Best NBA Centers of All Time - Top 10 Updated 2023
by Krishika M
Updated Mar 27, 2023
Best NBA Centers of All Time
All-Time #NBArank is a comprehensive ranking of the greatest players in NBA history, created by a panel of ESPN experts. The ranking is based on head-to-head matchups and takes into account both peak performance and career value. To create the ranking, the experts voted on a ballot of the 150 greatest players ever, resulting in the All-Time NBA Top 100.
As part of the All-Time #NBArank, ESPN is presenting a countdown of the top 10 players for each position. The latest installment is a list of the top 10 centers in NBA history. The experts have debated and voted on the greatest giants of the game, considering their individual skills, accomplishments, and impact on the sport.
The All-Time #NBArank is a highly anticipated event for basketball fans, as it provides a comprehensive look at the greatest players to ever grace the court. The ranking highlights the best of the best in NBA history, showcasing the legends who have made the most significant contributions to the sport. With the rollout of the Top 100 beginning soon, fans can look forward to a thrilling and informative look at the greatest players in NBA history.
Top 10 NBA Centers of All Time
Here is the top 10 NBA centers of all time:
1
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2
Wilt Chamberlain
3
Bill Russell
4
Shaquille O'Neal
5
Hakeem Olajuwon
6
Moses Malone
7
David Robinson
8
Patrick Ewing
9
George Mikan
10
Bill Walton
S.No.
NBA Centers
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City, he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after converting to Islam in 1971. Abdul-Jabbar played college basketball at UCLA, where he was a three-time NCAA champion and a three-time national player of the year. He then went on to play 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and setting numerous records, including the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points.
Throughout his career, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his signature skyhook shot, which was nearly impossible to block due to its high release point. He was also known for his consistent dominance on the court, as he was named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times and the NBA All-Defensive Team 11 times. After retiring from basketball in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar has become an author, cultural commentator, and social activist. He has written several books, including "Giant Steps" and "Becoming Kareem," and has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues, particularly in the areas of race relations and education.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain played college basketball at the University of Kansas before going on to play 14 seasons in the NBA for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, Chamberlain set numerous records and accomplished numerous feats that have become legendary in the sport. He is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game, which he did on March 2, 1962, while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. He also holds the record for most points scored in a single season with 4,029, and he is the all-time leading rebounder in NBA history with 23,924 rebounds.
Chamberlain was known for his incredible physical abilities, including his towering height (he was 7 feet 1 inch tall) and his incredible strength and athleticism. He was a dominant scorer and rebounder, and he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player four times and was selected to the All-NBA First Team seven times. After retiring from basketball in 1973, Chamberlain remained involved in the sport as a coach, broadcaster, and analyst. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, and he passed away on October 12, 1999, at the age of 63.
3. Bill Russell
Bill Russell is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on February 12, 1934, in West Monroe, Louisiana, Russell played college basketball at the University of San Francisco before going on to play 13 seasons in the NBA for the Boston Celtics. Russell was known for his incredible defensive abilities, as he was a dominant shot-blocker and rebounder. He won five NBA Most Valuable Player awards and was selected to the All-NBA First Team five times. He was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, making him one of the most successful players in NBA history.
In addition to his success on the court, Russell was also known for his social activism and leadership. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and was involved in several key moments in the movement, including the March on Washington in 1963. He also served as a player-coach for the Boston Celtics, becoming the first African American head coach in NBA history. After retiring from basketball in 1969, Russell remained involved in the sport as a coach, broadcaster, and analyst. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
4. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, O'Neal played college basketball at Louisiana State University before going on to play 19 seasons in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. Throughout his career, O'Neal was known for his incredible size and strength, as he stood 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighed over 300 pounds. He was a dominant scorer and rebounder, and he won four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. He was also named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2000 and was selected to the All-NBA First Team 8 times.
In addition to his success on the court, O'Neal was also known for his charismatic personality and his work in entertainment and media. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows and has released several rap albums. He has also worked as an analyst and commentator for various sports media outlets. Since retiring from basketball in 2011, O'Neal has remained involved in the sport as an analyst and commentator. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including owning several franchises of restaurant chains and investing in technology startups.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon played college basketball at the University of Houston before going on to play 18 seasons in the NBA for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. Throughout his career, Olajuwon was known for his incredible footwork, agility, and defensive abilities, as well as his versatility as a scorer and rebounder. He won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1994. He was also selected to the All-NBA First Team six times, and he remains the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots with 3,830.
Olajuwon was also known for his international basketball success, as he represented Nigeria in the 1996 Summer Olympics and led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. He is one of only four players in NBA history to record a quadruple-double (achieving double-digit totals in points, rebounds, assists, and blocked shots in a single game). After retiring from basketball in 2002, Olajuwon has remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has worked with numerous NBA players on their post moves and footwork, and he has also coached the Nigerian national basketball team. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
6. Moses Malone
Moses Malone was an American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, Malone played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 21 seasons. Malone was known for his incredible rebounding abilities and his scoring prowess. He won three NBA Most Valuable Player awards and was named to the All-NBA First Team four times. He also won an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983, and he was a 12-time NBA All-Star.
Malone's career began in the ABA, where he played for the Utah Stars and the St. Louis Spirits before moving to the NBA. He played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Atlanta Hawks. He remains one of only three players in NBA history to record over 27,000 points and 17,000 rebounds in their career, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. Off the court, Malone was known for his work with charitable organizations and his commitment to helping underprivileged children. He established the Moses Malone Foundation to support education and sports programs for children in his hometown of Petersburg, Virginia. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 60.
7. David Robinson
David Robinson is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on August 6, 1965, in Key West, Florida, Robinson played college basketball at the United States Naval Academy before going on to play 14 seasons in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs. Throughout his career, Robinson was known for his athleticism, versatility, and defensive abilities. He won two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1995. He was also selected to the All-NBA First Team four times, and he won two Olympic gold medals with the United States national team in 1992 and 1996.
Robinson was also known for his off-the-court accomplishments, including his service in the United States Navy and his philanthropic work. He was named the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award winner in 2003 in recognition of his contributions to the San Antonio community. Since retiring from basketball in 2003, Robinson has remained involved in the sport as a mentor and an advocate for education. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Admiral Center, which provides educational and leadership training for young people. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
8. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing is a retired Jamaican-American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on August 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, Ewing played college basketball at Georgetown University before going on to play 17 seasons in the NBA for the New York Knicks, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Orlando Magic. Throughout his career, Ewing was known for his dominance on both ends of the court, as well as his versatility as a scorer and defender. He was a 11-time NBA All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1990. He also won two Olympic gold medals with the United States national team in 1984 and 1992.
Ewing was particularly known for his success with the New York Knicks, where he played for 15 seasons and established himself as one of the franchise's all-time greats. He helped lead the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999, and he remains the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. After retiring from basketball in 2002, Ewing remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Orlando Magic, the Houston Rockets, and the Charlotte Hornets. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
9. George Mikan
George Mikan was an American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the early years of the sport. Born on June 18, 1924, in Joliet, Illinois, Mikan played for DePaul University before going on to play professionally in the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the National Basketball Association (NBA). Throughout his career, Mikan was known for his dominant play as a center, and he helped to revolutionize the game by popularizing the use of the shot clock. He won seven NBL, BAA, and NBA championships, and he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1949.
Mikan's dominance was a key factor in the success of the Minneapolis Lakers, for whom he played for nine seasons. He was a five-time NBA All-Star, and he led the league in scoring three times. He was also known for his pioneering role in player negotiations, and he helped establish the first players' union in the NBA. After retiring from basketball in 1956, Mikan remained involved in the sport as a coach and executive. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, and the NBA named him one of the 50 greatest players in league history in 1996. Mikan passed away in 2005 at the age of 80.
10. Bill Walton
Bill Walton is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, Walton played college basketball at UCLA before going on to play 13 seasons in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Throughout his career, Walton was known for his exceptional skill as a center, as well as his intelligence and team-oriented play. He won two NBA championships, one with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and one with the Boston Celtics in 1986. He was also named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1978.
Walton was particularly known for his success with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for five seasons and helped lead the team to their first and only NBA championship. He was also a two-time NCAA national champion with UCLA, and he remains one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. After retiring from basketball in 1990, Walton remained involved in the sport as a commentator, analyst, and broadcaster. He has also been an advocate for various social and environmental causes, and he has been honored for his contributions to the sport and to society. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Best Centers in NBA History
The center position in basketball is considered one of the most important positions on the court. Centers are typically the tallest and strongest players on the team, and they are responsible for controlling the paint area, rebounding the ball, and scoring in close range. Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been many great centers who have dominated the league with their size, skill, and athleticism.
The best centers in NBA history are typically known for their ability to score points, grab rebounds, block shots, and play defense. They are also known for their leadership, work ethic, and ability to make their teammates better. Many of the greatest centers in NBA history have won multiple championships, been named league MVPs, and set numerous records.
Some of the most well-known centers in NBA history include Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, George Mikan, and Bill Walton, among others. These players were dominant forces on the court and helped define the center position in basketball.
Who is the Best Center in the NBA?
Nikola Jokic is a professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He is 6-foot-11 and weighs 284 pounds, making him one of the largest players in the league. Throughout his career, Jokic has established himself as one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, known for his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities.
One of Jokic's most impressive achievements is his 76 triple-doubles in the NBA, which places him just three behind Wilt Chamberlain for the sixth-most triple-doubles in league history and the most by a center. A triple-double is achieved when a player accumulates double-digit numbers in three statistical categories (typically points, rebounds, and assists) in a single game. This is a rare feat and requires a high level of skill and versatility, which Jokic has demonstrated consistently throughout his career.
Jokic's ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game has made him a valuable asset to his team and has helped elevate his status as one of the top centers in the league. His size and strength, combined with his skills as a playmaker and scorer, make him a difficult matchup for any opponent. As Jokic continues to set records and establish himself as one of the best centers in NBA history, he is sure to remain a dominant force in the league for years to come.
Top NBA Centers 2021
Here is the list of the top NBA centers 2021:
S.No.
NBA Centers
1
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
2
Joel Embiid, 76ers
3
Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves
4
Rudy Gobert, Jazz
5
Bam Adebayo, Heat
6
Nikola Vucevic, Bulls
7
Deandre Ayton, Suns
8
Clint Capela, Hawks
9
Myles Turner, Pacers
10
Jusuf Nurkic, Trail Blazers
Greatest NBA Centers of All Time
The NBA has had many great centers throughout its history, but some stand out as the greatest of all time. Here are some of the top NBA centers of all time:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Known for his iconic skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and won six NBA championships and six MVP awards during his career.
Wilt Chamberlain - Chamberlain is one of the most dominant players in NBA history, holding numerous records including the most points scored in a game (100). He won two NBA championships and four MVP awards.
Bill Russell - Russell won an astounding 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and is considered one of the greatest defenders and rebounders of all time. He also won five MVP awards.
Shaquille O'Neal - Known for his size and strength, O'Neal won four NBA championships and three Finals MVP awards during his career. He was also named league MVP in 2000.
Hakeem Olajuwon - Olajuwon is known for his incredible footwork and skill in the post. He won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets and was named league MVP in 1994.
Moses Malone - Malone was a dominant force in the paint, known for his rebounding and scoring abilities. He won three MVP awards during his career and helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a championship in 1983.
David Robinson - Robinson was a versatile center known for his athleticism and defensive abilities. He won two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was named league MVP in 1995.
Patrick Ewing - Ewing was a prolific scorer and one of the best defensive centers of his time. He helped lead the New York Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances and was named to 11 All-Star teams.
George Mikan - Mikan was a dominant center in the early days of the NBA, helping to establish the position as a key part of the game. He won five championships and was a four-time All-Star.
These are just a few of the greatest NBA centers of all time, each known for their unique skills and contributions to the sport.
Standing Tall: Celebrating the Legacy of the Best Centers in NBA History
"Standing Tall: Celebrating the Legacy of the Best Centers in NBA History" is a tribute to the most dominant players to ever play the center position in the NBA. Centers have always been the backbone of the game of basketball, and this article takes a retrospective look at some of the most iconic players to have played this position.
The article celebrates the legacy of these towering players who have contributed to the sport in innumerable ways. The centers have always been the dominant forces in the game, whether it was George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, or other legendary players. They have contributed to the growth and development of basketball by setting new benchmarks and breaking records, becoming role models for future generations of players.
The article also examines the various skills that have made centers so unique and impactful. Their size and physicality have allowed them to dominate the paint, control the boards, and score points with ease. They have also played a significant role on the defensive end, intimidating their opponents with their shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. The article also takes a look at the evolution of the center position and how it has changed over time. It highlights the contributions of modern-day centers such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, who have added new dimensions to the game.
The Art of the Post Game: Analyzing the Role of Centers in NBA Offense
"The Art of the Post Game: Analyzing the Role of Centers in NBA Offense" takes a closer look at the unique skills and abilities that make centers such dominant forces in the NBA's offensive game. At the heart of a center's game is their ability to score in the post. Centers have traditionally been known for their size, strength, and physicality, which allows them to overpower their defenders and score from close range. They also possess a variety of moves and techniques to create space and get off shots from difficult angles, such as the hook shot, drop step, and turnaround jumper. Centers must be able to position themselves effectively on the court to receive the ball, read the defense, and make quick decisions about where to move and how to attack. In addition to scoring in the post, centers also play a critical role in creating opportunities for their teammates. They can draw double-teams, which opens up passing lanes and allows them to kick the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter. They can also set screens and roll to the basket, creating opportunities for pick-and-roll plays and alley-oops.
Modern centers, such as Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, have expanded their game beyond the post, adding a perimeter game to their arsenal. They can shoot from distance, handle the ball, and initiate the offense, making them even more valuable to their teams.
Best NBA Centers of All Time - FAQs
Centers have a variety of moves they can use to score in the post, including the hook shot, drop step, and turnaround jumper. They can also use their size and strength to power their way to the basket and finish with a dunk or layup.
Centers can draw double-teams in the post, which opens up passing lanes and allows them to kick the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter. They can also set screens and roll to the basket, creating opportunities for pick-and-roll plays and alley-oops.
Modern centers have expanded their game beyond the post, adding a perimeter game to their arsenal. They can shoot from distance, handle the ball, and initiate the offense, making them even more valuable to their teams.
Centers must have good footwork, balance, and timing in order to score in the post. They also need to be able to read the defense and make quick decisions about where to move and how to attack.
Some of the greatest post players in NBA history include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Tim Duncan. These players were dominant forces in the post and helped lead their teams to multiple championships.