20 greatest centers ever: The HoopsHype list

We have taken our HoopsHype 79 list and split it into five positions: point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers.

We wrap things up with the 20 greatest centers of all time in the NBA, in our opinion, led off by a GOAT candidate in his own right, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Top accolades: Six NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, six MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 19 All-Stars, five All-Defensive 1st Team selections

Regular season ranking: 2nd in points, 3rd in blocks and rebounds, 50th in assists, 112th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 2nd in blocks, 3rd in points, 6th in rebounds, 32nd in assists, 36th in steals

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated for almost two decades thanks to his skyhook shot and overall greatness as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. The longevity argument is strong with Abdul-Jabbar, as the all-time big man won his two Finals MVP awards 14 years apart, first in 1971 and then again in 1985. Most players’ careers don’t last anywhere near that long, yet Kareem was dominating at the highest level for that long.

2. Bill Russell

Top accolades: 11 NBA titles, five MVPs, 11 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Stars, one Olympic gold medal

Regular season ranking: 2nd in rebounds, 121st in assists, 175th in points

Playoffs ranking: 1st in rebounds, 30th in assists, 41st in points

Bill Russell’s record for most NBA titles will never be beaten, as no one has come, or will come close to his 11 career championships. Russell’s resume is actually hurt because many accolades, like Finals MVP or Defensive Player of the Year didn’t even exist in his heyday. What’s more, since blocks weren’t recorded as a stat back then, there’s no way to know how many Russell had for his career. There’s a chance he would be at the top of the blocks standings along with the player coming up next on our ranking. That’s one of the reasons we consider him the greatest defensive player ever.

Russell may not have had the longest career, but boy, was that run successful. Just as a curious note: Russell had more MVPs than All-NBA 1st Team selections in his career (three).

3. Wilt Chamberlain

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one Finals MVP, four MVPs, seven All-NBA 1st Team selections, 13 All-Stars, two All-Defensive 1st Team selections

Regular season ranking: 1st in rebounds, 7th in points, 86th in assists

Playoffs ranking: 2nd in rebounds, 21st in points, 38th in assists

The most dominant big man offensively in NBA history, though that partially had to do with the level of competition Wilt Chamberlain faced in his era. Still, when you dominate at the level Chamberlain did, who cares who he did it against?

Chamberlain did come a little short in the team success department as he was usually better in the regular season than in the playoffs, something that many believe had to do with an unwillingness to get fouled late in close games due to his unreliable free throw.

Chamberlain’s single-season rebounding and scoring records are unassailable. Plus he has the second-best scoring average behind only Jordan. And had MJ played one more year with the Wizards, Chamberlain might actually be No. 1 in that stat. Chamberlain is also the only guy to lead the league in total scoring, rebounds and assists for a season, and retired as the all-time leader in scoring and rebounding at the time.

4. Shaquille O'Neal

Top accolades: Four NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, one MVP, eight All-NBA 1st Team selections, 15 All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections, one Olympic gold medal, one World Cup gold medal

Regular season ranking: 8th in blocks, 9th in points, 15th in rebounds, 235th in assists, 355th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 4th in blocks, 5th in points and rebounds, 53rd in assists, 92nd in steals

The most dominant physical specimen in the NBA since the days of Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal was an absolute freak with his blend of size, strength and unreal explosiveness. During O’Neal’s peak years, teams were making moves with the sole intention of containing the big man. Many ho-hum centers like Erick Dampier made a killing thanks to that, just because they were another huge body to throw at O’Neal.

The fact that the Big Aristotle won only one MVP was kind of ridiculous in hindsight, as there were various seasons he was the most dominant player in the league. O’Neal wanting to be a star off the court probably took away a bit of impact on the court, but he was devastating throughout his career regardless, even despite being a poor free-throw shooter.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, six All-NBA 1st Team selections, 12 All-Stars, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic gold medal

Regular season ranking: 1st in blocks, 10th in steals, 14th in points and rebounds, 231st in assists

Playoffs ranking: 3rd in blocks, 13th in rebounds, 16th in points, 21st in steals, 73rd in assists

Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the greatest big men ever, and he competed and produced at an elite level on both ends of the floor with outstanding low-post moves and defensive skills to match. Olajuwon ranks first in blocks on record, though there’s a bit of an asterisk on that because they didn’t keep track of those before 1973-74. Also, he is the only player to rank Top 15 in four different major statistical categories: points, rebounds, blocks and steals.

6. Moses Malone

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, three MVPs, eight All-NBA selections, 12 All-Stars, two All-Defensive Team selections

Regular season ranking: 5th in rebounds, 12th in points, 29th in blocks, 140th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 32nd in rebounds, 37th in blocks, 63rd in points, 155th in steals, 399th in assists

Perhaps the most underappreciated superstar ever, Moses Malone was as dominant as it gets at the center spot with physical toughness as a rebounder, leading the league in nightly boards an astounding six times, including once at 17.6 rebounds per game. Malone was also a monster scorer in the paint, using his brute strength to batter smaller foes down low. Many consider Malone the greatest offensive rebounder the league has ever seen, as his timing and instincts to chase boards on offense were second to none.

7. Nikola Jokic

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, three MVPs, one Conference Finals MVP, five All-NBA 1st Team selections, seven All-Stars, one Olympic silver medal, one Olympic bronze medal

Regular season ranking: 59th in assists, 75th in rebounds, 124th in points, 212th in steals, 263rd in blocks

Playoffs ranking: 35th in assists, 38th in rebounds, 44th in points, 94th in steals, 107th in blocks

The best passing big man of all time (yes, it’s already beyond safe to proclaim that), Nikola Jokic continues to add to his legacy in a major way year after year. In 2023-24, the Serbian superstar became only the ninth player to win three NBA MVPs, then carried Serbia to a bronze medal in Paris as the first man ever to lead the Olympic tournament in scoring, rebounds and assists. He followed that up in 2024-25 with another MVP-caliber season in which he received All-Star and All-NBA 1st Team accolades once again.

Jokic can legitimately do it all from the center spot, creating for teammates like a point guard, posting up with incredibly high efficiency as a finisher, spacing the floor from three and rarely missing on his signature floater. Even his defense has improved, as he rebounds like a monster and has quick, intelligent hands to rack up steals.

8. David Robinson

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one MVP, 10 All-NBA selections, 10 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, eight All-Defensive selections, two Olympic gold medals, one World Cup gold medal

Regular season ranking: 6th in blocks, 35th in rebounds, 45th in points, 67th in steals, 351st in assists

Playoffs ranking: 5th in blocks, 31st in rebounds, 53rd in steals, 55th in points, 159th in assists

One of the best bodies in NBA history, David Robinson’s physique looked like it was molded out of clay in his prime. He used his frame and strength to torture opponents on both ends for years, doubling as a high-level scorer and freakishly impactful defender, especially protecting the rim. Still, Robinson didn’t get over the hump until Duncan came around, which hurt his spot on this list.

9. Patrick Ewing

Top accolades: Seven All-NBA selections, 11 All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections, two Olympic gold medals

Regular season ranking: 7th in blocks, 26th in rebounds, 28th in points, 123rd in steals, 402nd in assists

Playoffs ranking: 7th in blocks, 26th in rebounds, 38th in points, 83rd in steals, 162nd in assists

One of the legendary big men of the ’90s, Patrick Ewing was a beastly shot-blocker who had great size and strength down low, but who also had soft touch as a scorer in the post and out of the mid-range. Was never able to win a title, however, due mostly to the Rockets and Bulls, but he’s still remembered as one of the best centers in league history, as he was a beast shot-blocker and scorer from the 5-spot.

10. George Mikan

Top accolades: Five NBA titles, six All-NBA 1st Team selections, four All-Stars

Regular season ranking: 393rd in rebounds, 399th in points

Playoffs ranking: 102nd in points, 122nd in rebounds, 351st in assists

The first truly dominant NBA big man, George Mikan used his massive size to his advantage along with the unusually soft touch he had for a player of his era. Mikan could finish ably with either hand in the paint. There’s a reason the Mikan Drill is still used to this day.

Something not many may realize is that Mikan has the best playoff winning percentage of any All-Star (minimum: 50 games played) at 70 percent. For context, Jordan is at 66.48.

11. Bob McAdoo

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one MVP, two All-NBA selections, five All-Stars

Regular season ranking: 71st in points, 72nd in blocks, 79th in rebounds, 344th in steals, 491st in assists

Playoffs ranking: 37th in blocks, 96th in points, 107th in rebounds, 194th in steals, 435th in assists

A monster-scoring big man who led the league in points three consecutive seasons, including once at 34.5 points per game, Bob McAdoo had a pristine mid-range jumper and a plethora of post moves to torment opponents with. McAdoo was special because he was a big man who could shoot and do his damage with his face-up game, something that was unheard of in his era. The Hall-of-Famer was quietly quite influential.

12. Wes Unseld

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, one MVP, one All-NBA 1st Team selection, five All-Stars

Regular season ranking: 13th in rebounds, 144th in assists, 372nd in points, 412th in blocks, 456th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 8th in rebounds, 74th in assists, 158th in blocks, 178th in points, 215th in steals

Despite standing just 6-foot-7, Wes Unseld was one of the most physically imposing centers ever thanks to his incredible strength and stout frame. Unseld was one of the best rebounders in NBA history, averaging 14.0 for his career and leading the league in boards in 1974-75, and was extremely efficient at finishing down low.

13. Robert Parish

Top accolades: Four NBA titles, two All-NBA selections, nine All-Stars

Regular season ranking: 8th in rebounds, 10th in blocks, 32nd in points, 93rd in steals, 416th in assists

Playoffs ranking: 6th in blocks, 9th in rebounds, 37th in points, 60th in steals, 203rd in assists

The starting center on those legendary Celtics teams of the 1980s, Robert Parish was a great complement to the likes of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, willing to do all of the dirty work down low while still providing a solid scoring punch in the paint. Parish ranks in the Top 10 in both career rebounds and blocks and was a beast in both respects in his prime. Without Parish, the ’80s Celtics might not have been as successful as they were, as he was the perfect role player for what they needed.

14. Willis Reed

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, five All-NBA selections, seven All-Stars, one All-Defensive 1st Team selection

Regular season ranking: 71st in rebounds, 279th in points

Playoffs ranking: 80th in rebounds, 161st in points, 366th in assists

Best known for limping out onto the court for Game 7 of the 1970 Finals for New York and hitting his first two shots on a bad thigh, Willis Reed is now widely considered one of the greatest Knicks of all time, a big man slightly short on stature but not on talent and sheer will. Reed was a monster rebounder and shot-blocker despite standing just 6-foot-9.

15. Dwight Howard

Top accolades: One NBA title, five All-NBA 1st Team selections, eight All-Stars, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, four All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic gold medal

Regular season ranking: 10th in rebounds, 13th in blocks, 57th in points, 146th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 13th in blocks, 19th in rebounds, 78th in points, 129th in steals, 366th in assists

At one time, Dwight Howard was the best big man in the NBA, an era that lasted for multiple seasons during his time with the Magic. Howard was an awe-inspiring athlete for his size, who would often sky for rebounds, block shots or finish alley-oops. Like Pau Gasol, Howard was another glaring omission from the NBA75 list despite being a Top 11 rebounder ever, ranking 15th all-time in blocks and having three Defensive Player of the Year awards. But that might have to do with him not being that well-liked by coaches and teammates during his time in the league.

Howard was also a huge playoff performer, coming up big both when he was a star with the Magic (he impressively led them to the Finals in 2008-09) and as a role player with the Lakers, finally winning a title in 2019-20.

16. Dave Cowens

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one MVP, three All-NBA 2nd Team selections, eight All-Stars, one All-Defensive 1st Team selection

Regular season ranking: 38th in rebounds, 215th in points, 258th in assists, 296th in blocks, 495th in steals

Playoffs ranking: 33rd in rebounds, 100th in points, 122nd in assists, 152nd in blocks, 173rd in steals

Florida State legend Dave Cowens is one of just two players ever to win league MVP in a season they weren’t voted 1st Team All-NBA along with another Celtics legend, Bill Russell. He was a bundle of energy in his prime, one who was a monster rebounder, averaging 15.2 rebounds over his eight-year prime, and helped the Celtics win two championships during his time in the league.

17. Joel Embiid

Top accolades: One MVP, five All-NBA selections, seven All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections, one Olympic gold medal

Regular season ranking: 178th in blocks, 258th in points, 285th in rebounds

Playoffs ranking: 77th in blocks, 131st in rebounds, 136th in points, 293rd in assists, 329th in steals

On a per-minute basis, few players in NBA history produce as much statistically as Joel Embiid. Just check this out:

When ready to go, he's one of the most unstoppable big men ever, thanks to his massive frame, mobilit,y and deep bag.

The problem with him is that he doesn't play that many minutes, considering he misses a lot of time due to health reasons regularly. Plus, his track record in the playoffs is spotty as well. If he manages to stay in shape and healthy and gets the Sixers to make deep runs in the postseason, he could move up in this ranking.

18. Bill Walton

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one MVP, one Finals MVP, two All-NBA selections, two All-Stars, two All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Sixth Man of the Year award

Regular season ranking: 100th in blocks, 293rd in rebounds

Playoffs ranking: 104th in blocks, 230th in rebounds, 374th in assists, 487th in points

One of the least accomplished players on this list in terms of overall individual accolades and statistical production, Bill Walton was, during his brief peak, the best player in the NBA, one who inflicted terror defensively and did damage offensively with his passing and scoring.

Injuries derailed his career as an NBA star, but Walton, one of the most beloved figures in league history, still managed to win a second NBA championship as a role player with the Boston Celtics before retiring and going on a legendary second career as a TV sportscaster.

19. Artis Gilmore

Top accolades: Six All-Stars, one All-Defensive 2nd Team selection

Regular season ranking: 28th in blocks, 55th in rebounds, 144th in points

Playoffs ranking: 126th in blocks, 331st in rebounds, 534th in points

Although the majority of his impact was felt in the ABA, where he even won an MVP award, Artis Gilmore’s greatness was still felt in the NBA, where he spent 12 seasons and established himself as one of the deadliest low-post scorers around. Gilmore led the league in field-goal percentage four years in a row and was one of the toughest covers for opposing bigs on a nightly basis.

20. Nate Thurmond

Top accolades: Seven All-Stars, five All-Defensive Team selections

Regular season ranking: 11th in rebounds, 181st in points, 250th in blocks, 315th in assists

Playoffs ranking: 43rd in rebounds, 172nd in blocks, 216th in assists, 260th in points

One of the best rebounders basketball has ever seen, Nate Thurmond averaged 14-plus rebounds nine times in his 14 years in the NBA, including two campaigns where he averaged over 20 boards per contest. Thurmond was no slouch as a scorer, either, as the Hall-of-Famer averaged at least 20 points nightly five times in his career.

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 20 greatest centers ever: The HoopsHype list

Reporting by Frank Urbina, Hoops Hype / Hoops Hype

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect