As the NBA free agency period approaches, it's useful to take a closer look at the top centers available in this year's class.
There aren't a ton of great options, but there are plenty of starters and backups who can hold down minutes.
From Brook Lopez's killer defense to Mason Plumlee's solid contributions, here are the top 10 free agent centers. (Note: All positional designations are pulled from Basketball-Reference.)
FREE AGENCY RANKINGS: Overall | PG | SG | SF
NBA free agency 2023: Ranking the top 10 centers
1. Brook Lopez | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Lopez's defensive prowess sets him apart as one of the premier big men in the game.
Last season, he demonstrated his skill by finishing as the runner-up in in the Defensive Player of the Year race. What makes him truly exceptional is his ability to provide top-notch rim protection while spreading the floor with his shooting and providing a good post-up game to take advantage of switches.
At age 35, a long-term deal is a concern. Lopez had to contend with back issues that limited his appearances in the 2021-22 season.
Nevertheless, he should continue to perform at a remarkably high level next season.
2. Jakob Poeltl | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Poeltl is a classic glue guy who made the Raptors better after they acquired him in a February trade. His biggest strengths are his plus defensive skills and rim protection. He's also a solid passer and serves as a reliable roll man.
It is worth noting that Poeltl does have certain limitations in terms of shooting, particularly from the free-throw line. That weakness can make him a liability during critical moments at the end of games.
The expectation is that the Raptors will re-sign him after sending out a first-round pick to get him.
3. Christian Wood | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Wood couldn't quite earn the trust of Jason Kidd because of his defensive limitations. It looks like he's on his way out of Dallas.
Wood is a good talent that can bomb from deep, hitting 37.9 percent of his 3-pointers for his career. He's a good vertical threat on pick-and-rolls, too.
He's a capable rim protector, but he's undisciplined on defense.
4. Mason Plumlee | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Plumlee is a good athlete and a solid backup with the size to bang against some of the bigger players in the league. He's limited from outside, although he has worked on a shockingly effective midrange jumper that looks like it should never go in based on his form.
He's not going to score a ton of points, but he will use his high feel to play mostly mistake-free basketball.
5. Dwight Powell | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Powell is a great locker room guy and a player that knows his role in the league. He's going to try hard on defense, sprint from rim to rim and get some dunks when he's on the floor.
He will rarely take bad shots, but he's not much of a threat from outside and can't create his own offense.
6. Dario Saric | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Saric played well for the Thunder after being acquired at the trade deadline. He's a high-skill big man who has moved to mostly playing small-ball center these days.
He's got a good jump shot, hitting 36 percent of his 3-point attempts for his career.
7. Jock Landale | Status: Restricted free agent
Landale is a pure hustle player that finds ways to make good things happen on the court, whether it be a tip-in, good screen or rebound in traffic.
He's a good rim protector, but he can't move his feet well on the perimeter. On offense, he's willing to take 3-pointers to stretch the floor, but he has only hit 28.9 percent of them for his career.
The Suns don't have many avenues to add players this summer, so expect them to be aggressive in bringing Landale back.
8. Paul Reed | Status: Restricted free agent
Reed never earned the trust of former 76ers coach Doc Rivers, averaging only 9.3 minutes per game in his three seasons on the team. He's still a somewhat raw player who can't really shoot, but he's been fairly productive in the time that he has gotten.
Reed is a big man that can generate a lot of steals and blocks on defense. He's a good rebounder and nice athlete who can finish well around the rim.
9. Thomas Bryant | Status: Unrestricted free agent
Bryant is a talented offensive big man who can shoot from 3-point range and score down low. He barely played for the Nuggets after being shipped to Denver midseason, so there's a good chance that he will be available.
Bryant's defensive issues have limited his usefulness — he has trouble moving his feet out on the perimeter. But in the right situation on a team with better defenders around him, he could be a great scoring weapon.
