The NBA may not be the ‘big man’s game’ that it once was, but there’s still some benefit in having a dominant center in 2025.
Several players across the league continue to demonstrate that, including Denver Nuggets standout Nikola Jokić, who has been a legitimate MVP candidate every season since 2018-19. He won the award three times (2021, 2022, 2024).
There have been other notable big men who have also won the MVP in recent years, such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, while others like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs have MVP-like potential.
NOTE: Players expected to miss most of, or the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season were not included.
Top 10 centers for the 2025-26 NBA season
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Our experts said: Three players – Jokić, Gilgeous-Alexander and Antetokounmpo – received at least one first-place vote, but it was Jokić who ran away with the top spot on this list, drawing 10 first-place selections from the panel. Jokić, 30, has finished first or second in MVP voting in each of the last five seasons, with three awards. He became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double in a single season, joining Oscar Robertson (1961-62) and Jokić ‘s teammate from last year, Russell Westbrook (four times). He is the best passing big in the world and draws so much defensive attention, which creates scoring chances for his teammates. He shines in the clutch, has unparalleled footwork in the post and has an unconventional shot that has become wildly efficient. Jokić set career highs last season in 3-point attempts (4.7) and conversions (2.0) per game and 3-point shooting percentage (41.7%).
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Our experts said: When healthy, Wembanyama is the league’s top defender and is starting to become a unique threat on offense as well. His shooting ability and range, at his size, is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen. If the Spurs can achieve anything this year – in this case, even sniff a playoff berth – this could mark the beginning of Wembanyama being in the MVP conversation for years to come.
3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Our experts said: Embiid played just 19 games due to a knee injury, in what was a disastrous season for the 76ers. When healthy, Embiid shot 44.4% from the field. He could help lead Philly back to the postseason, but he needs to be on the floor. Embiid was the most polarizing player on the list; he was ranked as high as 5th and as low as 38th.
4. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Our experts said: Adebayo will continue to serve as a focal point for the Heat this upcoming season. He has flown under the radar after the Heat finished the season 37-45 and 10th in the Eastern Conference. It was a down season for Adebayo, falling short of making one of the All-Defensive Teams for the first time since the 2019-20 season. He had also been a consistent top-five player among Defensive Player of the Year voting, but finished 10th last season.
5. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Our experts said: Şengün is looking to build off a breakout season with Houston. The first-time All-Star averaged a double-double for the season. He also contributed to the overall team success, leading the Rockets back to the playoffs as the second seed in the West.
6. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Our experts said: Chet is coming off a championship season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He played in just 32 of his 114 career games last season but was valuable when he was on the court, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Our experts said: Sabonis produced a double-double for his sixth consecutive season. The two-time All-NBA third team player will serve as the centerpiece for the Kings in his fifth season in Sacramento. Without another star player to accompany him on the roster, he will likely be the focal point of opposing game plans.
8. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Our experts said: The 33-year-old Frenchman has continued to be a problem on the defensive end for the Timberwolves. He is one of five players to average 11+ rebounds and 2+ blocks throughout their entire career, according to basketball reference. It will be his 13th season in the league and fourth with Minnesota.
9. Ivica Zubac, L.A. Clippers
Our experts said: He continues to prove he’s a valuable asset for the Clippers. He played a career-high 32.8 minutes per game last season. He will continue to play a big role for the Clippers’ defense, which produced the third-best defensive rating. Zubac won’t have to try to shoulder the load alone this year after L.A. made the extra efforts to bring in some other backup bigs.
10. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Our experts said: Jarrett Allen played in all 82 games for Cleveland last season, the most he’s played in a single season. He contributed to the Cavaliers’ 64-18 overall record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
