Top 5 Centres right now in NBA

1. Tim Duncan

There has always been one question on my mind about Duncan. Is he a Power Forward or is he a Centre? In the past few seasons, Duncan has played more as a centre than as a power forward. That was as good a reason as any for me to write about him.

Duncan has grown older, and that has reduced his mobility and his speed. But he did something which is crucial for all the older players in all sports. He reinvented himself.

He cut down some muscle so he can doesn’t get exhausted by just carrying himself up and down the court. These days, he sticks closer to the paint (which means lesser bank shots, damn!) but has somehow continued to deliver in all the fundamental aspects of the game.

He rebounds, scores, passes and defends all at the only level of play Duncan knows: elite.

Duncan averaged 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.7 assists per game at .502 shooting from the field. He’s second among centres in the player efficiency rating (PER), only behind Brook Lopez.

His post moves, defense, and presence on the field remain unparalleled even at the age of 37. Duncan’s play allowed the “veteran” filled Spurs to play yet another successful season reaching the NBA finals.

We do not know how much longer Duncan will play, but we do know one thing for sure; till his last game, Mr. Fundamental will continue to play at the elite level which we have all gotten used to seeing him in.