NBA Vine Top 10 Centers January 2008

Senior writer Lang Greene releases the NBA Vine's Top 10 Centers for January 2008. Dwight Howard gets the top spot after excelling on the offensive and defensive side of the rock. The once dominant Shaq, resides in the lower tier while, Samuel Dalembert, Brendan Haywood Andrew Bogut and Zydrunas Ilgauskas get snubbed. Read the latest.

Dwight Howard # 1

Orlando Magic

The Vine: Howard is a beast! Could you imagine how deadly he could become with a solid 12-15 foot consistent jumper? Howard leads the NBA in 20+ rebound games and even though the Magic are struggling as of late, is the main cog in Orlando's engine. Orlando is trying to set the rotation at the shooting guard spot and if they can get a consistent three point threat, teams won't be able to double Howard as frequently.

Amare Stoudemire #2

Phoenix Suns

The Vine: We still believe the NBA was wrong to suspend Stoudemire in last year's playoff series against the Spurs, but getting back to present day, Amare appears to be fully healthy and ready for a monstrous second half run.

Yao Ming # 3

Houston Rockets

The Vine: Yao's point production is down this year, even though Tracy McGrady has missed time with injury. Most thought that Yao's assists per game would increase in Rick Adelman's offense, but they are only up marginally. The Rockets are fighting for a playoff spot and if T-Mac is not in the lineup - Yao has to pick up more slack.

Al Jefferson # 4

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Vine: One of the only bright spots for the T-Wolves this year has been the dominant inside play of Jefferson. There is no way that you can replace a talent like Kevin Garnett, but at least Minnesota has a bona fide 20/10 guy to surround with talent.

Marcus Camby # 5

Denver Nuggets

The Vine: Is this going to be the first year that Camby gets an All-Star selection? Probably not. However, you can't dismiss his play on the interior for the Nuggets, who rely on the oft injured Kenyon Martin at power forward. At 33, he's the oldest representative in the top 5, but the reigning NBA defensive player of the year deserves the nod.

Chris Kaman # 6

Los Angeles Clippers

The Vine: Most sportswriters are covering fellow center Andrew Bynum's improvement this year. But we feel that the "other" LA post man has stepped up his game this year by improving on the boards. The Clippers are not winning and most likely won't make the playoffs, but in terms of individual productivity; Kaman has the goods.

Andrew Bynum # 7

Los Angeles Lakers

The Vine: Either Kobe Bryant is eating some good ole fashioned crow from chastising the young gun in a parking lot this summer or he subscribed to the Phil Jackson's mental motivation newsletter. Whichever the case, Lakers fans should enjoy the emergence of Bynum and make sure they thank Mitch Kupcheck for not making a hasty deal.

Tyson Chandler # 8

New Orleans Hornets

The Vine: Playing with Stoudemire and Howard over the summer could only improve Chandler's confidence and overall game. Teammate David West does the inside scoring, but that has freed up Chandler to focus on rebounding and defense.

Shaquille O'Neal # 9

Miami Heat

The Vine: Did you ever think the day would come when eight centers were listed above O'Neal in a top 10 list? Contrary to most opinions, we still believe the Diesel has some left in the tank. He may not be a 20/10 guy anymore, but if the Heat could surround him with solid outside shooting, teams would still have to respect his strength and low block ability.

Andris Biedrins # 10

Golden State Warriors

The Vine: Biedrins has been able to thrive in Nellie-ball. Averaging close to a double-double for the season (10/9) its time to take notice of the Warriors' big.