Summary
While the center position saw a fall out of popularity for a long time in the NBA, this has reversed course in recent years as players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have come to dominate the game. Forplayers creating their ideal center in the MyCareer modeofNBA 2K25, it isn’t going to be realistic to assume they can make up the last three MVP awards as soon as they start out, but it’s not impossible for them to achieve that after a little bit of time.
Not every team is going to provide the same opportunity to do so, however, as some have already found their starting center. The Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers certainly have, and more teams have someyoung talent like Victor Wembanyamathat are coming up strong. But there are some teams that are going to be great options for new players to try and make a name for themselves.
Updated on July 05, 2025, by Shane Black:As the NBA season enters its halfway mark, more teams have emerged in need of help at the center position. Because of this, this article has been updated to provide further context for the already discussed teams as to why their need for a center has been evident. This update also adds other teams that have shown to be in need, providing players with more options when creating a center.
8Atlanta Hawks
A Strong Backcourt In Need Of A Better Frontcourt
Despite an incredible run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Atlanta Hawks have seen a bit of a drop-off in terms of their success in recent seasons. This is largely due to their play at center, whichhasn’t been anything more than “good enough” truly. Clint Capela is, by no means, a bad player, but it wouldn’t take a lot of time for a player to overtake him in the roster.
It won’t be an immediate change, and players can expect to ride the bench for a decent amount of time. However, once they reach that spot,they can expect to have a lot of success. Pairing a great center to hold down the paint while Trae Young does his shot-making magic around the perimeter would be hard to stop for any team. Plus, he can make the right pass toopen them up for a monster slamwhen needed.
7Brooklyn Nets
A Project Team That Has A Door Open
Brooklyn is a weird team that possesses some talented players but ismissing some key piecesthat have kept them at the bottom of the NBA sinceKevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Hardenall left. They’re struggling mightily this season and need some backup ASAP. A good center could be just that to help them elevate their game and give Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas someone to rely on under the basket.
It would bea quick path to starting with the Nets, and while it may not make them an instant contender, there are some really good players on the roster who can certainly make them a permanent playoff participant. Then, with some successful seasons leading to big free agency signings, a championship could be on the table.
6Charlotte Hornets
Another Team That Could Be Built
Charlotte fans have, unfortunately, had to endure a long success drought, though they have some good pieces to start taking steps forward. With players like LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Brandon Miller creating a pretty stout foundation, a center tohelp provide a solid frontcourt for this offensecould be a huge get for them.
A player could emerge easily for this team,creating that ideal centerthat they need to make the Hornets a team to be reckoned with. Even more, it won’t take much time at all to get to that starting role. Players may even get that spot right away and can hit the court as soon as possible.
5Detroit Pistons
A Troubled Franchise That Could Use A Strong Center
The Pistons seem to be doomed for eternal irrelevance despite having a player like Cade Cunningham, but that could change if they were to get a great center to hold down the paint.They have been showing a lot of progress this season, and while Jalen Duren has provided plenty of solid play, they could use a true star to take them to the next level.
A point guard like Cunninghamcouldbenefit greatly from a center who can score at-willand knows how to block a shot when an opponent goes in for a layup. This means that using a center would be seen as an absolute must for the front office, and if the player shows how much they can do, becoming a star center might be on the horizon for them.
4Milwaukee Bucks
Bobby Portis Ain’t Cutting It
The Bucks are not living up to expectations, and that islargely due to the play of center, Bobby Portis. While he has shown flashes of good play, he has emerged as a liability on the court, and this is sinking the team.
Bringing ina new center to replace Portiswould be a big upgrade for the team, especially one who canuse their size to score easily. With that three-headed monster, the Bucks could improve quickly and become a real threat in the East.
3Orlando Magic
An Upgrade To Make Them Contenders
The Orlando Magic are flirting with greatness thanks to the incredible play of young star, Paolo Banchero, and acquisitions of veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Their current center is Wendell Carter, Jr., who is solid but hasnever been as greatas people once thought he would be.
Bringing ina center who can be greatwould be a huge boost to the Magic, and once that center takes the court, they could become dark horse contenders for the championship. There’s a lot of talent on this team, and it just needs a little bit more to get to greatness.
2Phoenix Suns
A Playoff Team That Is One Step Away
The Phoenix Suns are indire need of some presence underneath the basket. While Jusuf Nurkic had promise, his age has quickly emerged this season and has led to him being benched and appearing in plenty of trade rumors. With his regression, it has led to Mason Plumlee taking his spot.
However, Plumlee has always excelled as a backup center, never having the ability to take that next leap into starter potential. Because of this, there is a lot of room for a new center to come to the team andmake their presence felt on the roster.
1Portland Trailblazers
Number One Pick Looks Cooked
The Trailblazers may have the 2018 number-one pick on their roster, but DeAndre Ayton does not look like someone who was once taken over Luka Doncic. Even when he was on the Suns,Ayton just never reached his potentialor showed a desire to do so.
Now that he’s on the Blazers, this has continued, and ithas left a clear path to the starting center roleon the team. A star center could end up being the focal point of the team, and with likely-good picks in the upcoming draft, Portland could begin creating a great, new roster.
