentality I have this year.”Joel Embiid is ready to dominate this season 😤 pic.twitter.com/YRGQDZsPFX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2020

Though the 76ers were swept in the first round of the playoffs last season, Embiid averaged 30 points and 12 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field.

With new pieces added by the 76ers this off-season, namely head coach Doc Rivers and new NBA Champion Dwight Howard, Embiid could face high expectations from Philly fans during the 2020-2021 NBA campaign.

#1 Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Sacramento Kings vs Denver Nuggets

One of the best passing men the league has ever seen, Nikola Jokic can throw dimes that can leave crowds in a frenzy.

His acrobatic moves and never-surrender spirit have made him a top-tier center in the league. Last season, he averaged 19.9 points and 9.7 rebounds to go with seven assists in 32 minutes per game.

Nikola Jokic with the CRAZY outlet.. off the made bucket! 🤯@nuggets x #NBAPreseason 📲💻: https://t.co/QYhIeWqSiu pic.twitter.com/1TEUhpwhtP

— NBA (@NBA) December 13, 2020

His presence in the paint area collapses opposition defenses, allowing him to find shooters on the perimeter for open threes.

Jokic's brilliant performances in the 2019-2020 NBA playoffs has made the Nuggets one of the hottest teams to watch out for this season.