With the 2021 NBA Draft just days away, BasketballNews.com's Lead NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock has put together a list of the top available prospects by position. He recently listed the draft's top point guards, shooting guards, small forwards and power forwards.
Here are the top centers in this class:
Standing 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan while also being a fluid athlete, Evan Mobley utilizes his unique combination of length and mobility to be an elite rim protector. He has also shown flashes of being an effective passer and outside shooter. Overall, it’s rare to find players with his size, skill, and athleticism, making him a special prospect.
At 18 years old, Alperen Sengun has continued to record phenomenal numbers and dominate the Turkish Super League - a credible professional league in Turkey. With adequate footwork and skills, he is an elite interior scorer. He has great vision and awareness for a big man, allowing him to facilitate for his teammates. He is certainly powerful, but lacks athleticism, so his defensive impact is a question at the moment. All in all, Sengun’s production is impressive for a player his age.
Day'Ron Sharpe, North Carolina
A big, physical presence on the interior, Day’Ron Sharpe also has great vision as a passer too. He excels at facilitating out of the post and has an array of low-post moves as a scorer as well. Sharpe will need to clean up his footwork and techniques on the defensive end, but overall, he shows great promise. At the very least, he should be solid player at the next level.
Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
After overcoming injuries, Charles Bassey dominated his competition last season. He is physically imposing with solid strength and athleticism, which helped him average a double-double. Bassey is a menace on the glass and provides energy as a rim-runner, showing that he may be able to provide value as a backup NBA center.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Seton Hall
Sandro Mamukelashvili is a unique prospect; he's a 6-foot-9 big man who is comfortable with the ball in his hands, running the pick-and-roll and stretching the floor. The Tbilisi, Georgia native averaged 17.5 points per game and improved as a playmaker as a senior. His lack of athleticism may be a concern on the defensive end, but his versatility makes him an intriguing option.
Neemias Queta took a huge step forward during the 2020-21 season, averaging a double-double for the Aggies. Also, the 7-footer from Portugal improved as both a passer and shot-blocker, averaging 3.3 blocks per game (third-most in the NCAA). He isn't a threat to stretch the floor, but he could provide valuable backup minutes in the NBA with his size, rim-running, and shot-blocking prowess.
The former Gonzaga Bulldog has been playing very well for Mega Basket this season, averaging 23.6 points in 21 Adriatic League games. He is a strong interior scorer and is rapidly improving as a shooter, giving promise to NBA potential. He will need to improve both his on-ball and team defense, but his skillset makes him an interesting prospect.
Sims had a strong year for the Longhorns, but has really gotten traction late in the NBA pre-draft process. He is an incredible athlete, weighing 250 pounds with 5.5% body fat, and he posted a 44.5-inch max vertical at the Combine. He is a menace on the glass on both ends of the floor, plays with a great motor, and excels down low in the dunker spot and as a rim protector.
Luka Garza swept all six of the National Player of the Year awards by averaging 24.1 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite being dominant as a scorer both inside and out at the college level, questions remain about his limitations on the defensive end, as there are concerns about his mobility and quickness.