The Top NBA Centers of All Time

Bill Laimbeer enjoyed a 15-year-long career in which he became widely recognized for frequently committing obvious fouls against players of opposing teams, baiting them into retaliating, and skillfully provoking referees to call fouls on his opponents. Unsurprisingly, he was feared for his relentless willingness to do whatever it took to secure a victory. He was a key member of the Detroit Pistons, and his on-court consistency ensured that he earned spots on four All-Star teams. 

Dan Issel first entered the league in 1970 and almost immediately garnered attention fr his impressive court skills. He was one of the most impressive rookie seasons to date at the time, putting up an very impressive 29.9 points, grabbing 13.2 rebounds, and dishing out two assists per game. He earned himself the Rookie of the Year award, and continued to assert his dominance on the court. In the 1971-1972 season, which was Dan Issel’s second year in professional basketball, Issel earned the MVP honors in the All-Star Game, showing that he was here to stay. Issel became a fixture in the league, making seven All-Star appearances in total. 

As a four-time NBA All-Star, Ralph Sampson made a significant impact in basketball during his active years. He was an all-around impressive center, and one of his most memorable career highlights came when he was awarded the title of MVP for the 1984 All-Star Game, confirming his position as one of the elite members of the National Basketball Association. Unfortunately, he went on to suffer a number of injuries during the latter part of his career, but that didn’t diminish the lasting influence he had on the sport. 

Al Horford isn’t one of the youngest players in the league anymore, but he’s proven himself to be one of the best centers in the NBA regardless. He’s championed for his versatile gameplay, which earned him a well-deserved spot on the NBA All-Defensive Team back in 2017. Over the course of his career, Horford has consistently demonstrated his impressive skills, particularly as a shooter, which makes him a significant and sizeable threat to any team he’s playing against. Despite his age, his all-around game continues to be a valuable asset on both ends of the court. 

While Mark Eaton doesn’t necessarily have the same scoring and rebounding abilities as many other centers in the NBA, he made a name for himself as an exceptional shot-blocker, a skill that soon defined his career. He entered the league at the relatively late age of 26, which is significantly older than the average rookie today, but he quickly garnered quite a fanbase for his unique defensive capabilities. Eaton ranks fourth all-time in blocks, proving his impactful skillset, and throughout his entire 11-season career, he played exclusively for the Utah Jazz, becoming a cornerstone of their defense. Eaton has since been honored with the Defensive Player of the Year award twice.

Macauley was one of the pioneering stars of the NBA, making a significant impact on the league after being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1949 NBA Draft. It was over the course of his impressive ten-season career that he played for two teams: the Boston Celtics and the St. Louis Hawks. During his time in the league, he consistently showcased his scoring ability, averaging nearly 18 points per game. Today, Macauley is recognised as one of the greats and a trailblazer in the league who has left a lasting impression.

DeMarcus Cousins faced significant challenges with injuries towards the latter part of his NBA career, but with that being said he was undeniably a force to be reckoned with during his prime. Before playing with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, he established himself as a majorn player for the Sacramento Kings, where he achieved some of his career highlights. His exceptional skills and versatility in the post made him a formidable on-court presence, allowing him to excel against extremely challenging opposition. 

Karl-Anthony Towns is truly establishing himself as an all-time great in the National Basketball Association. He currently has career averages of 23 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, proving that he is an all-around impressive center. Considered by many to be one of the best shooters to have ever lived, he is well on his way to making it into the Hall of Fame at some point down the line. 

When it comes to elite rim protectors in the history of basketball, Rudy Gobert stands out as one of the best centers ever. He has an impressive collection of accolades, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards, which have solidified his reputation as a major force on the defensive end of the court. Aside from that, his excellence is further highlighted by his selections to six All-NBA Defensive Teams, showcasing his proven ability to perform. In part, thanks are due to his spectacular wingspan of nearly eight feet, which allows him a significant advantage on the court. 

Marc Gasol has firmly established himself as one of the top centers in the NBA since the late 2000s. His exceptional skills are clearly reflected in his role as a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA member, with his single best season occurring back in 2012 when he won the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award and was selected to the All-Defensive Team. Gasol was also a pivotal part of the Toronto Raptors’ success, helping the team secure its first championship title in the history of the franchise, a significant milestone that solidified his legacy. 

Lithuanian player Arvydas Sabonis was a huge talent in the basketball world, famed for his towering height and versatile playing style. Standing at 2.21 meters, Sabonis quickly made his presence felt and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team in 1995. What truly set him apart from other centers, however, was his exceptional passing ability—a rare and valuable trait for a player of his size and stature. He’s also the father of current Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis.

Yao Ming’s impact on the NBA is undeniable after eight seasons in which he consistently earned a spot in the All-Star game every single year. His career was sadly cut short due to persistent injuries, but Ming was still widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in the league during his prime. Over the course of his impressive Hall of Fame career, he was selected to the All-NBA team five times, showcasing his exceptional performance on the court. Ming’s best season came in 2005, when he reached the peak of his abilities, averaging an impressive 25 points, 9.4 rebounds, and two blocks per game. 

Neil Johnston established himself as one of the most dominant players of his time​ despite his relatively short but highly impactful 8-year NBA career. He was known for his mastery of the offensive position, and led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons between the years of 1952 to 1954, demonstrating his ability to consistently perform to a high degree. In addition to his impressive scoring, he also led the league in minutes played during his second and third seasons, which showcased not only his talent but also his endurance.

Walt Bellamy made an immediate impact in the NBA, quickly becoming one of the league’s strongest players during the early stages of his career. His rookie season is still considered to be one of the most impressive in NBA history, as he took home Rookie of the Year honors after posting incredible averages of 31.6 points and 19 rebounds per game. Bellamy’s efficiency and athleticism allowed him to take control on both ends of the court, ensuring that his name goes down in history. Throughout his 17-season career, he consistently proved his value, finishing in the top tier of the league’s best centers.

Alonzo Mourning is best remembered for his time spent with the Miami Heat, during which he played a crucial role in delivering them their very first championship title during the historic 2005-06 season. He actually began his career with the Charlotte Hornets, but it was with the Heat that Mourning truly shone. Mourning was selected as an All-Star a total of seven times, reflecting his consistent excellence on the court. His defensive skills were acknowledged when he won the Defensive Player of the Year award, an honor he received twice.

Ben Wallace is often seen as one of the top defensive players in the history of the NBA, having made his mark on the game even though he averaged a mere 5.7 points per game during his long career. His career spanned 17 years, during which he made the All-Star team four times and showcased his defensive skills by leading the league in blocks once and in rebounds twice. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award four times and received five selections to the All-NBA team. 

When Dikembe Mutombo burst onto the NBA scene in 1991, he quickly established himself as a serious player on the defensive end of the court. He averaged 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and three blocks per game during his rookie season, demonstrating his remarkable skills and impact right from the very beginning. He became known for his signature finger-wagging gesture after blocking shots, which soon catapulted him to fame and cemented him as a fan favorite. By the time he retired, he was ranked second on the NBA’s all-time block list and had proven himself to be a dominant force on defense. 

Spencer Haywood faced significant personal struggles that got in the way of his impressive career in the NBA. He had four All-Star selections, two All-NBA First Team honors, and was a vital part in bringing home the 1980 championship win for the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately, his problems with addiction eventually resulted in his dismissal from the Lakers during the NBA Finals. That being said, his talent and sizable impact on the court remain intact, and he has endured as one of the greats in basketball history. 

Artis Gilmore was a standout player in NBA history who succeeded in capturing both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards back in 1971. He earned a total of 11 All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA team on five occasions, thanks to his formidable playing style. On the defensive side, he ranked 25th on the all-time blocks list and made the All-Defensive team five times throughout the course of his NBA career. 

Spanish player Pau Gasol is one of the most celebrated players in the history of the NBA for good reason. His career achievements include two NBA championships back-to-back in 2009 and 2010 due to his highly skilled playing style, as well as being a six-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA team selection. His professional career started after the 2001 season when he played for the Memphis Grizzlies, for which he won the Rookie of the Year honors. Gasol was also chosen to represent Spain in several Olympic Games due to his significant contributions. 

Wilt Thurmond was a standout talent and is often mentioned among the greatest players in Golden State Warriors history. His accolades include being named an All-Star seven times throughout his career and securing a spot on the All-Defensive team five times. During his time with the Warriors, he remarkably averaged double figures in both points and rebounds for an impressive stretch of ten straight seasons—a feat that is almost unheard of. In one particular game, he achieved a rare quadruple-double alongside other major basketball legends, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Alvin Robertson. 

During his time with the Detroit Pistons, Bob Lanier established himself as one of the premier centers in the NBA, thanks to his exceptional scoring and rebounding abilities. He had an impressive rookie season back in 1970, after which he consistently averaged 21 points or more and over 11 rebounds for the next seven years. Lanier was selected as an All-Star eight times throughout the course of his career, even earning the All-Star MVP award for his performance in 1973. 

Dave Cowens is definitely one of the greatest legends of the Boston Celtics, adding to the rich history of the popular franchise. With eight All-Star selections and two NBA Championship titles under his belt, he certainly made a name for himself as a standout player. It was during the 1972-73 season that he managed to take home both the All-Star MVP and the league MVP award. He was averaging an impressive 20.5 points and 16.2 rebounds per game, which naturally got him recognized. 

Robert Parish is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in the history of the Boston Celtics. He was a nine-time All-Star and made the All-NBA team on two separate occasions, and he was an instrumental part in seeing the Celtics take home four championship titles, averaging over 14 points and 9 rebounds per game. While his career numbers aren’t as impressive as they once were, his impact on the game was huge and unforgettable. 

Wes Unseld took the league by storm back in 1974 when he led the NBA in rebounds. Throughout his entire career, he averaged an impressive 14 rebounds per game. Not only was he a five-time All-Star, but he also managed to earn the NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Rookie of the Year awards during his rookie season, averaging over 13 points and a whopping 18.2 rebounds per game. Thanks to his efforts, the Washington Bullets managed to take home their only championship title during the 1977-1978 season. 

During the 2022-23 season, Joel Embiid took home his first Most Valuable Player award, outshining the two-time defending champion Nikola Jokic in the process. He put up impressive numbers, averaging 33 points and 10 rebounds per game while guiding the Philadelphia 76ers to a respectable No. 3 seed in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. As a six-time All-Star, Embiid’s career stats are consistently strong, boasting an average of 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. 

Considered by many basketball critics and professionals to be one of the more overlooked players of his era, Patrick Ewing played a crucial role on some New York Knicks squads that went toe-to-toe with the Chicago Bulls for the infamous Eastern Conference during the late 1980s. The 11-time All-Star snagged the Rookie of the Year title a few years prior back in 1985 and continued to maintain nearly double-digit averages in two statistical categories throughout the course of his career. He averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. 

Nicknamed “The Captain,” Willis Reed stands out as one of the finest players in the history of the New York Knicks. With two championship titles under his belt from the years 1970 and 1973, he also secured a Most Valuable Player award in 1970 as a first-team selection. Reed was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player both times his team won the championship and represented the Knicks at the All-Star Game a total of seven times. His outstanding performance was instrumental in the team’s victories in 1970 and 1973. 

A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, Bill Walton first burst onto the scene with the Portland Trail Blazers before his career was cut short. He had a significant impact on the game before his injuries forced him to pull out altogether—he had 37 orthopedic surgeries throughout his lifetime. He was fundamental in bringing the Portland Trail Blazers their one and only NBA championship back in 1977, which earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player title along the way. 

Dwight Howard suffered career setbacks due to his many injuries over the years. From a dislocated finger to repeated knee and neck injuries, the trajectory of his career eventually took a different turn, but his achievements didn’t go unnoticed. Nicknamed “Superman” for once donning a Superman top and cape at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest back in 2008, he took home the Defensive Player of the Year title three times throughout his career and averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks a game. 

Bob McAdoo was a force to be reckoned with during his early years, consistently putting up impressive numbers. Because of his immense talents, he has gone down in history as a basketball legend and one of the highest-scoring big men of all time. In his rookie season, he earned the Rookie of the Year award after averaging 18 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. For the next three seasons, McAdoo elevated his game, averaging over 30 points and 12 rebounds. 

It was back in the early days of professional basketball that George Mikan was dubbed one of the original icons of the game, so much so that he picked up the nickname “Mr. Basketball.” He is usually remembered as one of the best players to ever wear a Minneapolis Lakers uniform, and he was instrumental in helping bring home five championships during his time in both the American Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association. During his rookie season in the NBA, he averaged an incredible 27.4 points per game, only dropping below 20 points per game two times in his whole career.

Moses Malone is often hailed as the most celebrated player in the history of the Philadelphia 76ers, having taken home the Most Valuable Player title on three occasions. After spending two years in the American Basketball Association, he took his talents to the National Basketball Association for an whopping 20-season stretch. He really took charge in the NBA, leading the league in rebounds per game six times and landing himself in the fifth spot for career rebounds. 

Not many players are comparable to David Robinson. An unusual talent, he is one of only four players in the history of the NBA to achieve a quadruple-double in one game. But he’s celebrated for more than just that; he also made ten All-Star appearances and was named to the All-NBA team on several occasions. Although he missed the first two years of his NBA career to serve in the U.S. Navy, he quickly made up for it by winning Rookie of the Year in 1989. Only one year later, he also snagged the Defensive Player of the Year award, and in 1994, he was named Most Valuable Player. 

MVP award winner Hakeem Olajuwon earned himself the nickname “The Dream” after his college coach witnessed him dunking with such ease and stated that it “looked like a dream.” Often regarded as one of the greatest players to excel on both ends of the court in NBA history, he has an incredible 12 All-Star selections to his name and also earned a spot on the All-Defensive team a total of nine times. When it comes to his offense, he’s ranked 11th on the all-time scoring leaderboard, with an average of 21.8 points per game and a remarkable shooting percentage of 51.2 throughout his professional career. 

When it comes to Nikola Jokic, no center passes better than this Serbian professional. He’s proven himself to be effective at dishing out assists, handling the ball with skill while on the move, and shooting from any position, to name a few of his strengths. He is known as “The Joker,” for its similarity to his last name (after basketball coach Mike Miller failed to pronounce his real name properly), and he is still considered to be in his prime. 

Bill Russell quickly established himself as a major player back in 1956 when he burst onto the scene and dominated it by becoming the leading rebounder. What sets Russell apart is his unmatched record of 11 championships, which is a feat that no other player has yet achieved. Throughout his career, he led the league in rebounds per game five times and ultimately finished as the second-highest rebounder in NBA history. With an average of 22.5 rebounds per game, he is undoubtedly one of the best there ever was.

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the biggest names in basketball for good reason. Even in his rookie season back in 1992 he was a standout player who was clearly going to go far. He won Rookie of the Year after being drafted to the Orlando Magic, managing to achieve 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks a game. He later signed on with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, where he won three titles in a row. 

Standing at an impressive 2.16 meters tall, Wilt Chamberlain, also known as “Wilt the Stilt,” is often regarded as one of the best centers of all time. Throughout his remarkable career, he averaged an incredible 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He also holds the record for the most points scored in a single game – a whopping 100 points. By the time he retired from professional basketball, he was not only the top rebounder in NBA history but also ranked as the seventh-best scorer overall. He was selected as an All-Star thirteen times and won two championships in the National Basketball Association. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered the greatest center in NBA history. Despite tough competition for the top spot, he holds the record for the most MVP awards, winning it six times. He is a 15-time All-NBA Team member, an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, and has made 19 All-Star appearances—the highest amount in history. His career spanned 20 years, during which he cemented himself as one of the league’s top scorers, primarily using his trademark skyhook move.