The era of the slow-footed, poster-board center is dead. The NBA has moved away from the traditional inside-out, defensive minded slog-fests that plagued the early nineties and re-established itself as a fluid game, powered by high-octane offenses. A quick glance at the run-and-gun Phoenix Suns or Toronto Raptors proves these suspicions. But does that mean the center has gone the way of the dinosour? In fantasy ball, more and more combo power forward/centers are finding their way into lineups. And this is by no means a bad thing. Big guys are stepping out and draining the three, handing the ball off ably and spreading the floor — in short, they've become one of the most versatile positions in the league. Owning a top-flight center can put you over the edge in multiple categories and help you win your league. To help you maximize the most out of the position UPDATE! presents its Top 20 centers of 2007:


Orlando Magic
Comment: Howard is developing into one of the best players in the NBA and is a force to be reckoned with. One of the most ferocious rebounders in the game, Howard scares opponent's silly. His 60.3 FG% was second in the league among centers, doubling the average points per game average of the leader, Tyson Chandler. Throw in a block or two, and he's the clear cut No. 2, but beware: his FT% is worth gagging over so draft accordingly and pick up a player or two to even out his disability to make free throws.

Houston Rockets
Comment: Yao at two? You're damn right; Let me explain. Howard put up near identical (if not better) stats than Yao last season, playing in all 82 games while Yao has suited up for just 105 games over the last two seasons. Yao is an unbelievable center, who if healthy would probably be the best in the NBA, but because of his health and the emergence of Howard, he's going to have to sit at No. 2 until he proves he can stay healthy.

Phoenix Suns
Comment: When Shaq says you're scary, you know you've made it. Amare missed the entire 2005 season due to knee surgery but returned in full force last season, playing all 82 games. Stoudemire is the most athletic center in the NBA and fits in perfectly with the high tempo-fast breaking Suns. He recently had knee surgery to clean some kinks out but says he feels absolutely fine and there's no reason to not believe him. Owners can expect mind boggling numbers including one of the best field goal percentages in the league, 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, a block and a steal.

Memphis Grizzlies
Comment: Turns out they're sticking with Pau at center this season. Gasol owns a game that matches his hair and beard. He's a hard working big man and will give owners a solid 20 points and nine rebounds as well as several assists a game. He can block shots and be a valuable asset to any team.

Indiana Pacers
Comment: Health is still an issue, but O'Neal contributed great numbers last season. He is another sure thing for 20 points and 10 rebounds with a swat that could block a missile. He has fragile legs which could lead to an injury, but the real issue dogging O'Neal is the trade rumors swirling about. Don't worry too much; the boy from the bayou will be alright in the end.

Utah Jazz
Comment: Okur is a rising star who saw a bit of a fall off in rebounds last season but still posted a solid year, finishing off with 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists a game. What makes Okur valuable is his ability to give you almost two three pointers a game — unheard of from a center. His solid health and consistent game play give Okur the edge over most big men in the league and should put up a monster season on the Jazz.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Comment: The only good thing that came out of the Minnesota-Boston blockbuster deal was sending this kid away from the Knicks. Jefferson is a beast on the boards and a pretty good offensive force as well. Expect 20 points and 10 rebounds with some nice percentages.

Denver Nuggets
Comment: Why is last season's leading shotblocker so low you may ask? Camby will put up monster stats (10-plus rebounds with two blocks a game), but he has never played more than 70 games in one season. His health is a major issue, making him a high risk-reward player. If he's healthy, or you're willing to hedge your bets, Camby is a Top 5 center, but don't expect it. Enjoy your time with Camby while it lasts.

New Orleans Hornets
Comment: Chandler is a beast on the boards and will give you great FG percentage along with two blocks a game. He's entering his prime years of his career and you should take full advantage of this rising talent. Like most big men, beware of his FT% and low assist numbers.

Detroit Pistons
Comment: Wallace is a great basketball player who contributes to every fantasy team he's on. He should give you 14 points and seven rebounds this season as well as a block, a three pointer and a steal per game which is pretty elite company. He shed 25 pounds during the off-season and looks determined for some more hardware.
Chicago Bulls
Comment: Talk about underrated fantasy players; Wallace fills the box score night after night giving owners blocks, steals, assists, and of course rebounds on a consistent basis. Although his offensive numbers lack, his defense will give you big numbers when you need them. He's a ferocious and fiery basketball player that gives his all and his stats will reflect that.

Portland Trailblazers
Comment: Aldridge posted solid rookie numbers in limited time. He will be a vital component of this team in 2007, especially considering Oden's season ending surgery. Aldridge could very well have a monster season and has tremendous upside. 17 points and 10 rebounds is not out of the question.

Philadelphia 76ers
Comment: One of the game's best shot blockers, Dalembert makes hopeful scorers look silly when they try to drive in on his turf. He's a great rebounder as well and should give owners a solid 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks a game with some percentages that might just help your team.

Golden State Warriors
Comment: Finally, Harrington might have found a team that he could blossom on. He's a tremendous talent and could be put to good use on the faux-Suns — the Warriors. Expect a solid 16 points and seven rebounds along with three assists and a three pointer a game. But if you are looking for a high percentage shooter, stay away.

Golden State Warriors
Comment: Out of nowhere, everyone started talking about some Pokemon sounding guy in the NBA; That was Biedrins, who came out thin air last year and helped propel the Warriors into the playoffs. Biedrins can block a shot, and will give owners good rebounding numbers with a nice FG% , but will deplete your FT%, so draft accordingly.

Drew Schustek is UPDATE! National Basketball Editor.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Comment: Owners saw good numbers two seasons ago and wonder where they went; they were probably stolen by Lebron. Big Z still has game and Coach Mike Brown wants to give him more playing time which should make him a safe bet to draft in your later rounds.

Milwaukee Bucks
Comment: This is the year he's gonna break out. Bogut recently hurt his wrist but the severity of the injury has been downplayed and should be up and running within the first week of the season. Bogut has a world of talent and is a great rebounder that will give owners a nice FG% but like most centers, a bad FT%. Expect 15 points with 10 rebounds and three assists.

Los Angeles Clippers
Comment: Kaman went on an absolute tear two seasons ago, but last season didn't perform quite as well as most expected. Kaman has talent and will be called upon as the No. 1 big man on the Clippers now that Brand is out until mid-February. He is still young; and a return to his 05-06 breakout season isn't out of the question.

Los Angeles Lakers
Comment: Don't doubt how tough he is; remember when he fought Shaq? All the hype is for a reason; Bynum will be called upon as one of the leaders of this Lakers team and will get a ton of playing time. With his talent, 15 and nine is a strong possibility in the coming months, but given his age and inexperience, stay away until late.

Seattle Supersonics
Comment: Wilcox showed signs of greatness and has gone overlooked in every draft. Snag him when you get the chance and the reward will be worth it. Wilcox fits in perfectly with the new and much improved fast breaking Supersonics.

• Shooting Guard Rankings Oct. 21, 2007
• Point Guard Rankings Oct. 16, 2007
• NBA Western Conference Oct. 15, 2007
• NBA Eastern Conference Oct. 15, 2007
• Power Forward Rankings Oct. 15, 2007
• Small Forward Rankings Oct. 15, 2007
• NBA Top 200 Oct. 8, 2007