Top 5 Greatest Centers in NBA history

NBA centers have ruled for generations and the position still remain one of the most important in the game. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and David Robinson, to the modern-day players Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis, the big men are the backbone of the team.

While big men dominated in the 1960s to almost ‘90s, they had a great platform for themselves. Here is a take on the Top 5 NBA centers of All-Time. This list compromises of players based on their longevity and their dominance in particular eras in the NBA.

Here’s all about the greatest centers in NBA over the years. Check the list of the greatest big men who ruled the league in their prime time.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon

The Hakeem Olajuwon show can never be left when we talk of Top 5 Centers of All-Time. A groundbreaker in terms of bringing footwork and agility to post play, Olajuwon dominated the NBA like few others.

The first of Houston Rockets’ two back-to-back championships was particularly memorable, because Hakeem was essentially the Rockets’ lone star, surrounded by a clutch of quality role players. There haven’t been many NBA champions over the years featuring this sort of one-star construction.

Marking his debut with the Rockets, he turned out to be a club legend. His 17-year tenure with the team made him a living legend. Olajuwon’s path to glory is truly amazing. He arrived in Houston for college with one developed skill: The ability to play volleyball with opponents’ shots. Three decades later, All-Star-caliber players go to Hakeem to learn the fundamentals of post play. His sensational career ended with 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG and .512 FG%, testament of his enduring consistency.

Achievements:

• 1-time MVP
• 2-time NBA Champion
• 2-time NBA finals MVP
• 2-time Defensive Player of the Year
• 12-time All-Star
• 12-time All NBA selection
• 9-time All-Defense selection
• Hall of Fame

4. Shaquille O’Neal

When we talk of the greatest centers in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal can never be left behind. Making his way to Top 5 Centers of All-Time, Shaq had been one of the most beloved big men to have played in the league.

Known as the pillar on defense and giant on offense, Shaq had been the best center of his generation and possibly the last great center in Los Angeles Lakers’ history. His sheer size and strength overwhelmed opponents, but he also had a deft touch around the rim and carried the Lakers to three straight NBA titles.

Surprisingly nimble and athletic, he is arguably the biggest, most powerful force the game has ever known. He won four Championship titles, and some think he still underachieved. That’s how good he was. The giant Shaquille O’Neal had his honors lined up. He finished his career with 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG and .582 FG%, while winning three Finals MVP and the NBA MVP among his individual accolades.

Achievements:

• 1-time MVP
• 2-time NBA champion
• 3-time Finals MVP
• 15-time All-Star
• 14-time ALL NBA selection
• 3-time All-Defense
• Rookie of the Year

3. Wilt Chamberlain

The Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain definitely makes his way to the Top 5 Centers of All-Time. He won his first Championship with the Philadelphia 76ers and he became one of the premier stars of the league.

As he ended up at the LA Lakers, the 6-year span made him one of the greatest. In the paint, Wilt was a real-life superman. With extreme aggressive plays and spontaneous dominations, he had his unique style of play.

Statistically, Chamberlain is among the most dominant individuals in the history of American sports. He set records that no one will ever come close to breaking and was the fastest player to have scored over 10,000 career points in the NBA. Wilt averaged 47.6 points over a two-season period and grabbed 20 or more boards per game for 12 consecutive seasons. He ended his career with 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG and .540 FG%.

Achievements:

• 4-time MVP
• 2-time NBA Champion
• Finals MVP
• 13-time All-Star
• 10-time All-NBA selection
• 2-time All-Defense selection
• Rookie of the Year
• Hall of Fame

2. Bill Russell

When it comes to big men in NBA, Bill Russell can never be forgotten. Known as the strongest player in NBA, Bill ran the show for the Boston Celtics in his prime.

Playing 13-years for the Celtics, Bill Russell achieved a lot in the short span of time. In an era where centers played their part, Russ was a major backbone for the Celtics. He is an All-Time great with a staggering 11 NBA Championship titles to his name.

Bill Russell was the cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty and holds the record of playing the most finals in NBA history. The Hall of famer finished his career with 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG and .440 FG% as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

Achievements:

• 5-time MVP
• 11-time NBA Champion
• 12-time All-Star
• 11-tiem All NBA selection
• All-Defense selection
• Hall of Fame

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

One of the greatest centers in the history of NBA is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Starting his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Jabbar was one of the finest big men of his time. Moving to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, he made history in the league.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar amassed more honors than any other player in the big man category. His sky hook was the most unstoppable shot in NBA history. And he could play defense, pass and hit his free throws, too.

No player in NBA history has combined peak value with longevity as well as Abdul-Jabbar did. It’s incredible to think Abdul-Jabbar won Finals MVPs 14 years apart. The Hall of Famer ended his career with 24.6 PPG, 11,2 RPG, 1.6 BPG and .599 FG% whilst winning a staggering six NBA Championships in the league.

Achievements:

• 6-time MVP
• 6-time NBA Champion
• 2-time Finals MVP
• 19-tiem All-Star
• 15-time All-Star NBA selection
• 10-time All-defense selection
• Rookie of the Year
• Hall of Fame

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