This season's NBA free-agent class is loaded with talent, especially at the center position. Here are the five best big men available.
With the NBA playoffs winding down, it is a good time to look ahead to free agency. Many teams will undoubtedly be looking for a center. Well, this year's class is a mixed bag. From injuries to age to locker room concerns, no center is a clear home run, but that leaves upside on the table for teams who are willing to roll the dice. Each five of these players can easily outperform expectations.
There is also a clear drop-off to the next tier of centers, which is led by Mason Plumlee and Thomas Bryant.
Let's break down the five best free-agent centers this summer.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 5. Naz Reid
Reid was a five-star recruit out of high school. With size, shooting ability, and rim protection, he boasted sky-high potential. However, he was not selected in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Minnesota Timberwolves signed him to a two-way contract.
In his fourth season, Reid started putting all the pieces together. Across 18.4 minutes per game, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks, while shooting 53.7 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from 3. He flashed upside in a bigger role, as well. In 11 games as a starter, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in March.
In free agency, he should draw plenty of interest. He is only 23 years old, and he is already one of the most impactful bench players in the league. His skill set also gives him the ability to play the 4 or 5.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 4. Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic was a blockbuster addition for the Chicago Bulls in 2021. He has been solid in his time with the franchise, averaging 18.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks.
However, the Bulls finished with a 40-42 record last season. At the moment, they appear to be far outside of title contention. Signing Vucevic to an expensive contract would essentially lock the Bulls into a core of Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine; that is not a top-three that can compete with the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, Vucevic is 32 years old, and DeRozan is 33 years old.
The Bulls could simply let Vucevic walk this offseason, as they look to reshuffle the roster. Barring a below-market contract, it would be in the franchise's best interest.
Vucevic is still a valuable starting center. He could play significant minutes for a contender. Teams looking for a center, such as the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks, could explore a sign-and-trade for him.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 3. Jakob Poeltl
The Toronto Raptors were primed to be sellers at the trade deadline with Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby all potentially on the block. However, they reversed course and became buyers. They held onto all three players, and they sent a 2024 first-round pick (top-six protected), two second-round picks, and Khem Birch to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl is an impactful defensive presence. Since 2019, he is seventh in the NBA in total blocks (541). Following the trade, the Raptors were +14.1 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass.
The Raptors gave up multiple assets to acquire him, and his level of play was phenomenal. So, the front office should be committed to keeping him long-term. Still, the Raptors do have one of the most unpredictable paths forward this summer.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 2. Christian Wood
The curious case of Christian Wood continues. The big man has been on seven teams in seven seasons. Regardless, he is one of the most skilled offensive centers in the game. He is a three-level scorer.
Last season, Wood averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 25.9 minutes per game. He knocked down 41.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s.
The Mavericks had one of the weakest rosters in the league, outside of superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Oddly, head coach Jason Kidd limited Wood's utilization. He started only 17 games, and he was seventh on the team in minutes per game. The reasoning behind that remains unclear.
On the court, Wood is an asset. In 2021-22, he was the only NBA player to average at least 17 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting at least 39 percent from 3.
Wood seems like a long shot to return to Dallas. Given his production, he is a potential steal in free agency.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 1. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez's skillset makes him an invaluable player. He is an elite rim protector and an efficient three-point shooter. In 2022-23, he was the only NBA player to average 2.0+ blocks and shoot 37.4+ percent from 3. He also led the NBA in total blocks (193).
The Milwaukee Bucks are entering a pivotal offseason, following a shocking first-round exit against the Miami Heat. Lopez, Khris Middleton, Jae Crowder, Joe Ingles, Wesley Matthews, and Jevon Carter are all anticipated to hit free agency.
Lopez is a perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Additionally, he is the heart of the Bucks' elite defense. Opponent offensive rating dropped by 8.5 with Lopez on the floor, per Basketball Reference.
I expect there to be changes in Milwaukee this summer, and the front office could be wary about giving the 35-year-old a long-term deal. It could backfire in a couple of years. Still, I would be surprised if he was not re-signed. The Bucks are in win-now mode, and Lopez helps them contend.
If he leaves Milwaukee, he should receive a lot of interest. Other teams will value his unique skillset and championship experience.
Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.
