Top 10 NBA Centers of All-Time

By Edcel Panganiban February 19, 2024 21:26

Photo by: Ken Levine/Getty Images

The NBA has seen its fair share of dominant centers who have left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. From towering giants to skilled big men, the history of the NBA is filled with legendary centers who have shaped the league's landscape. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 NBA centers of all time, analyzing their impact, achievements, and contributions to the game.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Achievements: 6-time NBA champion, 6-time MVP, 19-time All-Star, NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook and dominant presence in the paint made him one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history. His longevity and sustained excellence place him at the top of this list. His impact on the game both on and off the court cements his legacy as one of the greatest centers of all time.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

Achievements: 2-time NBA champion, 4-time MVP, 13-time All-Star, 7 scoring titles, 11 rebounding titles.

Wilt Chamberlain's statistical dominance is unmatched, with records and achievements that may never be surpassed. His 100-point game and season averages of 50 points and 25 rebounds stand as testaments to his unparalleled physical abilities and basketball prowess.

3. Bill Russell

Achievements: 11-time NBA champion, 5-time MVP, 12-time All-Star, one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history.

Bill Russell's impact on the game goes beyond statistics. His defensive prowess and unparalleled success as a winner set him apart. Russell's ability to lead his team to 11 championships in 13 seasons is a testament to his greatness as a player and a leader.

4. Hakeem Olajuwon

Achievements: 2-time NBA champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 12-time All-Star, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Hakeem Olajuwon's footwork, shot-blocking ability, and scoring prowess in the post made him one of the most complete centers to ever play the game. His performance in the 1994 and 1995 NBA Finals solidified his status as one of the most dominant forces in NBA history.

5. Shaquille O'Neal

Achievements: 4-time NBA champion, 3-time Finals MVP, 15-time All-Star, one of the most dominant forces in NBA history.

Shaquille O'Neal's combination of size, strength, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His impact on the game during his prime years with the Lakers and Heat was nothing short of extraordinary.

6. David Robinson

Achievements: 2-time NBA champion, MVP, 10-time All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, scoring champion.

David Robinson's athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and scoring touch made him one of the most well-rounded centers of his era. His impact on both ends of the floor and his contributions to the Spurs' success cannot be overstated.

7. Patrick Ewing

Achievements: 11-time All-Star, one of the most dominant centers of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Patrick Ewing's impact on the game as a dominant force in the paint and his consistency as a scorer and rebounder make him one of the greatest centers in NBA history. His battles with other legendary centers defined an era of NBA basketball.

8. Moses Malone

Achievements: 3-time NBA MVP, NBA champion, 12-time All-Star, one of the greatest rebounders and post scorers in NBA history.

Moses Malone's relentless work on the boards and his scoring ability in the post made him one of the most dominant centers of his time. His impact on the game and his ability to carry teams with his scoring and rebounding cannot be overlooked.

9. George Mikan

Achievements: 5-time NBA champion, 3-time scoring champion, 4-time All-Star, one of the game's early dominant forces.

George Mikan's impact on the game during the NBA's early years cannot be overstated. His dominance as a scorer and rebounder set the standard for future generations of NBA centers.

10. Dwight Howard

Achievements: 8-time All-Star, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, one of the most dominant defensive forces of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Dwight Howard's shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and scoring in the paint made him one of the most impactful centers of the modern era. His impact on the defensive end of the floor and his consistency as a double-double machine earn him a spot on this list.

These centers have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball through their dominance, skill, and impact on their respective eras. Their contributions to the sport have solidified their places as some of the greatest players in NBA history.