The NBA has seen a remarkable power shift in recent years. The league is no longer solely dominated by big men, with guards and wings showcasing elite-level play. However, the 2023-24 season has witnessed a resurgence of the center position, with several dominant players vying for the title of best in the world.

Among them, three stand out:

Nikola Jokic: The reigning NBA champion and MVP, Jokic is known for his incredible basketball IQ, passing, and scoring prowess. He has led the Nuggets to success despite injuries to key teammates and continues to redefine what it means to be a great center.Joel Embiid: The reigning scoring champion, Embiid is a dominant force in the paint with an unstoppable combination of size, strength, and skill. He has led the 76ers to deep playoff runs but has yet to achieve the ultimate championship prize.Bam Adebayo: A versatile and athletic center, Adebayo is Miami’s defensive anchor and a key contributor on both ends of the court. He has shown flashes of offensive brilliance but hasn’t consistently reached the same level as Jokic and Embiid.

To determine the best center, we analyzed their performance across various categories:

Scoring:

1. Joel Embiid (3 points): Averaging 32.0 points per game on 49.8% shooting, he is the NBA’s leading scorer.2. Nikola Jokic (2 points): Averaging 29.0 points per game on 56.8% shooting, he is a threat from all over the court.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): Averaging 22.3 points per game on 52.2% shooting, he is a solid scorer but not at the same level as the others.

Shooting:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Leading in overall efficiency with a 63.4% true shooting percentage despite 30.1% from three.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): Shooting 31.5% from three with a 61.9% true shooting percentage.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): Shooting 33.3% from three with a 58.9% true shooting percentage.

Athleticism:

1. Bam Adebayo (3 points): Possesses superior speed, power, and leaping ability compared to the other two.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): While athletic, struggles with staying on his feet consistently.3. Nikola Jokic (1 point): Known for his less athletic style but utilizes his intelligence and skills effectively.

Defense:

1. Bam Adebayo (3 points): One of the league’s best defenders with versatility and instincts.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): An All-Defensive First Team selection in 2022-23 with strong rim protection.3. Nikola Jokic (1 point): Considered the weakest defender among the three, often struggling against tougher offensive players.

Handles:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Exceptional ball-handling skills for a center, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): Shows flashes of good handles but sometimes makes questionable decisions.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): Crafty with the ball but relies more on positioning and movement than creating his own shot.

Clutch:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023, proving his ability to perform under pressure.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): Has displayed clutch moments in the regular season but struggles in the playoffs.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): Shows clutch defensive play but hasn’t consistently stepped up on the offensive end in crucial moments.

Leadership:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Demonstrated strong leadership in leading the Nuggets to success with depleted rosters.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): Holds his team together but faces criticism for his lack of playoff success.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): More of a secondary leader under Jimmy Butler’s presence in Miami.

Basketball IQ:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Arguably the most intelligent player in the NBA, reading the game and making plays like no other.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): A skilled passer and decision-maker but not on the same level as Jokic.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): A solid passer and defender but not as intelligent as the other two.

Impact:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Has the biggest impact on his team’s success, leading them to the NBA championship in 2023.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): A major contributor to his team’s success but has not yet achieved the same level of impact as Jokic.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): A valuable player for the Heat but not as impactful as the other two.

Efficiency:

1. Nikola Jokic (3 points): Leading the NBA in PER and true shooting percentage, he is the most efficient player in the league.2. Joel Embiid (2 points): A very efficient player but not as efficient as Jokic.3. Bam Adebayo (1 point): An efficient player but not as efficient as the other two.

Total Points:

Nikola Jokic (25 points): Wins the comparison, clearly demonstrating that he is the best center in the NBA.Joel Embiid (20 points): A close second, Embiid is a dominant player but still has some areas to improve.Bam Adebayo (15 points): A talented player but not on the same level as Jokic or Embiid.

Conclusion:

Nikola Jokic is the clear best center in the NBA. He is a dominant force on both ends of the court, leading his team to success with his incredible basketball IQ, passing, scoring, and overall impact. Joel Embiid is a close second, but he still has some areas to improve, such as his defense and clutch play. Bam Adebayo is a talented player, but he is not on the same level as the other two.