NBA Draft 2021: Position Rankings – Center
There are a lot of NBA Draft prospects hoping to be selected by an NBA team. The Center position is filled with intriguing talent this season. While not all are guaranteed first-round picks, the options for teams looking for a reliable big man are plentiful. Here are my Center position ranks for the 2021 NBA Draft.
1. Evan Mobley, USC
This is an obvious choice. Mobley is one of the best talents in this draft. He can score close to the basket, but also stretch the floor. Mobley is one of the most athletic bigs seen in recent years. He’ll be the centerpiece for a team’s frontcourt for years to come.
2. Day’Ron Sharpe, UNC
A lot of novice college basketball fans might not be aware of Sharpe. He’s an ultra-talented freshman big that has been used mostly as a bench option for the Tar Heels. Sharpe contributes heavily in his 19 minutes per game, and given a full-time role in the NBA, he’ll be one of the most effective scorers and rebounders of this class.
3. Drew Timme, Gonzaga
You’ve heard of Luka Garza. Well, Timme is a much more polished version of him. A better shooter, defender, and overall player, Timme is starting to gather steam as a potential big minutes stretch big in the NBA. On a Gonzaga team that features two other first-round talent, Timme leads the team in usage rate. Pretty remarkable if you ask me.
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4. Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
Bassey might be the most efficient inside scorer of all the C’s. He’s not going to score away from the paint, however, he won’t miss near it. A similar player to fellow Western Kentucky alum, Mitchell Robinson, and NBA vet, DeAndre Jordan, he’s a defensive force that won’t hurt your FG%. Is there enough outside of that to make him an NBA star? Or is he just a viable role player? I’m going somewhere in the middle.
5. Ikou Dianko Badji, INTL
Dianko Badji is one of many international wild cards. He’s going to be a very effective shot-blocker in the NBA. He’s still got a lot to learn around the basket on offense. We could be looking at one of the best offensive rebounders in the draft class. He just needs a bit more polish.
6. Kai Jones, Texas
A lot of analysts and scouts are high on Jones. He oozes potential and could have star power. I don’t see this at all. His freshman to sophomore jump at Texas hasn’t really been as great as projected. Jones is going to be a project. He’s at this spot because it could really pay off. However, this could also be one of the biggest busts in the draft.
7. Jay Huff, Virginia
Huff is another stretch big. He’s an effective scorer from 2-point range and can shoot the 3. Huff might be one of the best screen setters of anyone in this class. I’d like to think of him as a more athletic Channing Frye. Good value for a team that needs an effective pick and roll big man.
8. Neemias Queta, Utah State
Queta is a big, powerful center. He’s going to bully players around in the post. He’s had a slight FG percentage regression and doesn’t really spread the floor. Teams are going to struggle to find a consistent role for him in their offense. He’s ahead of other bangers like Kofi Cockburn because there might be a bit more to his game than we’ve seen.
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9. Filip Petrusev, INTL
Petrusev was a potential first-round pick in 2020. He was an over 17 ppg scorer at Gonzaga. Petrusev decided to play his final amateur year overseas. His hype has died down considerably. To be honest, this could be a steal. He’s going first round. I’d have him higher if he continued his play at the collegiate level for another season.
10. Alperen Sengun, INTL
Sengun is a project. He’s got an NBA frame. He’s got a good finish around the basket. Sengun is not the most agile of players. If he can develop some quickness and lateral movement he’s going to be a special player. The reward far outweighs the risk.
11. Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
Probably the most dominant big in college basketball, Cockburn just doesn’t have one great skill outside of being a physical force. He’s a banger that’ll get some notice from teams. His upside seems to be tapped, which doesn’t bode well for his NBA future.
12. Olivier Saar, Kentuck
Two years ago, Saar is a first-round pick. He left Wake Forest last season to join Kentucky. While this should have been a boost for him, Saar has regressed so much that he might not even be signed as an undrafted free agent. He’s got a ton of red flags. If by some chance he can tap into that potential once again, there’s hope.
I’m not counting on it.
13. Luka Garza, Iowa
Yes, the Wooden Award favorite is last on the Center list. Why? There isn’t one thing Garza does extremely well except shoot. That one skill isn’t going to give him many NBA minutes. He’s got little upside and a very one-dimensional game.
Image Source: Morgan Pirozzi
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
