5 Centers from the 2010s that need Player Comparisons

2010s Centers Player Comparisons

After covering the point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards in the 2010s who need comparisons, the center position is the last one on this list that needs player comparisons for the decade. Like the power forward position, the center position has seen plenty of change during this decade.

With the NBA becoming more perimeter-oriented in that decade, centers like Roy Hibbert, who had no lateral quickness, and Jahlil Okafor, who were one-dimensional on offense, were quickly phased out of the league. Former All-Stars like Andre Drummond became role players after that decade.

That being written, this podcast has already done episodes on the following 2010s centers. For now, we only have two big men who are considered 2010s centers, and that's Anthony Davis and Drummond, but we have more planned and lined up for the future. For that episode and all episodes, you can listen to us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

5. Hassan Whiteside

Why?

After being out of the league during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, Hassan Whiteside's signing with the Miami Heat didn't seem like a big deal. However, it might be one of the best free agent signings in Heat history, especially considering he didn't make a big impact as a second-round pick with the Sacramento Kings in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Whiteside was instantly one of the best defensive centers in the league when he joined Miami. He led the NBA twice in blocked shots during this decade and averaged 13.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. He also led the NBA in defensive rebounds (10.3 per game) and total rebounds (14.1 per game) during the 2016-17 season. He was also named to one All-Defensive team that decade.

Who?

Whiteside was one-dimensional on offense as a pick-and-roll finisher, and despite his stats, he did have flaws as a defender. That being written, finding a comp for him isn't that tricky.

Current Player: Mitchell Robinson

Former Player: Tree Rollins

4. Clint Capela

Why?

Clint Capela isn't the only active player on this list, and the argument could be made that Capela could be a 2020s center that needs a comparison. However, Capela's peak came when he was a member of the Houston Rockets and unseated Hall of Famer Dwight Howard as the starting center in Houston.

He played the whole 2010s with the Rockets and averaged 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks during that span. His ability to rim run, defend, and rebound made him a staple of the James Harden Rockets era.

Who?

As per normal, as Capela is a current player, there won't be a current comparison for the veteran big man. Luckily, Capela's player type is relatively common in NBA history.

Former Player: JaVale McGee

3. Tyson Chandler

Why?

For the first half of his career, Tyson Chandler didn't make a big impact. However, this second half of his career is where he made his mark as one of the best defensive centers of his generation. Besides being a key defensive anchor in the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 championship, he won Defensive Player of the Year in the 2011-12 season, was a three-time All-Defensive Team player, a one-time All-NBA player, and aone-time All-Star.

While it's true that Chandler tailed off near the end of the decade and his career, his impact as a defender in the early 2010s can't be ignored, from 2010-15, he averaged 10.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.

Who?

Like most players on this list, finding comparisons for Chandler won't be too difficult, as he fits the modern defensive center mold.

Current Player: DeAndre Jordan

Former Player: Marcus Camby

2. DeAndre Jordan

Why?

Like Capela, DeAndre Jordan is the other active player on this list. Jordan is a wise end-of-bench veteran currently, but back in the 2010s, he was one of the best defensive big men during that time. Most famously known as a part of the Clippers' famous "Lob City" team.

He averaged 10.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks during the 2010s. Those stats might not seem that gaudy, but he was a three-time All-NBA player, a two-time All-Defensive team member, and a one-time All-Star. The reason why he's higher on this list than Chandler is due to his longer peak during the 2010s.

Who?

Speaking of Chandler, if it wasn't clear, Chandler is the comp here. Not only due to playstyle, but also they were contemporaries, and both benefited from the playmaking provided by Chris Paul.

Former Player: Tyson Chandler

1. Marc Gasol

Why?

In somewhat surprising fashion, there's yet no comparison to be had of Marc Gasol, nor is there one planned for the three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player, one-time All-Defensive player, one-time Defensive Player of the Year, All-Rookie team, and All-Rookie team big man.

That being written, Gasol was one of the best two-way big men in the 2010s as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. He averaged 14.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks during that decade, on top of winning a title in 2019. Gasol is truly one of the most underrated big men of the decade.

Who?

Gasol's two-way play, along with his underrated playmaking skills, makes finding a comparison a little trickier for the Spanish big man.

Current Player: Isaiah Hartenstein

Former Player: Jack Sikma

The center position went through some changes in the 2010s, but there are still plenty of big men who deserve comparisons. Agree or disagree with the players and the comparisons offered? Comment below.