Mount Rushmore of Centers Since 2000

Once one of the most dominant positions in the NBA, the role of the big man has evolved dramatically over the years. Traditional back-to-the-basket big men have almost become extinct in place of mobile rim runners, floor spacing shooters, and more versatile defenders. Of the players who began their careers in 2000 or later, four names have redefined what it means to play the five spot, earning their place on Mount Rushmore 2000. 

*Mount Rushmore 2000 criteria requires players to have entered the league no earlier than the 2000 season*

The “Joker” is an easy choice to start off this list, as one of the most unique big men in NBA history. A three-time MVP (who could easily win more) and an NBA Champion, the Denver Nuggets superstar has completely changed the center position with his ability to do basically everything on the floor. Capable of orchestrating the Nuggets' offense from the point or the post, while being a triple-double threat on a nightly basis, Jokic combines elite scoring with mind-blowing ball passing vision. Easily the gem of the 2014 Draft class, the question is how many GMs and scouts got fired for letting him fall all the way to the 41st pick?

In his prime, Howard was the most physically dominant center of his generation. An eight-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, D12 led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals with defensive dominance. Leading the league in rebounding five times and blocked shots twice, Howard was an elite paint protector for most of his 18-year career.  While he would win an NBA title with the Lakers in the twilight of his career, Howard’s peak years in Orlando were some of the most dominant by a big man of this era. 

“The Process” could have been one of the most complete two-way centers in league history had injuries not plagued his career. Drafted in 2014, Embiid didn’t hit the court for the Philadelphia 76ers until two years later. In ten seasons, he has only once played 68 games, but when he is healthy, the 2022-2023 MVP and 5-time All-NBA big man is capable of dominating a game on both ends of the court. Averaging over 27 points for his career while making multiple All-Defensive teams, Embiid is the ideal modern-day center… when available. 

Rudy Gobert receives a lot of hate from other players in the league and fans, but few can deny the fact that he has been a dominant force throughout his generation. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, tying the all-time record, Gobert is the greatest rim protector of the modern era. A three-time All-NBA and three-time All-Star, Gobert anchored the Utah Jazz defense for nearly a decade before being traded to the Timberwolves, where his ability to alter shots and protect the paint has helped Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances.