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More often than not, in the NBA, one would expect players who play the center position to stand at least 6’10, given that they anchor the defense and provide some inside presence on both ends of the floor. However in the modern NBA game, small ball lineups are getting more and more common, especially if teams want to put more premium on speed and three point shooting. Because of this, we see various players, 6’9 and under, play the center position.
Although some people would think that having an undersized center would bring a lot of disadvantages, there is no doubt that some undersized big men have proved that they can thrive against bigger and bulkier centers in the league. Despite losing a lot of size or playing out of their natural position, these guys rose to the challenge. For this piece, let’s take a look at some of these undersized players today who have done a great job in manning the center position for their teams, whenever a small-ball lineup is deployed.
Honorable Mention
A player who barely made this list of best undersized NBA big men is current Boston Celtics big man Tristan Thompson, who is a walking double-double that stands at 6’9.
5. Daniel Theis
Height: 6’8
Unlike other players in this list, who have to play out of their position, Theis naturally takes care of the starting center position for the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics under the watch of Brad Stevens, the team has emerged to become a legitimate playoff contender given that its players possess a lot of versatility which heightens Theis’ presence on the court.
According to Bleacher Report, Brad Stevens said “Theis knows how to play at both ends of the court.”
Despite giving up a lot of size, the German center has made his presence felt for the Boston Celtics with his contributions on defense, ability to set screens for his teammates, and even space the floor from rainbow country. Theis had the best season of his career last season, averaging 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. And so far, it is looking like he is about to follow that up with another great NBA season.
4. Montrezl Harrell
Height: 6’7
Montrezl Harrell had a great year with the Los Angeles Clippers last season which is why he is currently the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. Although Harrell had a mediocre performance in the playoffs last year that led to the Clippers’ disappointing exit in the Western Conference Semifinals, Harrell has proved to everyone that he can make a huge impact off the bench at the center position.
Harrell’s speed, strength, and athleticism makes him a dangerous player especially during pick-and-roll situations. With Lou Williams around during his stint with the Clippers, Harrell easily flourished by cutting to the basket and capitalizing off of offensive rebounds. Although his defensive ability against taller centers raises questions, especially after how Jokic dominated him in the postseason, his offensive arsenal made him one of the most valuable free agency pickups by the defending champs especially after the departures of Javale McGee and Dwight Howard.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, Harrell has provided some hustle and energy by gobbling up the offensive boards and adding some scoring in the paint off the bench. Furthermore, he has also provided productive minutes while James and Davis takes a relief in the bench. With LeBron James and Dennis Schröder around, the newly acquired Lakers center will definitely enjoy being the receiving end of their timely passes during pick-and-roll situations. In just 19 games so far into the season, Harrell has averaged 13.0 points and 6.7 rebounds off the bench in only 24 minutes of action. As a result, he places fourth on this list of best undersized NBA big men.
3. Paul Millsap
Height: 6’7
When it comes to the conversation about the best undersized big men, it is hard to leave out Paul Millsap especially when he has four NBA All-Star distinctions. Although Millsap played more at the power forward position, he did have days with the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets where he played center during small-ball situations.
During the 2015-2016 season, the lineups with Millsap at center accumulated a respectable defensive rating of 96.6. In the following season, the Hawks lineups featuring the 6’7 big man at center posted a 3.6 positive net rating.
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With Millsap’s defensive awareness, ability to stretch the floor, and mobility on the court, he is no question one of the most underrated big men in the league. His versatility and veteran experience are great assets to the young Denver Nuggets team that is aiming to follow up their historical playoff performance last year with a championship this season.
2. Draymond Green
Height: 6’6
There is a good reason why the Golden State Warriors have won three NBA championships in the past decade and a part of that is Draymond Green. Green has been significant alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and even Kevin Durant. With his playmaking and defense, these stars certainly received a lot of open looks that certainly made the Warriors a feared team in this era. Furthermore, he also makes up for his lack of size with his brute strength when it comes to defending taller centers around the league.
Of course, Green eventually played as an undersized center when the Warriors rolled out the “Death Lineup” during their championship runs. With Green anchoring the center position, the Warriors may have reduced their size but in return, opposing teams just couldn’t keep up with their pace.
Although now that the Warriors are without Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson (torn-achilles injury), the Warriors have struggled to become part of championship relevancy since 2019. However, the team still does manage to stay competitive using a less star-studded “Death Lineup” that still features Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at center.
According to NBC Sports, Steve Kerr admits that Green can definitely makes an impact at the center position as the NBA coach said “When Draymond is in the middle of our offense, as the fulcrum, he’s going to generate a lot of offense. So he’s difficult to handle out there.”
With Green’s effectivity and production at center, there is no question that he should take the second spot of this list. He is indeed one of the most elite undersized big men in the league today.
1. Bam Adebayo
Height: 6’9
At 6’9, Bam Adebayo may be quite undersized at the center position. However, his emergence certainly proved that he is arguably a top five center in the league today. As a full time small ball center for the Miami Heat, Adebayo helped the team make a Finals appearance last season. In the process, Adebayo would make the iconic game-saving block against Jayson Tatum’s dunk in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bam has developed into a versatile center that can defend multiple positions from point guard to center. Aside from his production on defense, Adebayo has also made a mark on offense for Miami. His ability to handle the ball and to make plays for his teammates were just as integral in the Heat’s success last season. Adebayo averaged 20.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.5 dimes per game. In fact at just 23 years of age, he has also garnered one All-Star appearance and one All-Defensive Team selection.
Furthermore, Adebayo has been one of the reasons why the traditional center is getting obsolete. The 6’9 center may defend the paint like a traditional center, but he can also move as mobile as a solid forward. With the rise of Bam Adebayo, there is no question he is the best undersized big man in the NBA today.
