During the 2018-2019 season, NBA front offices and analysts evaluated centers based on rim protection, spacing ability, and playmaking impact. The positional value of elite centers defined playoff chances and shaped championship narratives across the league.
By looking at advanced metrics, recent performance, and team success, this overview highlights the best centers in the NBA 2019 landscape and how they influenced the game.
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 24.7 | 11.0 | 1.5 |
| Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | 20.8 | 10.6 | 1.0 |
| Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz | 15.4 | 15.0 | 2.3 |
| Marc Gasol | Memphis Grizzlies | 13.9 | 9.0 | 0.7 |
Defensive Anchor Trends in 2019
Rim Protection Metrics
Teams ranked centers by reduced opponent field goal percentage at the rim and strong box-out rates. Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid led the league in protecting the rim while contesting a high volume of shots.
Switchability and Lineup Flexibility
Coaches valued centers who could guard multiple positions on the perimeter. Nikola Jokic and Marc Gasol regularly switched onto small-ball fives, allowing defenses to stay competitive against modern spacing.
Offensive Impact and Playmaking
Post Play and Midrange Efficiency
Efficient scorers who operated in the post remained essential, especially against aggressive switching schemes. Embiid and DeMarcus Cousins showed high post-ups points per game and strong foul-drawing ability.
Pick-and-Roll and Floor Spacing
Centers who passed out of double teams and hit corner threes stretched defenses. Jokic led the league in assists for centers, while Embiid’s timely corner three reshaped how teams defended pick-and-rolls.
Team Success Correlation
Playoff Performance by Center
Playoff seed and win shares correlated strongly with the presence of elite two-way centers. The 76ers, Nuggets, and Jazz each leveraged their primary center to exceed regular-season expectations and advance deep in the postseason.
Looking Ahead for NBA Centers
As spacing and pace evolve, the best centers in the NBA 2019 model emphasized versatility, perimeter defense, and facilitation to remain central to team success.
- Prioritize rim protection and box-out fundamentals to anchor defenses.
- Develop reliable perimeter shooting to enable switch-heavy schemes.
- Enhance playmaking vision to leverage high and mid pick-and-roll actions.
- Use advanced metrics to target efficient scoring and low-usage shot profiles.
- Coordinate with coaching staff to align offensive sets with center strengths.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which center had the strongest rim protection in 2019?
Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz posted the league’s best rim defense metrics, combining elite block numbers with outstanding rebound positioning.
How did offensive playmaking change among top centers in 2019?
Playmaking became a differentiator, with Nikola Jokic running high pick-and-rolls and distributing to wings more than traditional low-post scorers.
Which teams relied most heavily on their center during the 2018-2019 season?
Philadelphia, Denver, and Utah built their schemes around their primary center, using him as the hub for both defensive switches and offensive initiation.
What advanced metrics best identified elite centers in 2019?
Defensive real plus-minus, rim true shooting percentage, and assist-to-turnover ratio together highlighted the most impactful big men.