By Michalis Gioulenoglou / info@eurohoops.net
The center. The “five.” The big man. In recent years, the role of the center has undergone many changes. Small ball, undersized centers, and various other trends.
But the center hasn’t lost its value or the impact it can have on a team. Some teams still choose to have what we might call… dinosaurs on their rosters.
The best example is Olympiacos with Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall, as well as the presence of Edy Tavares at Real Madrid.
Eurohoops begins its countdown of the top trios by position after the conclusion of the first part of the EuroLeague season.
And this season, the centers kick things off. Three choices for every preference. However, due to Mathias Lessort’s injury, the position will feature four players, with Devin Booker being the extra addition, as the unlucky Panathinaikos player will miss the rest of the EuroLeague regular season.
Walter Tavares
Real Madrid may have many problems, but the center from Cape Verde remains consistent and invaluable. After all, Real Madrid spent significant money this summer to keep him on their roster and Tavares (once MVP of the round) hasn’t disappointed.
This season, he averages 10.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 26:27 on the court (17.2 PIR). He leads the EuroLeague in total rebounds with 121 (80 defensive and 41 offensive).
At the same time, he ranks first in blocks with 26, with his former teammate Vincent Poirier (now with Efes) close behind with 23 blocks. He shoots 76.5% on two-pointers (75/98) and 68.3% from the free-throw line (28/41).
Real Madrid concluded the first part of the season with an 8-9 record, sitting in 12th place.
Mathias Lessort
When Mathias Lessort dominates the opposing paint, Panathinaikos (currently in 6th place with a 10-7 record) has nothing to fear.
At the end of the first part of the season, the French center was one of the most consistent players for the reigning European champions. However, a severe injury suffered in the game against Baskonia (a fractured fibula in his left leg) will sideline him for at least four months.
His stats show 14 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1 steal, and 0.8 blocks in 27:11 on the court (20.5 PIR). Lessort ranks third in total rebounds (106) but stands out in offensive rebounds with 40, as only Tyrique Jones (43) and Edy Tavares (41) have more.
The French center shoots 74.1% on two-pointers (86/116) and 60.9% from the free-throw line (56/92). He also has 0/2 from three-point range.
Nikola Milutinov
The Serbian center may have missed the start of the EuroLeague season due to injury. However, since his return, his impact on Olympiacos’ game has been dominant.
It’s no coincidence that when he returned, Olympiacos went on their longest winning streak of the season with six consecutive victories, during which he scored in double figures in every game, playing a leading role for Giorgos Bartzokas’ team.
Milutinov leads the EuroLeague in offensive rebounds per game, averaging 3.5 offensive boards per match. Olympiacos, currently tied for 3rd place with an 11-6 record, has greatly benefited from his presence.
Overall, Milutinov averages 9.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 21:19 per game (15.9 PIR). He shoots 59.6% on two-pointers (34/57) and 81.1% from the free-throw line (30/37).
Devin Booker
One of the most dominant centers in the EuroLeague during the first part of the season and a key pillar of Bayern Munich’s success so far. Bayern concluded the first part of the season in 4th place with an 11-6 record, tied with Monaco and Olympiacos.
Devin Booker, averaging 25:54 on the court, posts 15.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 steals.
At this moment, Booker ranks 12th in scoring for the EuroLeague season!