As the center position regains prominence in todays NBA, a new AI-powered ranking reveals which big men are leading the charge-and why Anthony Davis lands just outside the top three.

IMAGE: Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) passes the ball around Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. / USA TODAY NETWORK-USA TODAY NETWORK / Imagn Images

For years, the NBA was ruled by giants-literally. From Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in the ‘60s to Kareem in the ‘70s, and then onto the dominant forces of the ‘80s and ‘90s like Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal, the center position was the heart of the game.

But with the rise of the three-point shot and a shift toward speed and spacing, traditional bigs took a backseat during the 2010s. It looked like the era of the dominant center might be over.

Not anymore.

Thanks to players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, the big man is back in a big way. And they’re not alone.

A new generation of centers is redefining the position with skill sets that go far beyond the paint. Let’s break down the top 10 centers in the NBA right now, based on recent performance, impact, and potential.

Alperen Sengun

Alperen Sengun is just scratching the surface of what he can become-and he’s already making waves. The 23-year-old Turkish center made his first All-Star appearance last season and was the engine behind Houston’s impressive leap from the 11th seed to the 2nd in the Western Conference. That’s no small feat.

What makes Sengun stand out is his all-around game. He led the Rockets in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the postseason-a rare feat for a center.

He’s got the post game, the craft, and the vision. Think Nikola Jokic-lite, with room to grow.

And while Kevin Durant’s arrival will lighten Sengun’s offensive load, don’t expect his influence to fade. If anything, he’s poised for even more efficient impact.

This kid’s legit.

Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo had a down year by his standards, but don’t let that fool you-he’s still one of the most versatile bigs in the league. With Miami dealing with internal chaos, including a rocky situation involving Jimmy Butler, Bam’s numbers dipped. His scoring average fell to its lowest since 2018-19, and his field-goal percentage hit a career low at 48.5%.

Still, when the playoffs come, Bam’s value skyrockets. His ability to switch on defense, guard multiple positions, and anchor Miami’s schemes makes him irreplaceable. He may no longer be the No. 2 option on a title team, but he’s still a foundational piece for any contender.

Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is one of the most skilled big men in the league-but health has always been the question. Now 30, Porzingis has played more than 60 games just once since 2017. Despite that, he was a key contributor during Boston’s championship run two years ago and still flashes elite ability when he’s on the court.

Now with the Atlanta Hawks, Porzingis brings a unique blend of size and shooting that can stretch defenses and protect the rim. But compared to others on this list-especially players like Sengun and Adebayo who shoulder more consistent two-way responsibility-Porzingis’ ranking here feels a bit generous.

Rudy Gobert

There was a time when Rudy Gobert was the most intimidating paint presence in basketball. And while he’s still a defensive anchor, his offensive limitations are becoming harder to overlook.

Now 33, Gobert is coming off a season where his scoring and rebounding numbers dipped to their lowest in years. He remains a dominant shot-blocker and rebounder, the foundation of Minnesota’s defense, but his lack of offensive versatility continues to cap his ceiling-and the Timberwolves’ ceiling, too.

Gobert’s Hall of Fame résumé is virtually set, but in today’s NBA, two-way impact matters more than ever. At this stage, he’s more role-specific than all-around elite.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns needed a fresh start, and he got it in New York. After being traded from Minnesota just before the preseason, Towns immediately found his rhythm with the Knicks. He posted a career-high in rebounds and steals while continuing to shoot efficiently, helping lead New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.

But for all his offensive gifts, defense remains Towns’ Achilles’ heel. In the playoffs, Indiana repeatedly exposed his struggles in pick-and-roll coverage and help-side rotations.

If KAT wants to move up on lists like this, he’ll need to tighten up that end of his game. Because offensively, he’s already a nightmare for opposing bigs.

Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis doesn’t get the national attention he deserves, but his production speaks volumes. The Sacramento Kings center has led the league in rebounding for three straight seasons and is the emotional and tactical heartbeat of a team that’s become a playoff mainstay.

At 29, Sabonis is squarely in his prime and continues to evolve. He’s not the most explosive scorer, but his passing, rebounding, and toughness make him invaluable. Sacramento still needs to surround him with more firepower to make a deeper run, but Sabonis is doing more than his share.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis remains one of the most dominant two-way players in the league-when healthy. That’s the caveat that’s followed him for years. At 32, Davis is still capable of being a No. 1 option, but he’s been better suited as a No. 2 on a title-chasing roster.

Last season, he averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game in 51 appearances. Those are elite numbers.

His mid-range game is reliable, and defensively, he’s a game-changer. But inconsistency in big moments and stretches of health-related absences continue to keep him from the very top tier.

Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama is already living up to the hype-and then some. At just 21 years old, he’s an All-Star and one of the league’s top defenders. If not for a season-ending injury, he might have walked away with Defensive Player of the Year honors.

What makes Wemby so unique is his versatility. He’s 7-foot-4 with a 7-foot-10 wingspan, yet he moves like a guard.

He’s dangerous from deep, a menace at the rim, and is starting to show real promise as a playmaker (3.7 assists per game last season). If he stays healthy, the Spurs will be in the playoff hunt-and Wemby could be in the MVP conversation sooner than later.

Joel Embiid

When Joel Embiid is healthy, he’s one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball. The problem is, health hasn’t been on his side lately.

Last season, he played just 19 games and posted his lowest scoring and assist numbers in over five years. Knee issues have plagued him throughout his career, and they’re starting to take a toll.

That said, Embiid’s ceiling is still sky-high. He’s a former MVP, a dominant scorer inside and out, and an elite rim protector.

The Sixers’ title hopes hinge on his ability to stay on the floor. If he’s right, they’re contenders.

But right now, the focus needs to be on getting him healthy and keeping him that way.

Nikola Jokic

There’s no debate here-Nikola Jokic is the best center in the NBA, and arguably the best player, period. Fresh off another monster season where he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists over 70 games, Jokic continues to be the engine that drives the Denver Nuggets.

He’s the most gifted passing big man the game has ever seen, a three-time MVP, and a Finals MVP. Despite some challenges in the postseason, including a tough matchup with Alex Caruso and the Thunder, Jokic remains the league’s most unguardable puzzle. And he’s got help coming this season as Denver reloads for another title push.

This is Jokic’s league right now-and everyone else is playing catch-up.

The center position is back in style, and it’s more versatile than ever. From high-IQ playmakers like Jokic and Sengun to defensive dynamos like Wemby and Bam, the modern big is doing it all. And with a mix of veterans and rising stars, the battle for the top spot is only going to get more intense.