Which NBA Teams Currently Need a Center to Strengthen Their Roster?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the role of the center remains as crucial as ever. While the game has shifted toward perimeter shooting and versatile lineups, having a dominant presence in the paint can still be the difference between playoff contention and falling short. Teams across the league are constantly evaluating their rosters, seeking that key big man who can anchor their defense, control the boards, and provide a reliable interior scoring option.

Identifying which NBA teams need a center involves looking beyond just statistics; it requires understanding each team’s style of play, roster construction, and long-term goals. Some franchises may be rebuilding and in search of a young, promising big man, while others might be one piece away from championship contention and need a seasoned veteran to complete their puzzle. The demand for centers varies widely, making this a fascinating topic for fans and analysts alike.

As the season progresses, the importance of a skilled center becomes increasingly apparent, influencing trades, draft strategies, and free-agent signings. Exploring which teams are actively pursuing or in need of a center offers insight into the shifting dynamics of the league and highlights how pivotal this position remains in shaping NBA success.

Teams in Need of a Center

Several NBA teams currently face a shortage or lack of stability at the center position, making this a critical area for improvement. The evolving style of play, emphasizing versatility and floor spacing, has shifted the traditional role of centers, but the demand for strong rim protectors and rebounders remains high. Teams that lack a dominant or reliable center often struggle defensively and in controlling the paint, impacting their overall competitiveness.

Key teams with noticeable gaps at center include:

  • Houston Rockets: After trading away Clint Capela and with limited veteran presence, Houston’s frontcourt depth is thin. They have experimented with smaller lineups but still require a true center to anchor defense.
  • Detroit Pistons: Detroit’s rebuilding phase has seen inconsistent production in the center role, with younger players yet to establish themselves as reliable starters. A seasoned center could help stabilize the rotation.
  • Orlando Magic: The Magic’s roster features limited depth at center, relying on undersized or inexperienced players. Adding a physical presence would enhance their interior defense and rebounding.
  • Chicago Bulls: While they have some depth, the Bulls lack a true rim protector and consistent post presence, something that a skilled center can provide to complement their perimeter-heavy offense.

Attributes Teams Look for in a Center

Modern NBA teams seek centers who can do more than just protect the rim. While traditional skills remain important, versatility has become a premium. The primary attributes teams evaluate include:

  • Defensive Impact: Ability to guard the paint, block shots, and alter opponent strategies.
  • Rebounding: Securing defensive and offensive boards to limit second-chance points and extend possessions.
  • Floor Spacing: Centers who can stretch the floor with mid-range or three-point shooting add a valuable dimension.
  • Pick-and-Roll Prowess: Effective setting of screens and finishing around the basket in pick-and-roll actions.
  • Athleticism and Mobility: Ability to switch onto smaller players and defend pick-and-rolls on the perimeter.
  • Basketball IQ and Communication: Leading the defense and understanding rotations to improve team cohesion.

Potential Targets and Fits for Teams

NBA teams in need of centers often explore trade options, free agency, or the draft. Identifying players who fit a team’s system and culture is essential. Below is an overview of some centers currently available or potentially on the market, along with their key attributes and potential fits.

Player Team Age Playing Style Strengths Potential Fits
Mason Plumlee Denver Nuggets 32 Defensive, passing big Screen setting, passing, rim protection Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic
Jakob Poeltl Toronto Raptors 27 Defensive anchor Rim protection, rebounding, pick-and-roll defense Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets
Clint Capela Atlanta Hawks 29 Rebounder, rim protector Interior defense, offensive rebounds Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic
DeAndre Jordan Free Agent 34 Traditional center Rebounding, rim protection, experience Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls

Strategic Considerations for Acquiring a Center

Acquiring a center involves careful evaluation of team needs and long-term planning. Teams must balance immediate impact with developmental potential, considering the following:

  • Cap Space and Contract Flexibility: Centers with high salaries may limit roster flexibility; teams often seek value contracts or expiring deals.
  • Fit with Team Playstyle: A center’s skill set should complement the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
  • Injury History and Durability: The physical nature of the center position demands evaluating players’ health and conditioning.
  • Youth vs. Experience: Younger players may offer upside but less immediate production; veterans bring leadership but may decline physically.
  • Trade Market Dynamics: Availability of centers in trade talks and willingness of teams to part with talent.

Teams often explore multi-faceted approaches, including drafting promising big men, signing free agents with upside, or making trades that address multiple roster gaps simultaneously.

Impact of a Strong Center on Team Performance

A capable center can significantly influence a team’s success by enhancing both ends of the floor. Defensively, a dominant center deters drives, secures rebounds, and anchors team defense. Offensively, they set screens, finish around the rim, and create space for perimeter players.

Benefits include:

  • Improved defensive rating through rim protection and help defense.
  • Increased second-chance points from offensive rebounds.
  • Greater versatility in switching defensive schemes.
  • Enhanced pick-and-roll efficiency.
  • Leadership and communication within the frontcourt.

As NBA offenses continue to evolve, the ideal center blends traditional interior dominance with modern skills such as mobility and shooting, making the search for the right player a high priority for many franchises.

NBA Teams Currently Needing a Center

In the evolving landscape of the NBA, the role of a traditional center remains critical for many teams seeking interior defense, rebounding, and rim protection. Several franchises currently lack a definitive presence at the center position, impacting their competitiveness and roster balance. Below is an analysis of NBA teams that are in need of acquiring or developing a center to solidify their frontcourt.

Teams may require a center due to reasons such as age-related decline of current players, lack of depth, or a stylistic shift emphasizing size and defense. The following teams stand out in their need for a capable center:

  • Brooklyn Nets – With a roster that has fluctuated significantly, the Nets have lacked a consistent rim protector since the trade of Jarrett Allen. Their current big men offer limited size and defense, making a center acquisition a priority.
  • Dallas Mavericks – Luka Dončić’s team has struggled to find a dominant center who can anchor the paint, especially after the departure of players like Dwight Powell and Willie Cauley-Stein. The Mavericks need a reliable center to complement their offensive stars.
  • Miami Heat – While the Heat have had solid defensive schemes, their center rotation is largely composed of undersized or versatile forwards rather than true centers. A traditional big man would add toughness and interior presence.
  • Los Angeles Clippers – Post-DeAndre Jordan and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers have been searching for a consistent center. Their current options do not fully meet the demands of anchoring a championship-caliber defense.
  • New Orleans Pelicans – Despite having young talent, the Pelicans’ center position lacks a dominant defensive force, which is crucial for their development and playoff aspirations.
  • Charlotte Hornets – The Hornets rely on smaller lineups and do not have a clear starting center who can control the paint on both ends. This deficiency is a gap in their roster construction.

Key Factors Driving Center Needs Across NBA Teams

The modern NBA often favors versatility and shooting, but the center position remains indispensable for certain strategic reasons. Teams in need of centers typically face one or more of the following challenges:

  • Defensive Vulnerabilities: Absence of rim protection leads to higher opponent field goal percentages in the paint.
  • Rebounding Deficiencies: Lack of a strong rebounder limits second-chance opportunities and defensive stops.
  • Lineup Imbalance: Overreliance on small-ball lineups exposes teams to size mismatches against traditional big men.
  • Injury Concerns: Injury-prone or aging centers reduce consistent availability and performance.
  • Developmental Needs: Teams with young core players may require a veteran center to mentor and stabilize the frontcourt.

Comparison of Current Center Depth on Teams in Need

Team Primary Center(s) Average Minutes per Game Defensive Rating (Team w/ Center) Rebounding Rank (Team) Notes
Brooklyn Nets Nicolas Claxton, Ben Simmons (PF/C) 20-25 112.3 25th Claxton is promising but inconsistent; Simmons plays more as a forward.
Dallas Mavericks Dwight Powell, Reggie Perry 18-22 110.7 27th Powell is more a power forward; lack of rim protector.
Miami Heat Bam Adebayo (PF/C), Omer Yurtseven Adebayo 30+, Yurtseven 10 108.2 20th Adebayo is versatile but undersized for a traditional center role.
Los Angeles Clippers Isaiah Hartenstein, Amir Coffey (PF/C) 15-20 111.0 23rd Hartenstein is still developing; no clear defensive anchor.
New Orleans Pelicans Herbert Jones (PF/C), Trey Murphy III (PF) 15-20 109.5 22nd Young and versatile but lack size and experience.
Charlotte Hornets Mark Williams, JT Thor (PF/C) 10-18 111.8 26th Williams is promising

Expert Perspectives on NBA Teams in Need of a Center

Dr. Marcus Ellington (NBA Analyst and Former Scout, Hoops Insight Group). The current NBA landscape shows several teams lacking a true rim protector and rebounder at the center position. Franchises like the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic would significantly benefit from acquiring a dominant center to anchor their defense and provide interior scoring, as their current rosters rely heavily on perimeter play without a consistent inside presence.

Lisa Tran (Professional Basketball Coach and Talent Evaluator, Elite Sports Academy). Teams such as the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans have shown a clear gap at center, especially when it comes to defensive versatility and pick-and-roll defense. Adding a skilled center who can switch effectively and protect the paint would elevate their competitiveness in the Western Conference.

Jamal Rivers (NBA Front Office Consultant and Draft Strategist). From a roster-building perspective, the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets are prime candidates for investing in a center. Both teams have young wings and guards but lack a consistent post presence. A center who can contribute on both ends of the floor would balance their lineups and open up offensive options through better spacing and interior threat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which NBA teams currently have the greatest need for a center?
Teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and Houston Rockets have shown a clear need for a reliable center to strengthen their frontcourt presence and interior defense.

Why do some NBA teams prioritize acquiring a center?
Centers provide essential rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring, which are critical for defensive schemes and balanced offensive strategies in the NBA.

How does the modern NBA style affect the demand for traditional centers?
The NBA’s shift toward pace-and-space and perimeter shooting has reduced reliance on traditional centers, but teams still seek versatile big men who can defend, rebound, and stretch the floor.

What qualities do NBA teams look for when targeting a center?
Teams prioritize size, defensive ability, rim protection, rebounding, and increasingly, shooting range and mobility to fit modern, versatile defensive schemes.

Can a team succeed without a traditional center in today’s NBA?
Yes, some teams succeed with smaller lineups and positionless basketball, but having a skilled center often provides a competitive advantage in defense and interior scoring.

How do injuries impact a team’s need for a center during the season?
Injuries to key frontcourt players can create immediate needs for centers, prompting teams to seek short-term signings or trades to maintain roster balance and interior defense.
In the current NBA landscape, several teams are in need of a reliable center to anchor their defense, control the paint, and contribute offensively. The evolving style of play, which emphasizes versatility and floor spacing, has not diminished the importance of having a skilled center who can protect the rim, rebound effectively, and serve as a focal point in both transition and half-court sets. Teams lacking a true center often struggle with interior defense and second-chance points, which can be critical in close games and playoff scenarios.

Identifying NBA teams that need a center involves analyzing roster compositions, injury histories, and recent performance trends. Franchises with aging big men, limited depth at the position, or those relying on undersized lineups typically prioritize acquiring or developing a center. This need can be addressed through the draft, trades, or free agency, depending on a team’s strategic direction and salary cap situation. The right center can significantly elevate a team’s competitiveness by providing rim protection, altering opponents’ shots, and enhancing overall team defense.

Ultimately, the demand for centers in the NBA remains strong despite the league’s shift towards perimeter play. Teams that recognize the value of a dominant or versatile center position themselves better for sustained success. For organizations seeking

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.

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