Fantasy NBA Rankings: Center (October 2010)

Rank

Player

Comments

1

Brook Lopez

The big man in New Jersey is the complete package and he is only going to get better. He doesn't hurt you in any category -- even free throws (here's looking at you, Dwight).

2

Dwight Howard

3

Al Horford

4

Marc Gasol

5

Andrew Bogut

Big Bogey had a huge season in 2009-10, until it was marred by a horrendous injury. In reality, he is the second best pure center in the game (after D-Howard). In fantasy terms, he ranks fifth, largely on the basis that he will likely start slowly as he recovers from injury and may be inhibited by a shooting sleave that he will wear potentially all season long. He rebounds and blocks with the best of them.

6

Joakim Noah

In his third season in the NBA, Noah surprised many by becoming an absolute fiend on the boards (13.2rpg). If he can avoid missing a large number of games (18 games missed last season), look for him to continue his progression as an elite rebounder and shot-blocker.

7

Andrea Bargnani

The big Italian is that rare big man who not only blocks shots (111 blocks in 2009-10), but also strokes the three (121 threes made). Look for him to improve his numbers with Chris Bosh's departure freeing up shots and boards.

8

Chris Kaman

The man who adopted Germany as home is a solid double-double option in Clipperville, being one of the best scorers you can get in the pivot. The only question surrounds how much his numbers will be impacted by the arrival of Blake Griffin to active service.

9

Marcus Camby

Whilst Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla recover from injury (figure that to continue through until about Christmas), the Cambyman has open slather to block and rebound like crazy. Draft him with half a season of big production in mind.

10

Yao Ming

The Rockets have declared a hard cap on Yao's minutes at 24 per game this season. Clearly, that means that his production will be limited to the vicinity of 15ppg, 7rpg and 1.5bpg. Still, his percentages are stellar. It all hinges on him being healthy though.

11

Andrew Bynum

Speaking of health, it is always a big question when it comes to Bynum. Draft this young stud with caution, knowing that he will give you big numbers when he plays. When he plays.

12

Samuel Dalembert

He is not a scorer. He is, however a great shot-blocker and rebounder and a very minimal impact on your turnover category. Oh, and he has played 82 games for four straight seasons. 

13

Robin Lopez

If he gets the minutes, Lopez will be a double-double (he averages 15.7ppg and 9.1rpg per 36 minutes). Problem is, he hasn't been getting the minutes. With Amar'e Stoudemire now in New York, look for that to change. Definitely a good option in the middle rounds of your draft.

14

Andris Biedrins

After three great seasons, the Latvian didn't have the greatest of seasons in 2009-10. Then he got injured. Still, look for a return to form this season, particularly with Ronny Turiaf, Corey Maggette and Anthony Tolliver gone from the Warriors (notwithstanding the arrival of David Lee).

15

Mehmet Okur

Carlos Boozer left town, but Al Jefferson arrived. If anything this is bad for Okur's production, as Jefferson can swing across to the center position. He is one of those rare centers that gets you over one trey per game, so bare that in mind. 

16

Roy Hibbert

Going into his third season, there is no reason not to expect a continuation of this big man's leaps and bounds. As long as he stays out of foul trouble, he could be a steal. Just don't wait too long to take him.

17

Serge Ibaka

After crashing onto the scene with the Thunder last season, look for him to continue to share minutes with Nenad Krstic in the middle. Draft him if you need shot-blocking.

18

Spencer Hawes

With the center minutes in Sacramento Hawes' to lose, look for him to improve on his mediocre numbers. He doesn't do anything amazingly well, but will pull out the occasional double-double for you.

19

Brendan Haywood

A full season in Dallas will likely make for good things for Haywood (a favourite of one of the three Fantasy Dudes). If Erick Dampier leaves (a big possibility), look to draft him even higher than this.

20

Greg Monroe

The seventh pick in the 2010 NBA Draft will have plenty of opportunities in Detroit. He can block shots and rebound. Can he do it at this level?

21

DeMarcus Cousins

One of the most talented players in the Draft. Cousins is a huge question mark. If he pays off for you, it could make for a very, very solid sleeper pick.

22

Greg Oden

Big Greg will likely be back in action around Christmas time, based on current estimates. As always, when he plays he is a great 12-10-2 option. Of course, he is yet to play anything resembling a full season. Use your own judgement.

23

Tyson Chandler

Chandler has been a huge disappointment of late. When in form, he provides blocks and rebounds. That form is questionable, however.

24

Chris Andersen

The Birdman is a great pick if you need to boost your shot-blocking specifically. He isn't an all-rounder by any means, but fills a particular need.