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NBA Rankings: Top 10 centers for 2014-15

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 18, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Dwight Howard (12) talks to Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Dwight Howard (12) talks to Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) yells on the court against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Bulls won 100-97. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Joakim Noah:

2013-14 Stat Line: 80 games, 35.3 MPG, 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG, .475/—/.737 shooting, 20.0 PER

And now we come to our toughest decision: Is Joakim Noah really the best center in the league? In 2013-14, he probably was. But for the upcoming 2014-15 season, I say no. Though he might be the NBA’s most versatile big man because of his elite passing ability, we’re going to leave him at No. 2 since the Chicago Bulls have a vastly improved squad heading into next season.

So why does that keep him at No. 2? Shouldn’t an improved supporting cast help his cause, especially coming off a season in which he won the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the Bulls to 48 wins after Derrick Rose went down and Luol Deng was traded away? Normally, yes, but considering the players that are returning or new in 2014-15, Noah’s numbers might take a hit.

The team ran its offense through Noah last season, though he didn’t score a lot. Next year, the Bulls will return a healthy Derrick Rose and have also added Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and rookie Doug McDermott, all big men who need touches on offense. Chicago might be better than ever, but Noah won’t need to do as much as he did last season when his leadership and defensive intensity were such an inspiration. He can still lead by example, and the Bulls would love for him to lead the league in defensive rating like he did last year, but Noah’s versatility won’t be as crucial next year with a more talented set of teammates.

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