The center position has long been a cornerstone of basketball, although the modern game is largely moving away from post-dominant centers, there are plenty of tall-trees throughout history who have stamped their mark on the paint.
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Best NBA Centers In History
Here’s a look at the top 10 NBA centers of all time, considering their scoring, rebounding, blocking, and playmaking abilities.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Career Stats:
- Points per Game (PPG): 24.6
- Rebounds per Game (RPG): 11.2
- Blocks per Game: 2.6
- Assists per Game: 3.6
- Games: 1,560
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s second leading scorer in history with 38,387 points, a record that stood for decades until it was broken by LeBron James.
His signature skyhook shot was nearly impossible to defend.
Over his 20-year career, Kareem won six NBA MVP awards and six NBA championships, showcasing not only scoring ability but also dominance on the boards and defense.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Career Stats:
- PPG: 30.1
- RPG: 22.9
- Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
- Assists per Game: 4.4
- Games: 1,045
Wilt Chamberlain was a physical specimin who absolutely dominated the NBA like no other.
Known for his 100-point game, Chamberlain was a scoring and rebounding machine, averaging over 30 points and 20 rebounds per game.
Though official block stats were not recorded during his era, his shot-blocking ability was legendary. Wilt’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him unstoppable.
3. Bill Russell
Career Stats:
- PPG: 15.1
- RPG: 22.5
- Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
- Assists per Game: 4.3
- Games: 963
Bill Russell is synonymous with winning, having led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons.
Russell was the ultimate defensive anchor, known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and leadership.
While not a big scorer, his impact on the game was immeasurable, particularly in terms of altering shots and controlling the glass.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Career Stats:
- PPG: 23.7
- RPG: 10.9
- Blocks per Game: 2.3
- Assists per Game: 2.5
- Games: 1,207
Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen.
With his massive size and agility, the big Diesel was nearly impossible to stop in the paint at his peak years’ at Orland, the LA Lakers and Miami.
He led the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002 and won an additional title with the Miami Heat.
His overpowering physicality made him a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Career Stats:
- PPG: 21.8
- RPG: 11.1
- Blocks per Game: 3.1
- Assists per Game: 2.5
- Games: 1,238
Hakeem Olajuwon, known as “The Dream,” was a master of footwork and finesse in the post.
He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and his “Dream Shake” move remains one of the most effective post moves in basketball history.
His ability to block shots, rebound, and score made him one of the most complete centers ever.
6. David Robinson
Career Stats:
- PPG: 21.1
- RPG: 10.6
- Blocks per Game: 3.0
- Assists per Game: 2.5
- Games: 987
David Robinson, also known as “The Admiral,” for his time in the Navy, was an athletic and versatile center for the San Antonio Spurs.
Robinson was an NBA scoring champion, won two NBA championships and was named MVP of the league in 1995.
He was known for his incredible defensive presence, shot-blocking, and scoring ability.
Robinson was one of the most well-rounded centers, and also possessed some of the biggest arms in NBA history.
7. Patrick Ewing
Career Stats:
- PPG: 21.0
- RPG: 9.8
- Blocks per Game: 2.4
- Assists per Game: 2.0
- Games: 1,183
Patrick Ewing was the cornerstone of the New York Knicks throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
A dominant scorer and rebounder, Ewing’s shot-blocking ability made him a feared defender.
Though he never won an NBA championship, Ewing’s impact on the game and his role in making the Knicks a perennial contender are undeniable.
8. Moses Malone
Career Stats:
- PPG: 20.3
- RPG: 12.3
- Blocks per Game: 1.3
- Assists per Game: 1.3
- Games: 1,329
Moses Malone was a relentless rebounder and a scoring machine in the post.
He won three MVP awards and led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983.
Known for his work ethic and physicality, Malone was a force on the boards and a consistent scoring threat.
9. George Mikan
Career Stats:
- PPG: 23.1
- RPG: 13.4
- Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
- Assists per Game: 2.8
- Games: 520
George Mikan was the NBA’s first true superstar, dominating the league in its early years.
Playing for the Minneapolis Lakers, Mikan led his team to five championships in six seasons.
He was known for his scoring ability and rebounding, and he helped make the center position a critical part of basketball.
10. Willis Reed
Career Stats:
- PPG: 18.7
- RPG: 12.9
- Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
- Assists per Game: 1.8
- Games: 650
Willis Reed is best known for his inspiring leadership and clutch performances with the New York Knicks.
He led the Knicks to two NBA championships and was named Finals MVP both times.
Reed was a strong scorer and rebounder, and his toughness and ability to perform under pressure made him a Knicks legend.
Best NBA Centers Statistics Comparisons
This table compiles our stats from the players above into a digestible way to study just how each player’s stats stand up against each other.
| Player | PPG | RPG | BPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 24.6 | 11.2 | 2.6 | 3.6 |
| 2. Wilt Chamberlain | 30.1 | 22.9 | – | 4.4 |
| 3. Bill Russell | 15.1 | 22.5 | – | 4.3 |
| 4. Shaquille O’Neal | 23.7 | 10.9 | 2.3 | 2.5 |
| 5. Hakeem Olajuwon | 21.8 | 11.1 | 3.1 | 2.5 |
| 6. David Robinson | 21.1 | 10.6 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| 7. Patrick Ewing | 21.0 | 9.8 | 2.4 | 2.0 |
| 8. Moses Malone | 20.3 | 12.3 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| 9. George Mikan | 23.1 | 13.4 | – | 2.8 |
| 10. Willis Reed | 18.7 | 12.9 | – | 1.8 |
The center position in the NBA has been home to some of the most dominant players in the league’s history.
From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook to Shaquille O’Neal’s awesome physicality, these centers have left a mark on the game. These big boys, whti there ability to score, rebound, block shots, and assist makes them legends of the game who will never be forgotten.
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