2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: Center Rankings

In this era of positional fluidity, the center position is the most unique. Generally, eligibility is limited, and while some centers are beginning to venture more to the three-point line, the paint is still their domain. That means we are searching for rebounds and blocked shots here to go along with a favorable field goal percentage. With it usually comes some risk to your free throw percentage, and that’s something to consider. Now, let’s dig into our center rankings for the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season.

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Center Notes

Kel’el Ware, Milwaukee Bucks

The trade to the Bucks this summer means Ware is set to take on a larger role. There are a lot fewer obstacles, namely Bam Adebayo, to playing time for Ware. And as he enters his third NBA season, Ware is in position to take advantage of that.

In just 22 minutes per game last season, Ware averaged 11.1 points and nine rebounds per game. If you equate that to a per-36 average, Ware comes out to 18 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. Yes, those rebounds sound outlandish, but it’s also a good indication of what he’s capable of. And on a Milwaukee team that’s suddenly deficient from a scoring perspective, the opportunity is there for Ware to step up. It’s also important to remember that he’s just 22 years old.

Last season, Ware averaged a blocked shot per game, but also added a nice bonus of 1.2 three-pointers. His 53% field goal rate is reasonable, but from the perspective of a center, we’ll take his 74% free throw percentage every time. Last season, he had a 61.6% true shooting percentage along with a strong 29.2% defensive rebound rate. It’s fair to say the best is still to come for Ware.

Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

The Pistons just committed $200 million to their center of the future, so that should speak to his expected role. It’s also not surprising after he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Getting the contract done at the very beginning of training camp is a good thing, as it removes any potential distractions. My biggest question, now that Duren’s role is secure, is whether or not he’ll play more than 28.2 minutes per game. The expectation is that he will, but in any of his four seasons, he’s yet to play more than 29 minutes per game.

We know that we’re going to get a double-double from Duren, but the question is how much higher does his production go than 20/10? He’s not going to be a source of blocked shots, but his 65% field goal percentage can be an asset, while his 74.7% free throw percentage could be worse for a center.

Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers

During their gap year, the Pacers traded for Zubac. It was a move done with a clear eye on this season, and now we get to see the results of that. Pairing Zubac with the returning Tyrese Haliburton should work perfectly on the pick-and-roll.

Zubac himself is healthy, as he played in just five games following the trade due to a rib injury. The good news is that he’s had training camp to acclimate himself to his teammates, and he appears to be settling in just fine. In each of the last two seasons, Zubac averaged a double-double. There’s no reason why he can’t do that for the third straight season. You’ll have to look for blocked shots elsewhere. However, Zubac could be in for a career year as he’s expanded his shooting range. There’s also the possibility that he slides off some radars after playing in just 48 games last season.

When you get done here, make sure to check out our full 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!