Notable centers currently playing include Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, Ben Wallace, Dikembe Mutombo, Vlade Divac and, in Europe, Arvydas Sabonis. Great centers of the past include George Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, David Robinson, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing.

On some occasions, teams will choose to use a three guard offense, replacing one of the forwards or the center with a third guard.