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NBA Position Rankings: Top 10 centers in the NBA

By Spencer R. Henderson

Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Karl-Anthony Towns

This player could take over as the best center in the NBA as early as this season.

Although expectations were high, this center met and surpassed every expectation placed on his first overall selection. His rookie year is reminiscent to LeBron James‘ first year in the NBA.

Towns hit the ground running as he won the 2016 Rookie of the Year award by leading all rookies in scoring and rebounds. He is also a willing and capable defender as he averaged 1.7 blocks per game as well.

The Timberwolves hired former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who is known for getting the most out of players defensively.

Thibodeau’s addition and Towns’ development has quietly turned Minnesota into a potential playoff contender for the upcoming NBA season.

This is a unique talent that is rarely seen in the NBA. Towns can not only defend, but he can shoot from anywhere on the court and can create his own shot. He shot 34 percent from 3-point land. His percentage ranks in the top five for 3-point shooting among starting centers in the NBA.

His skill set and the development of players around him like Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins can explain Timberwolves’ fans excitement about the upcoming season.

The Western Conference is deep. But if Towns can improve from his rookie season, then the Timberwolves may make the playoffs in 2017.

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