For most of NBA history, centers had one job: dominate the paint. Bill Russell built dynasties with defense and rebounding, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored at will with his skyhook, and Shaquille O’Neal simply overpowered anyone who dared stand in his way. The role was clear — protect the rim, control the glass, and punish defenders on the block.
Today, that description barely scratches the surface of what the best big men are asked to do. The modern center is no longer just a finisher — he’s a playmaker, a shooter, and in some cases, the engine of an entire offense.
From Anchors to Offensive Hubs
Nobody represents this shift better than Nikola Jokić. Denver’s two-time MVP runs the Nuggets’ attack like a 7-foot point guard, picking defenses apart with passes most guards wouldn’t even attempt. Instead of being fed in the post, Jokić feeds his teammates, turning the traditional idea of a center inside out.
Joel Embiid has taken a different path. He still uses his size and footwork to dominate inside, but his jumper has made him just as dangerous outside the paint. In today’s game, it’s not enough to bully your way to the rim — you have to be versatile, and Embiid has mastered that balance.
Stretching the Floor
Other bigs are redefining spacing altogether. Karl-Anthony Towns and Brook Lopez have the range to drag opposing shot-blockers away from the basket, changing how defenses rotate. What used to be considered a bonus — a center who could hit the occasional jumper — is now a weapon coaches build entire game plans around.
The Defensive Evolution
On the other end of the floor, the next generation is pushing the position even further. Victor Wembanyama doesn’t just protect the rim; he covers ground like a guard, using his 7’4” frame to erase shots from anywhere on the court. In an era where switching and versatility define defense, players like Wembanyama are shaping what’s possible for the position.
The Old vs. the New
Watching today’s centers makes the difference from past eras even clearer. Shaq forced double teams because no single player could handle his strength. Hakeem outclassed defenders with unmatched footwork. Those skills still matter, but in 2025, being dominant inside is just one piece of the puzzle. Big men now need mobility, vision, and a shooting touch to stand out truly.
What’s Next?
Basketball has been trending toward “positionless” play for years, and no position has changed more than center. Instead of being chained to the paint, the modern big man is expected to stretch the floor, create plays, and guard multiple positions.
As more prospects enter the league with guard-like skills in giant frames, the traditional center may fade into history. The future belongs to players like Jokić and Wembanyama — bigs who can do it all, blurring the line between positions and redefining what it means to control the game.