I always find it fascinating to talk about the best passing centers in the NBA. You know, it's not just about their height or how well they dunk; it's about their overall game intelligence and their ability to see the court like a point guard. Nikola Jokic stands out to me instantly. Over the past few seasons, he’s averaged more than 7 assists per game, which is unheard of for a center. It feels like he's transforming what we think a big man can do on the court. Watching him thread the needle with a pass is simply magical.
Another great example is Wilt Chamberlain. People often forget that Wilt didn't just dominate with scoring and rebounding. He once led the league in assists with an average of 8.6 assists per game during the 1967-68 season. Think about that for a moment; a center leading the league in assists! That's a statistic that defies conventional basketball wisdom. Chamberlain was ahead of his time, and his passing ability remains a benchmark for centers even to this day.
I can’t ignore the strides Marc Gasol has made over his career either. He’s never been the flashiest player, but his passing is something else. Whether it was during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies or later with the Toronto Raptors, Gasol has always been the centerpiece of facilitating offense through the high post. In the 2018-2019 season with the Raptors, he averaged around 3.9 assists per game, which was significant in their title run.
Let’s dive a little deeper into current players. Do you remember that one playoff game where Bam Adebayo showcased his passing prowess? In one game alone, he had 9 assists, demonstrating his versatility and vision on the court. That’s not something you typically expect from a center, but Bam proves that the position is evolving. He's really making a name for himself as one of the best passing big men in the league today.
Al Horford also deserves a mention. Over his career, Horford has averaged around 3.4 assists per game. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but when you consider his role and the teams he’s played for, you realize how integral his passing has been. His ability to make quick decisions and find open teammates often goes unnoticed in the stat sheets but is invaluable in real game situations.
Now, it’s easy to overlook the contributions of a player like Bill Walton. His career was hampered by injuries, but during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, he was a phenomenal passer. In the 1977 playoffs, Walton averaged 5.5 assists per game, which was a crucial element in their championship run. His court vision and basketball IQ were off the charts, making him one of the best all-around centers at the time.
Arvydas Sabonis also belongs in this discussion. If you look at his numbers, particularly from his time in Europe before joining the NBA, Sabonis was incredible. In the NBA, he averaged about 2.1 assists per game, but those stats don't capture his full impact. He often made plays that set up secondary assists, which speaks volumes about his understanding of the game.
And who can forget the likes of Joakim Noah? During his peak years with the Chicago Bulls, he was the engine behind many offensive sets, averaging over 4 assists per game in the 2013-14 season. Noah’s passing wasn't just about the numbers; it was about his energy and how he saw the floor. His leadership and ability to distribute the ball significantly contributed to the Bulls' success during that period.
You might ask, what really makes a center a great passer? It’s not just raw stats; it’s the intangibles too. How quickly can they read defenses? What’s their vision like? Centers like Jokic have actually changed the role entirely by almost becoming point guards in a 7-foot frame. The way he orchestrates the Denver Nuggets' offense is something that we're not accustomed to seeing from a big man, making it a thrilling experience to watch.
The game's evolution has allowed centers to develop these skills. In the past, the role was mostly to dominate the paint and control the boards. Nowadays, with players like Jokic, Adebayo, and many others, the role has expanded. If you think about it, the criteria for evaluating a great center have shifted dramatically. Passing ability now holds a significant place in those criteria.
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Just imagine the future generations of centers who will be inspired by these current passing maestros. They’re redefining what it means to be a big man in basketball, and it’s only going to get more exciting from here. The blend of height, passing capability, and basketball intellect makes this a golden era for versatile centers in the NBA.