The Evolution of the Center Position: How NBA Big Men Redefined Their Role

The center position in the NBA is no longer just about size and life in the paint. Today’s big men are expected to do a bit of everything with players like Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid leading the shift. Their all-around influence shows how the role has expanded to match the demands of the modern, fast-paced game.

Dominance in the paint to the Full Court

The evolution of the center position in basketball is one of the most interesting shifts in any sport. The role that once signified a singular purpose is now the most flexible. The elite big men in today's game now posses skill sets that didn't really exist a generation ago.

In the 70s, 80s, and 90s centers were always found in the paint but now they're expected to influence every aspect of the game.

Nikola Jokic - the revolutionary

When the conversation comes up about a Center who changed the game, who could score as well as he could create shots and also grab the boards, one name stands at the top, Nikola Jokic. The three time MVP runs Denver Nugget's offence, delivering passes at elite level like a point guard while still dominating the paint like a traditional big man in the NBA.

A three level scorer (in the paint, mid-range and outside the arc) combined with vision and elite playmaking skills that make him look superhuman while on the court. Jokic isn't just a center who can pass and also score, the whole game passes through him.

Size and Strength: Past and Present

For decades, the center position was straightforward. Players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O'Neal built Hall of Fame careers through physical dominance near the basket.

The job was simple; assert physical dominance, bully small defenders, control what happens around rim offensive and defensively. Players like Hakeem were skillful, but the most important thing was the size and strength.

Modern basketball demands more, the game is faster and the ball moves a whole lot more than it did in the past decade.

Big men who can't read the game and defend switches, stretch the floor or survive in space find themselves sidelined. The traditional post dominance is no longer enough.

Shaquille O'neal

The Complete Modern Center

Joel Embiid is another example of a modern center in basketball right now. Seven feet and 280 pounds dominating the paint with footwork and skills that were rarely seen in the earlier eras from players in this position.

During his 2023/24 MVP season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points per game while shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. He creates shots off the dribble, while also operating as screener and also the primary ball handler. He coordinates the offence while also anchoring the defense. This type of skill set and versatility did not exist for centers two decades ago.

Victor Wembanyama, the next evolution

Victor Wembanyama may represent the next evolutionary leap. 7'4 with elite movement, he blocks shots from impossible angles, then leads the break himself while also being able to confidently pull up shots from well beyond the arc.

Offensively, he operates without any restriction. Elite positional awareness, good movement on and off the ball are his extensive wingspan makes him nearly unguardable.

He's a different archetype that hasn't been grouped yet, and possibly the clearest sign that the center position hasn't reached it's full potential yet.

The game in today's NBA

In 2026, lots of teams now rely on building their entire offense around a playmaking big. The successful teams right now find centers whose skills align with their system.

The need for size, rim protection and paint control is constant, but today's elite centers could do that and more.