Sporting News put Nikola Jokic at No. 1 in its 2026-27 NBA center rankings, with Victor Wembanyama right behind him at No. 2. The pairing of Jokic and Wembanyama at the top says plenty about where the position is headed: passing, dribbling and shooting now matter as much as size and rim protection.
That shift helps explain why Jokic remains the standard. He was ranked first among starting NBA centers and was described as the most talented offensive player in the game, which is a strong case when the discussion turns to what teams want from the middle of the floor. The modern center is no longer defined only by post play or rebounding. The best ones can create offense, connect a lineup and control the game without needing the ball on every trip.
Wembanyama is the clearest challenger to that throne. With his eight-foot wingspan and all-around defensive impact, he already gives teams a rare two-way presence. Sporting News placing him second underscores just how high the ceiling is, even if Jokic still gets the top spot because of his unique offensive control and proven track record.
Why Jokic stays ahead
The simplest answer is that Jokic fits the new center prototype better than anyone else, while also being better at the things that have always mattered. He can pass, score and run an offense from the middle of the floor in a way no other center really matches. That combination is why he remains the benchmark even as the position keeps evolving.
The rest of the list reflects that same balance between production, upside and availability. Joel Embiid remains part of the conversation, but injuries continue to complicate his standing. Domantas Sabonis also remains a high-level center, though last season he played in 19 games after knee surgery on a torn meniscus. Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Ivica Zubac, Alperen Sengun and Karl-Anthony Towns are all part of the broader top-tier discussion as well.
There is also a practical reason rankings like this matter. They show how the league values the center spot right now, and they make clear that versatility is no longer a bonus. It is part of the job description. Jokic and Wembanyama are the two superstars at the top of that list, but Jokic still sets the standard. Even with a player like Wembanyama pushing hard behind him, that is not a small distinction.
It is also a reminder that the conversation around Jokic never really leaves the present tense. Whether it is his status as the league’s offensive reference point or the pressure that always comes with being the best, he remains central to every ranking that matters. And with the 2026-27 season as the backdrop, he is still the center everyone else is trying to catch.
