NBA Offseason: 2013-2014 Top 5 Centers

Mar 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) runs into Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the first quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dwight Howard

2012-2013 per-game statistics: 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 19.5 PER

Here’s the thing: I legitimately tried to find reasons to put another center at no. 1 on this list. I just sat through the most frustrating season I could ever remember from watching the Lakers. But the basic fact is, Dwight Howard is the best center in the league. Even through all his off-season injuries, Howard still managed to lead the NBA in rebounding and finish fifth in blocks. No disrespect to Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol, but Dwight Howard is really the best defender in the league, especially among big men. He may have had a down year offensively, but that was always going to happen with Kobe Bryant taking the majority of the shots. I expect the Houston Rockets to do whatever they can to keep Dwight satisfied on the offensive end. D12 has been the best NBA center for years now and that doesn’t look to change any time soon.