Ranking the 10 best centers in the NBA of all time is a great conversation starter for basketball fans. The NBA has been home to some of the most dominant and transformative players in basketball history, with centers often serving as the backbone of their teams.
From towering figures who reshaped the game with their unique skills to those who led their teams to multiple championships. The best centers of all time left an indelible mark on the league, either on the offensive or defensive side.
In this list, we’ll explore the top 10 centers who not only excelled in scoring and rebounding but also defined what it means to be a true force in the paint.
10. Dwight Howard
Notable Achievements: 1× NBA champion, 3× Defensive Player of the Year, 8× All-Star, 8× All-NBA selections
Dwight Howard is considered one of the best NBA centers of all time due to his dominant presence in the paint. Along with this, he possessed exceptional athleticism, and his impact on both ends during his prime years.
Standing 6’10” and boasting a 7’4″ wingspan, Howard’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism was unmatched during his peak years. His ability to dominate inside, both offensively and defensively, made him a matchup nightmare.
He dominated the paint as a rebounder and shot-blocker, especially in his prime with the Orlando Magic. Howard was a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011) and one of the most feared rim protectors of his era. He averaged over 2 blocks per game in multiple seasons and was an elite rebounder, leading the league in rebounds five times.
His numbers on both sides of the court made him a must-have for NBA picks. Bettors would get a sure double-double when he’s playing.
Howard remained a great center even in the latter half of his career. He still had flashes of his athleticism, and still commanded respect in the paint, especially on the defensive side. Howard was part of the 2020 Lakers team who won the championship during the bubble season.
9. Bob McAdoo
Notable Achievements: 2× NBA champion, 1× MVP, 1× Rookie of the Year (1972-73), 5× All-Star, 2× All-NBA selections
Landing at the ninth spot is Bob McAdoo. He is regarded as one of the most versatile and skilled big men of his era. Standing at 6’9″, McAdoo was a prolific scorer, often showcasing his smooth offensive game. Moreover, McAdoo’s ability to score both inside and from the mid-range made him a threat for opposing teams.
McAdoo’s career included stints with the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and more. His most notable years came with the Braves (presently known as the LA Clippers). He led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1974-1976).
McAdoo was one of the most prolific scorers of the 1970s, averaging over 30 points per game in three seasons. His 1975 MVP season highlighted his dominance as he led the league in scoring, showcasing his offensive prowess. While listed as a center, McAdoo’s game was unique for his ability to play both inside and outside. This skillset wasn’t commonly seen in big men at the time.
Lastly, McAdoo was a crucial part of the Lakers’ championship teams in the 1980s. His offensive firepower off the bench was vital in their title runs. McAdoo’s combination of scoring and impact on both ends of the floor makes him one of the best centers in NBA history.
8. David Robinson
Notable Achievements: 2× NBA champion, 1× MVP, 2× Defensive Player of the Year, 10× All-Star, 13× All-NBA selections
“The Admiral” lands on the eighth spot of the best NBA centers of all-time. David Robinson’s exceptional all-around skills, dominant defensive presence, and leadership on the court made him a cornerstone for the Spurs.
Robinson was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1992, 1995) and one of the most formidable shot-blockers in league history. With his 7’1″ frame and incredible athleticism, he was a rim protector and an elite rebounder, averaging over 10 rebounds per game for his career. His defensive impact was crucial to the San Antonio Spurs’ success, especially in the 1990s.
Offensively, Robinson was equally impressive. His versatile skill set allowed him to score in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers to stretch the floor. His 71-point game in 1994 remains one of the greatest scoring performances by a center. He averaged over 20 points per game for 10 seasons and was a constant offensive threat.
Robinson won the NBA MVP in 1995, where he averaged 27.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. He showcased his dominance on both ends of the floor. Robinson’s leadership led the Spurs to two NBA championships (1999, 2003), solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
7. Hakeem Olajuwon
Notable Achievements: 2× NBA champion, 1× Finals MVP, 1× MVP, 2× Defensive Player of the Year, 12× All-Star, 22× All-NBA selections
Hakeem Olajuwon is on the list at number 7. “The Dream” is regarded as one of the best NBA centers of all time. His unmatched combination of skill and versatility let him dominate on both ends of the court.
Olajuwon is often considered one of the best defensive centers in NBA history. He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice (1993, 1998). He also holds the NBA records for all-time blocks (3830), and all-time blocks per game (3.1). His defensive presence got him multiple All-Defensive selections.
On the offensive end, Olajuwon is well-known for his stellar footwork, ball-handling, and quickness. He would utilize his skills on the post to disarm the defense and score at will. Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake” is his signature post move and often allows him to blow by any player defending him.
Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, securing back-to-back titles. His performance in the 1995 Finals, where he was named Finals MVP, was legendary.
A versatile stats-stuffer during his prime years, Olajuwon was an NBA player props dream. Apart from points and rebounds, bettors can get blocks and assists whenever Olajuwon plays.
6. Moses Malone
Notable Achievements: 3× NBA MVP, 1× NBA champion (1983), 13× All-Star, 11× All-NBA selections
Moses Malone lands sixth on the list of the best centers in the NBA of all time. His incredible dominance on the boards, scoring ability, and leadership were on full display during his prime years.
Moses Malone was one of the best rebounders the NBA has ever seen. He led the league in rebounding five times and finished his career with an average of 12.2 rebounds per game. His relentless pursuit of the ball, tenacity, and physicality in the paint made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
He was known for his offensive rebounds, often turning missed shots into second-chance opportunities, which was a key aspect of his game. Malone holds the record for most offensive rebounds of all-time (7382).
Malone was an outstanding scorer, particularly in the post. His combination of size, strength, and skill allowed him to dominate on the block. He averaged 20 points per game for 10 seasons and was a consistent offensive threat throughout his career.
Moreover, Malone was particularly effective in the low post, where he could use his patented moves to score against defenders. He utilized his quick hooks and turnaround jump shots to get by defenders.
Moses Malone was awarded the NBA MVP award three times (1979, 1982, and 1983). His 1982 season, where he averaged 31.1 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. Additionally, Malone was a 13-time All-Star, a 6-time All-NBA Team selection, and a 1-time NBA Finals MVP.
He earned his Finals MVP nod after leading the Philadelphia 76ers against the LA Lakers during the 1982-83 season.
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Notable Achievements: 4× NBA champion, 3× Finals MVP, 1× MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (1992–93), 15x NBA All-Star, 14x All-NBA selections
Shaq holds the fifth spot of the 10 best centers in the NBA of all time. He dominated with physicality and skill in the post during his prime years, and this led to multiple championships.
Standing at 7’1″ and weighing around 325 pounds, Shaquille O’Neal was a physical force unlike any other in NBA history. His size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to overpower defenders in the paint.
He could dunk with authority, outmuscle anyone in the post, and control the paint in a way few players could. His mere presence on the court altered how teams approached their offense and defense.
Shaq’s scoring ability was second to none during his peak years. He was a dominant force in the low post, where he used his size and footwork to score with ease. O’Neal was known for his powerful dunks, drop steps, and hook shots that were nearly impossible to stop.
Over his career, he averaged 23.7 points per game, and for several seasons. Moreover, Shaq was the most efficient offensive center in the league, often shooting over 58% from the field. This made Shaq a sure-fire NBA betting odds favorite, since he can lock up points, rebounds, and blocks.
One of Shaq’s defining career accomplishments is his four NBA championships (3 with the Lakers, and 1 with the Heat). His role in these title runs was monumental, and he was named Finals MVP three times. Shaq’s dominant performances in the Finals, particularly with the Lakers, was pivotal as he led the team to a three-peat. These feats cement Shaq’s legacy as one of the greatest big men in the game.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
Notable Achievements: 2× NBA champion, 4× MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1x NBA Rookie of the Year (1959-60), 13x NBA All-Star, 12x All-NBA selections
Wilt Chamberlain was a physically imposing player and lands fourth on the Best centers in the NBA. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing around 275 pounds, Chamberlain combined size, strength, and athleticism as a dominant force. As far as individual stats go, Chamberlain is unmatched.
During his heyday, Wilt holds some of the most jaw-dropping individual records in NBA history. Most notably, he holds the record for scoring the only 100-point game in 1962. That performance is still the highest point total ever in a single game.
He also led the league in scoring for several seasons, with an average of 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season. Another season saw him tally 44.8 points per game. Wilt was also one of the best rebounders to ever play the game.
He averaged 22.9 rebounds per game over his career. He also led the league in rebounds for 11 consecutive seasons and holds the single-game record for rebounds with 55. His ability to dominate the boards allowed him to control both ends of the floor.
Chamberlain revolutionized the way the center position was played. His dominance in scoring and rebounding set a new standard for big men. His performance also led to changes in NBA rules, such as widening the paint (free throw lane). This was done to prevent him from crowding the basket and forcing teams to adapt to his style of play.
3. George Mikan
Notable Achievements: 5× NBA champion, 6× All-NBA 1st Team selections, 4× All-Star, 6× All-NBA selections
George Mikan is considered one of the best centers in the NBA due to his groundbreaking impact on the game. He was pivotal during the early years of professional basketball as one of the first truly dominant NBA centers.
Standing at 6’10” and possessing great skill for his size, Mikan set the standard for what a center should be. During the 1940s to the 1950s, he showcased his dominance in the paint and defined how a center plays.
Mikan played for the Minneapolis Lakers (which would later become the Los Angeles Lakers) during the 1940s and 1950s. This was a time when the league was still developing. Mikan led the Lakers to five NBA championships. His success made him one of the earliest players to be associated with success at the championship level.
Stats-wise, Mikan was a highly effective scorer and rebounder. He was known for his hook shot, which became his signature move, and used his size and strength to control the paint. He averaged 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds per game for his career, making him nearly unstoppable during his peak years.
Mikan only played for 7 seasons, but paved the way for all other centers in the NBA to follow suit.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Notable Achievements: 6× NBA champion, 6× MVP, 2× Finals MVP, 19× All-Star, 27× All-NBA selections
“The Captain” holds the second spot in the list of 10 best centers in the NBA. It could be argued that Kareem should be first in this list, and his accomplishments can make a case.
Abdul-Jabbar is one of the ironmen in the NBA. He played in the league for 20 years, and consistently dominated the game at center. Most notably, he once held the record for all-time scoring with 38,387 points. He reached such a high number by using the most unstoppable offensive shot in the league – his patented Skyhook.
Despite playing in an era with many great scorers, Kareem’s ability to stay effective over two decades speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. While Kareem was known for his scoring, he was also an elite rebounder and shot blocker.
Over his career, he averaged 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. His size, intelligence, and positioning made him a dominant force on the boards and a formidable presence in the paint. Defensively, he was one of the best centers in the league, capable of altering and blocking shots, even late into his career.
Kareem played for 20 years, and was one of the oldest NBA players who still produced elite numbers. If there were NBA odds back in the day, for sure they would place Abdul-Jabbar high on their list.
1. Bill Russell
Notable Achievements: 11× NBA champion (most by any player in NBA history), 5× MVP, 12× All-Star, 12× All-NBA selections
Bill Russell lands at the top spot on the list of the best centers in the NBA. Most notably, he is known for his exceptional defense, leadership, and unparalleled success in winning championships.
He won 11 NBA championships in just 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, the most by any player in NBA history. Along with this, his clutch performances cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Russell, unlike the other centers listed above, is synonymous with defense and team play. He was the Celtics’ defensive anchor, with his shot-blocking ability and rebounding, particularly on the defensive end.
While blocks weren’t officially recorded during his career, many believe that Russell’s shot-blocking was a key factor in his dominance. He also had an unmatched ability to alter shots and control the paint, making it extremely difficult for opponents to score inside.
Russell was a fantastic rebounder, averaging 22.5 rebounds per game for his career. He was relentless on both ends of the boards, consistently outworking opponents to secure possessions for his team. Moreover, he could control the glass, often allowing the Celtics to maintain offensive momentum and stop the opposition from scoring.
Russell changed the way basketball was played, particularly in terms of the importance of defense and team play. Before Russell, basketball was more focused on individual scoring, but his influence helped highlight the value of defense, leadership, and team dynamics.
The Celtics’ success under his leadership set a model for other teams to follow, emphasizing defense, passing, and unselfish play.