Who are the best centers in NBA history?

In the age of positionless basketball, it can be difficult to remember what a strong, back-to-the-basket center looks like.

11

The days when the biggest man on the court manhandled his smaller opponents, took them to the basket and beat them with ease.

These days, it seems like every formation should have a stretch five, as the game has become more of a shot-and-space equation and less of a brute-force bare-knuckle brawl.

This doesn’t mean that today’s gaming centers are unlike the centers of the past. There is actually a big man on this list who has become one of the game’s most dominant and influential players. NBA ever seen.

It looks different now.

For the purpose of this exercise, Tim Duncan is not listed as he is classified as a power forward.

Honorable Mentions: Dwight Howard, Dikembe Mutombo, Bob McAdoo, George Mikan, Robert Parish

Without further ado, we have compiled the top 10 centers in NBA history for you.

10. Bill Walton

Averages and awards: 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 blocks, two-time champion, 1978 MVP, two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive, 1986 6MOY

The late Walton was one of a kind, both on and off the field. Known for his enthusiastic personality, Walton was dominant when he stepped on the hardwood floor. He led the Portland Trailblazers to their only championship in franchise history.

Unfortunately, Walton’s career was marred by injury and everyone began to wonder how much he could have accomplished if he had stayed healthy.

11

9.Patrick Ewing

Averages and accolades: 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.4 blocks, 11-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive

Ewing led New York Knicks He achieved great success during his time with the iconic franchise. Unfortunately for him, he played in that era and conference. michael jordan played.

Ewing is the only player on the list without a championship.

11

8. Moses Malone

Averages and awards: 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 blocks, one-time champion, three-time MVP, 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, two-time All-Defensive

Malone was as dominant a player as he was in the 70s and 80s. Originally coming from the ABA, Malone dominated the Association alongside teammate Julius Erving.

At his peak, Malone averaged 26.8 points and 15.4 rebounds per game and led the Philadelphia 76’ers to their last championship in 1983 and three MVP awards.

Malone’s number retired by both parties Houston Rockets and the 76s.

11

7. David Robinson

Averages and accolades: 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.0 blocks, two-time champion, 1995 MVP, 10-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA, eight-time All-Defensive , 1992 DPOY

The Admiral was the big man in San Antonio before things calmed down.

Before there were Tim Duncans and Victor Wembanyamas, it was Robinson.

He led San Antonio to great success in the ’90s before winning two championships after Duncan was drafted, proving to be a perfect duo.

Robinson became the last player to record a quadruple-double on the road with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 blocks. Detroit Pistons In 1994.

11

6.Nikola Jokic

Averages and accolades (through 2023-24 season): 20.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 8.1 assists, one-time champion, three-time MVP, six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA

The only current player on this list, Jokic has proven to be the perfect modern-day big man. He can handle the ball, is considered the best passing big man of all time, and can score when necessary.

Jokic becomes the fourth player with the most triple-doubles ever Magic JohnsonOscar Robertson and current teammate Russell Westbrook.

He makes the game look effortless, and most importantly, he makes everyone around him infinitely better.

There’s a reason why the big man from Serbia has three MVPs and one Finals MVP in his trophy case.

Yes, he’s only 29, leaving him plenty of time to move up the list.

11

5. Hakeem Olajuwon

Averages and awards: 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.1 blocks, two-time champion, 1994 MVP, 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, nine-time All-Defensive , twice DPOY

Olajuwon patented ‘The Dream Shake’, one of the most unstoppable moves in league history.

He was a nightmare for both ends of the field.

When Jordan briefly retired in the mid-90s, it was Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets who stepped into the power vacuum, winning back-to-back championships and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest big men to ever do it.

11

4.Bill Russell

Averages and awards: 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 11-time champion, 5-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA

The ultimate winner.

If winning were the only criterion, Russell would be number one, and it wouldn’t be close.

Russell has eleven He has a world championship to his name, the most in NBA history, nearly doubling Jordan’s six titles.

He was as dominant as he was winning.

11

3. Shaquille O’Neal

Averages and awards: 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, four-time champion, 2000 MVP, 15-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, three-time All-Defensive

Big Diesel, Big Aristotle, Superman, call O’Neal whatever you want, just make sure you call him dominant.

Considered arguably the most physical force ever seen on an NBA floor, O’Neal entered the league and immediately demolished everyone in front of him.

But that didn’t mean he left the Orland Magic. Los Angeles LakersHe has risen to the upper echelon of the NBA’s best.

Paired next to a teenager Kobe BryantO’Neal and the Lakers rocked the NBA’s final three rounds, where the big man destroyed everything in his path.

11

2. Wilt Chamberlain

Averages and awards: 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, two-time champion, four-time MVP, 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA

If you really examine Chamberlain’s stats, you wouldn’t believe them.

You will have to do a double take.

Chamberlain put out flashy, video-game-like numbers.

Not to mention his legendary 100-point performance, if there was a scoring and rebounding record or list, Chamberlain’s name would probably be at or near the top.

The only blemish on Chamberlain’s career was losing seven of eight games to Russell in the play-offs.

11

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Averages and awards: 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, six-time champion, six-time MVP, 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA, 11-time All-Defensive

Regardless of his position, Abdul-Jabbar, considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time and ranked third at worst, is in a class of his own when it comes to centers.

His signature skyhook gave defenses nightmares as he dominated the league for the better part of two decades.

Not to mention, three straight NCAA Won championships at UCLA; it was so dominant here that skyhook actually had to be banned at the college level.

Abdul-Jabbar was the all-time leading scorer when he retired in 1989, and he recently surrendered his crown. LeBron James Last season.

Championships, MVPs, All-Star appearances, All-NBA appearances, there has never been anyone like the Captain and there will never be again.

11

There you have it.

The top 10 centers of all time.

A list full of men the size of a mountain.

As the game evolves and moves away from the traditional big man, this list is an important reminder of what the game used to be.