Currently in the NBA the prototypical center isn't the type of center that people may be used to from NBA past.

A more athletic, better shooting big man is what is desired vs the rim protecting anchor that was once coveted.

So who is the best and who isn't far behind when looking at the centers in todays NBA?

Here is my list of the Top 5 NBA centers currently in the league.

1.  Andre Drummond Detroit Pistons - Not only do I consider Drummond to be the best NBA center currently in the game, I find him to have as much upside as any center in the league.  He is able to rebound the basketball, score the basketball and get stops when needed.  Clearly his weakness is free throw shooting but if you can keep him off the line, he can be dominating.

Detroit Pistons v Atlanta Hawks
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2.  Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies - Gasol's numbers this year aren't what they normally are because of injury and it doesn't look like we will see him again this season, but when healthy, he is as good as you get in the NBA.  My favorite part of his game is his vision and his ability to pass so well, while still stuffing the stat sheet.

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
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3.  Pau Gasol Chicago Bulls - It is so crazy to think that two brothers are in my Top 5, but they have been trading spots in my Top 5 for years.  Pau's numbers this year are great.  17 points per game, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.  He has been a huge reason why the Bulls have stayed in the position they are in and he was named to another NBA All Star Game this year.

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4.  DeAndre Jordan Los Angeles Clippers - My options at #4 were simple, either DeAndre Jordan or Hassan Whiteside as both have extremely close numbers, but I took into account the volatility of Whiteside and gave Jordan the edge and moved Whiteside to #6 on my list.  This guy would log so many more minutes if he could make free throws but Jordan does so many other things well that he clearly makes an impact nightly.

DeAndre Jordan
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5.  Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves - This young man is only a rookie but he is averaging 17.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.  Many thought that Andrew Wiggins would be the best player on the Timberwolves but many are now saying they think it will be Towns and that is saying something considering how good Wiggins may be.  Towns is fluid offensively and just has so much potential while still being a Top 5 center already in his young career.

Karl-Anthony Towns Drafted
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Toronto Raptors v Minnesota Timberwolves
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