When you think of great assist-makers in the NBA, the first names that might come to mind are point guards and shooting guards. However, a few centers stand out for their ability to dish out assists and truly redefine the position. For example, Wilt Chamberlain, known for his scoring prowess, also managed to lead the league in assists one season—an astonishing feat for a center. In the 1967-1968 season, he averaged 8.6 assists per game, proving he was more than just a scoring machine.
Let’s consider the modern era. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets represents the epitome of a playmaking center. His versatility extends beyond scoring and rebounding; his playmaking ability is so elite that in the 2021-2022 season, he averaged 7.9 assists per game, placing him among the top 10 in the entire league, not just among centers. His court vision and basketball IQ are off the charts. It’s like having a point guard in a seven-foot-tall frame, revolutionizing the role of the center in today’s game.
Arvydas Sabonis, another exceptional center, played the bulk of his career in Europe before joining the NBA in his thirties. Despite his age and physical limitations, he is celebrated as one of the best passing big men. Throughout his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sabonis averaged 2.1 to 3.0 assists per game, but his real impact could be seen in his spectacular court vision and uncanny ability to make the right play at the right time. His entry passes and ability to kick out to shooters were transformative for his team.
Then there’s Bill Walton, the cornerstone of the Portland Trail Blazers’ 1977 championship run. In a time when centers were typically focused on playing in the post and blocking shots, Walton averaged 5.0 assists per game during the 1976-1977 season. His unique ability to act as the facilitator for his team’s offense was instrumental in their success and highlighted how diversified a center’s skill set could be.
Historically, centers were often confined to the paint, playing the role of rebounder and shot-blocker. However, players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also showcased the ability to assist. While his career average was just over 3.0 assists per game, it’s crucial to understand the era he played in and the offensive systems employed. Kareem’s skyhook was nearly unstoppable, demanding double teams and creating open shots for teammates, effectively making him an assist machine in his own right.
Centers with playmaking abilities not only make highlight reels but also elevate their teams’ overall efficiency. When a center can read the defense and make the correct pass, it disrupts traditional defensive schemes. Considering how the NBA continues to evolve, having a playmaking center has become a strategic advantage. Many teams now value centers who can do more than just score and rebound. A player’s ability to pass and make others better is a premium skill.
One might ask if the trend of playmaking centers will continue. The answer seems to be a resounding yes. As the game moves towards positionless basketball, the ability to make plays is valued across all positions. Emerging talents like Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat are also showcasing these attributes. Adebayo has averaged around 5.0 assists per game over recent seasons, which is quite impressive for a player labeled as a traditional big man. This signifies a paradigm shift in how the game is played.
Our exploration of playmaking centers culminates in acknowledging these versatile athletes who have redefined what’s possible at their position. Here’s to those who have blurred the lines between roles and ushered in a new era of basketball. For more insights on the evolution of sports and the NBA, visit arena plus.