Article by SG Basketball Coach Victor Tan

In the old days, and I mean old, if you have the number one pick in the draft, chances are you will be looking for the ultimate big man to lead your franchise amongst the elite.

Just look at the nineties era then. Think Hakeem Olajuwon. David Robinson. Shaquille O’Neal. Man in the middle. Pivot. Center. However, if we do look closely at one stat, you will be feeling the title of this article.

Shaq winning Finals MVP and the NBA title

From 2000 to 2003, the finals MVP was won by Shaquille O’Neal of the LA Lakers for 3 straight years. Since then, the next 16 finals MVPs were either forwards (13) or guards (3).

The 3 MVP guards were Chauncey Billups of Detroit Pistons (2004), Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat (2006) and Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs (2007). The MVP forwards included multiple winners in Kobe Bryant (Lakers), LeBron James (Heat and Cavaliers), Kevin Durant (Warriors), Kawhi Leonard (Spurs and Raptors), Tim Duncan (Spurs), solitary year winners in Paul Pierce (Celtics), Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) and Andre Iguodala (Warriors).

For those crying foul and insist that Tim Duncan was actually a center in disguise (although he was listed as a Power Forward of the Spurs throughout his entire career), even with his two time finals MVP crowning included, the score is still an eye popping 15-5 to the guards/forwards; what it means is that if you are entering the modern NBA, and you play the center position, the chances of you winning finals MVP is a lowly 25%.

In the 2013 all star balloting, from the traditional 2 Guards 2 Forwards 1 Center voting model, it was modified into 2 back court players and 3 front court players, eliminating the position of center completely. As the world recognises the evolution of a “positionless” style of basketball, the demand of a multi faceted player soars. Elite 6’6- 6’9 wings have become the engine of top tier teams. 7 footers actually under-declare their height so that they can play Power Forward. Durant? Giannis? Even Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett chose to be power forwards back in the day. Ball handling and good 3 point shooting become essential skills of the new age big men, formerly known as centers. Delivering no-look passes, starting a fastbreak and dribbling the ball up court, taking multiple threes per game while dominating the rebounding category have become the new template for a new age 7-footer.

Current players (team centers) who wield the above skills set include Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Joel Embiid (76ers), both All-Stars this season, and Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves). Anthony Davis (Lakers) and Kristaps Porzingis (Mavericks) are both listed as power forwards of their respective teams.

Just look at the case of the underrated Utah Jazz center, Rudy Gobert. In 2017, he led the NBA in blocks. He was named Defensive Player of the year in 2018 and 2019. Here is the curious part: he was named All-NBA second team in 2017, and All-NBA third team in 2019. Yet 2020 is his FIRST EVER all star appearance!

The answer lies in the fact that All-NBA team selection is still based on the “old” model of 2G2F1C. The old “bang bang” center is simply not popular with fans or team general managers alike in all-star voting.

Fun fact: Do YOU know in the recently concluded 2020 All-Star Game, Rudy Gobert was fantastic with 21 points and 11 rebounds in less than 19 minutes for Team Giannis? I bet not. Let’s wait, with abated breath, as we stroll into a new decade, for the next Finals MVP to come from the center position.

About the writer: Coach Victor is a master coach in SG Basketball, who has won 19 national championships and 40 zone titles in Singapore over the past 20 years. He is an avid fan of the game and is highly articulate and detailed in his analysis of the NBA.

Where have all the Centers in the NBA gone?

Article by SG Basketball Coach Victor Tan