The current NBA emphasizes perimeter shooting and up-tempo play so that the traditional big man can seem like a relic. However, the importance of the center position remains undiminished for teams that aspire to win championships. The ability to protect the rim, anchor the defense, and provide inside scoring is decisive in postseason success. This is a reality that both successful franchises and savvy Underdog Fantasy players recognize.
Although small-ball lineups and three-point barrages have changed the game’s look, a dominant center still serves as the backbone of a title contender. Elite defense, rim protection, and playmaking from the pivot can tilt any matchup’s outcome, something recent championship teams underscored.
Centers Anchor Championship-Caliber Teams
A look at recent NBA champions highlights the continued value of elite big men. The Denver Nuggets’ 2023 title run was powered by Nikola Jokić, a two-time MVP who redefined the center position with his combination of scoring, rebounding, and exceptional passing. His ability to orchestrate the offense from the post gave Denver a unique edge.
Similarly, the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 championship was anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who fulfilled many traditional center duties while officially a forward. His 50-point performance in Game 6 of the NBA Finals showcased the impact a dominant interior presence can have on the biggest stage.
Fantasy players and DFS enthusiasts should note that less-heralded centers and rookies can be difference-makers, especially when they’re undervalued in lineups and point spreads. Platforms like Underdog Fantasy often highlight these overlooked contributors, broadening the focus beyond star guards and wings.
Centers as Game-Changers
Even teams famous for their small-ball approach, like the Golden State Warriors, have relied on traditional center skills during playoff runs. Though not a star, Kevon Looney consistently delivered crucial rebounds and interior defense, providing the kind of “glue guy” contributions that form the bedrock of postseason success.
Centers like Looney can shift momentum in close games by extending possessions with offensive rebounds and providing a steady inside presence. These contributions often go unnoticed in box scores but are vital in the high-stakes environment of playoff basketball.
Betting on Size Sometimes Pays Off
From a betting perspective, the presence of a dominant center can be a game-changer. Rim protectors like Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, can dramatically alter opponents’ offensive efficiency by deterring drives and controlling the glass. When Gobert is at his best, he forces teams to rethink their offensive approach, which can be a critical edge for bettors and fantasy players.
A Cautionary Tale in Center Value: The 2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers
The 2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers season provides a precise case study in the necessity of a dominant center. After a blockbuster midseason trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić, the Lakers finished third in the Western Conference. While Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves formed a potent offensive trio, the absence of a true big man was glaring, especially in the playoffs.
Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert dominated the paint in the Lakers’ first-round exit, posting a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds in the decisive game. The Lakers, forced to play small-ball due to injuries and a lack of depth at center, struggled to contain the Timberwolves’ size and physicality. Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the difficulties of playing without a true center, and team president Rob Pelinka emphasized that adding size at the center position would be a top offseason priority. Pelinka specifically outlined the need for a rim protector and lob threat to complement Dončić and ease the defensive burden on the team.
The trade that brought Dončić to Los Angeles was historic and signaled a new era for the Lakers, but it also exposed the risks of neglecting the center position. The Lakers’ inability to replace Davis’s rim protection and rebounding proved costly, reinforcing the argument that a dominant center remains indispensable for playoff success.
The Lakers’ Ongoing Search for a Center
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ front office has clarified that addressing the center position is essential to their championship aspirations. Rumors have linked the team to potential targets like Brooklyn’s Nick Claxton, a young defensive specialist who could provide the shot-blocking and rebounding the Lakers desperately need. Financial constraints and roster flexibility will influence the team’s options, but the commitment to adding a reliable big man is unwavering.
The Lakers’ recent experience reminds fans and fantasy players that the center position is still a critical piece of the puzzle in an era defined by three-point shooting and pace. Whether blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or facilitating offense like Jokić, elite big men continue to shape the outcome of games, often in ways beyond the box score. Recognizing this can provide a deeper appreciation for the game and a strategic edge in fantasy sports and sports betting.
