From Skyhooks To Dunks: Ranking The 10 Best NBA Centers Of All Time
The history of the NBA is abundant with towering figures who have dominated the league, but when it comes to the center position, certain names stand out above the rest. In this article, we will delve into the careers of the 10 best NBA centers of all time, examining their accomplishments, stats, and what made them exceptional players. From the powerful scoring of Willis Reed to the unmatched defensive prowess of Bill Russell, each center has left a significant mark on the game.
Best NBA Centers Of All Time Ranked
#10. Willis Reed
Willis Reed, a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Champion with the New York Knicks, earns his place on this list. As a seven-time All-Star, Reed was known for his leadership and scoring ability, averaging 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game over his illustrious career. Reed, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also won an MVP award and earned All-NBA team honors five times, solidifying his place amongst best NBA centers of all time.
#9. George Mikan
George Mikan, a pioneer in the early days of the NBA, dominated the league with the Minneapolis Lakers. A five-time NBA/BAA Champion, Mikan was a four-time All-Star and a three-time scoring champion, showcasing his offensive prowess and the ability to work the boards. Mikan, a Hall of Famer and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA/BAA team honors six times, solidifying his status in the conversation for best NBA centers of all time.
#8. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing, the legendary Hall of Fame New York Knicks center, boasted an impressive career with 11 All-Star appearances and two NBA Finals appearances. Ewing is renowned for his scoring ability, amassing 24,815 points and 11,607 rebounds throughout his career. Ewing a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA team honors seven times, firmly establishing himself as one of the all-time great NBA centers.
#7. David Robinson
David Robinson, a two-time NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs, was a force on both ends of the court. A 10-time All-Star, Robinson was also a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a scoring champ. This Hall of Famer and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA team honors 10 times, solidifying his status amongst the group of best NBA centers of all time.
#6. Moses Malone
Moses Malone, a thirteen time All-star and Hall of Famer, made an impact with multiple teams in the NBA. A dominant force in the paint, Malone secured three NBA MVP awards, an NBA championship and led the league in rebounding six times. Malone a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA team honors eight times, securing his spot within the group of best NBA centers of all time.
#5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon, a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Champion with the Houston Rockets, combined finesse, skill and power in his game. An MVP and twelve-time All-Star, Olajuwon was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his versatility. He was also a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, earned All-NBA team honors twelve times while leaving a lasting impression within the group of best NBA centers of all time.
#4. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain, a statistical marvel, was a dominant force in his era. As a thirteen-time NBA All-Star, four-time MVP, seven-time scoring leader and two-time NBA Champion, Chamberlain holds numerous records, including his famous 100-point game. Chamberlain, a Hall of Famer and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA team honors ten times, making it easy to see why he belongs within this group of best NBA centers of all time.
#3. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, a force of nature on the court, had a storied career with multiple NBA teams. A 15-time All-Star, two-time scoring leader, MVP winner and four-time NBA Champion, Shaq’s combination of size and agility made him nearly unstoppable. This Hall of Famer and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, also earned All-NBA team honors fourteen times, making it clear why he’s included within the group of best NBA centers of all time.
#2. Bill Russell
Bill Russell, Hall of Famer, a pioneer and winner of 11 NBA Championships, is considered one of the greatest winners in sports history. A five-time MVP, Russell anchored the Boston Celtics’ defense, earning him a reputation as one of the most dominant centers ever. Russell, also a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, earned All-NBA team honors eleven times, demonstrating why he is deserving of this distinction within the group of best NBA centers of all time.
#1. Who was the best NBA center ever? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The title of the best NBA center ever is highly subjective and often sparks intense debate among basketball fans and experts. However, one name consistently rises to the top of such discussions: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game transcends statistics, although his numbers are undoubtedly remarkable. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Abdul-Jabbar possessed an unparalleled scoring ability, epitomized by his unstoppable skyhook shot. His career spanned an incredible 20 seasons, during which he achieved numerous accolades that solidify his claim to greatness.
Abdul-Jabbar’s list of accomplishments is staggering: six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), six-time NBA Champion (including one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers), 19-time NBA All-Star, and 15-time All-NBA Team selection. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record that still stands today. Additionally, he was a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a member of the NBA All-Defensive Team 11 times.
Beyond his individual achievements, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game’s culture and style cannot be overstated. He popularized the skyhook, a virtually unguardable shot, and demonstrated the importance of skill and finesse for players of his size. Moreover, his leadership and advocacy for social justice have left a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
While there are many other centers who have left an indelible mark on NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s combination of longevity, dominance, and influence cements his status as the best NBA center ever in the eyes of many basketball aficionados. His impact on the game transcends generations and serves as a standard by which all future centers are measured.
Transitioning to the Present – Who is the best all-around center in the NBA today?
As we pivot from the storied history of the greatest NBA centers of all time, we find ourselves immersed in the present, where the game continues to evolve. The question that emerges is: Who is the best all-around center in the NBA today? In exploring the talents of two prominent figures, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, we witness how the legacy of past legends influences the game’s current landscape.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, the versatile center for the Denver Nuggets, has not only redefined the center position but has also become the reigning MVP, showcasing his impact on the game. His unique blend of skills, including exceptional passing for a big man, has garnered him comparisons to historical greats while simultaneously shaping a new archetype for modern centers. A testament to his brilliance on the court, Jokic’s accolades include multiple All-Star selections and an MVP title. His ability to control the game’s pace, score efficiently, and facilitate for teammates makes him a standout center in the contemporary NBA landscape.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, the towering force anchoring the Philadelphia 76ers, represents a return to the classic dominance of traditional big men. With a combination of power, finesse, and defensive prowess, Embiid has established himself as one of the most impactful players in the league. Embiid’s accolades, including multiple All-Star selections, reflect his consistent excellence. A two-way player, he not only excels in scoring but also influences the game defensively, making him a formidable presence in the paint. His impact on the court has rekindled discussions about the significance of dominant centers in the modern era.
Final Word
In reflecting on the best NBA centers of all time and considering the talents of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid, it becomes clear that the center position continues to evolve. The legacy of these players leaves an indelible mark on the history of the NBA, contributing to the ongoing narrative of greatness in the league. The best centers of all time have set the bar high, and the debate over who is the greatest will undoubtedly continue to captivate basketball enthusiasts for years to come.
