Throughout NBA history, the center position has been home to towering legends who anchored dynasties, shattered records, and changed the way basketball is played. From unstoppable scorers to defensive stalwarts, these giants of the paint have shaped the championship pedigree of their franchises. Here’s a list of the 10 greatest centers ever, ranked by their historic impact, statistical dominance, and unique legacy.
10. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard averaged 16.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during his career. He won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards (2009-2011) and led the Orlando Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals. Howard captured five rebounding titles and two blocks titles while making eight All-Star teams and eight All-NBA selections (including five First-Team honors). Though he won his only championship as a role player with the Lakers in 2020.
9. Willis Reed
Willis Reed had a 10-year career with the New York Knicks, averaging 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. Reed led the Knicks to two championships (1970, 1973) and won Finals MVP both times. The 1970 regular season MVP made seven All-Star teams (winning All-Star MVP in 1970) and five All-NBA selections. His legendary performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, playing through a severe thigh injury, became one of basketball’s most iconic moments.
8. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing played for the New York Knicks for 15 seasons, averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Although he never won a championship, Ewing led the Knicks to the NBA Finals twice (1994, 1999) and made 11 All-Star teams. He earned seven All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive team honors. Ewing scored over 24,000 career points and ranks in the top 25 all-time in both rebounds and blocks. The 1986 Rookie of the Year and 1992 Olympic Dream Team member dominated with his mid-range jumper and defensive presence.
7. Moses Malone
Moses Malone averaged 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds over a 21-year career. His offensive rebounding and put-back baskets became his signature, coining the phrase “no rebounds, no rings.” Malone won three MVP awards and led the Philadelphia 76ers to the 1983 championship, earning Finals MVP with his famous “fo’, fo’, fo'” playoff prediction. He made 13 All-Star teams and eight All-NBA selections while leading the league in rebounds six times. He started his professional career straight from high school in the ABA.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Point Guards in History
6. David Robinson
David Robinson averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. Also known as “The Admiral”, won two NBA championships with San Antonio (1999, 2003) and the 1995 MVP award. He earned the 1992 Defensive Player of the Year and led the league in blocks (1992) and rebounding (1991). Robinson captured the 1994 scoring title by averaging 29.8 points per game. A 10-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection, Robinson also won two Olympic gold medals.
David Robinson wanted the scoring title so he casually dropped 71 points on the last day of the regular season
Happy birthday Admiral pic.twitter.com/KTpxwLNkce
— dylan (@dylangonzalez21) August 6, 2019
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game over his career. The “Dream” led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships (1994-1995), winning Finals MVP both times and regular season MVP in 1994. Olajuwon is the only player to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. His defensive excellence earned him a record by leading the league in blocks three times and steals once. A 12-time All-Star with 12 All-NBA and All-Defensive selections.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He won four NBA championships (three with Los Angeles, one with Miami) and three Finals MVP awards. Shaq captured the 2000 regular season MVP and was selected to 15 All-Star games and 14 All-NBA teams. At his peak from 2000-2002, O’Neal was unstoppable, averaging 30+ points and 15+ rebounds in three straight Finals.
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds over his career, including his legendary 1961-62 season where he averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds. Chamberlain won two NBA championships (1967, 1972), four MVP awards, and seven scoring titles. He remains the only player to score 100 points in a game and once averaged 48.5 minutes per game for an entire season. Chamberlain earned 13 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA teams.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Shooting Guards of All Time
2. Bill Russell
Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons (1957-1969). He averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Despite modest scoring numbers, Russell won five MVP awards. He was a 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection. As player-coach for his final three seasons, Russell became the first Black head coach in major American sports and won two championships in that role.
Who is the greatest center in NBA history?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA for 20 seasons, averaging 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He won six NBA championships (one with Milwaukee, five with Los Angeles) and a record six MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar’s signature skyhook shot was virtually unstoppable, helping him become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. His accolades include 19 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA teams, 11 All-Defensive teams, and two Finals MVPs.
