10. George Mikan
George Mikan is widely regarded as the NBA’s first true superstar and the pioneer of the modern center position. He led the Minneapolis Lakers to seven championships across the NBL, BAA, and NBA, winning five NBA titles and three scoring titles. Mikan was the league’s all-time leading scorer upon retirement, with 11,764 points and averages of 22.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. He was a six-time All-NBA First Team selection, a four-time All-Star, and the first player to score 10,000 points in professional basketball. His dominance prompted key rule changes, including the introduction of the goaltending rule and the widening of the foul lane—the “Mikan Rule.” Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, Mikan’s legacy as a foundational figure in basketball history continues to influence centers and the sport’s evolution.
9. Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, redefining the position with his unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. He has won three NBA MVP awards (2021, 2022, 2024), one Finals MVP (2023), and led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023. Jokić is a seven-time All-Star and holds the record for the fastest triple-double in NBA history, with over 70 career triple-doubles—ranking among the all-time leaders. His advanced metrics, including the highest single-season player efficiency rating in NBA history, highlight his dominance. Jokić’s impact extends beyond statistics, as he is celebrated for revolutionizing the center role and inspiring a new generation of big men. His legacy is cemented by his influence on the Nuggets, the NBA, and global basketball culture.
8. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing is one of the greatest centers in NBA history, anchoring the New York Knicks for 15 seasons and leading the team through its longest sustained period of success. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986, earned 11 All-Star selections, 7 All-NBA honors, and 3 All-Defensive Team nods. Ewing led the Knicks to three Atlantic Division titles, four Eastern Conference Finals, and two NBA Finals appearances, remaining the franchise’s all-time leader in points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1,061), and games played (1,039). He was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and one of the 75 Greatest in 2021. Ewing’s legacy is further enhanced by two Olympic gold medals (1984,1992) and his Hall of Fame induction, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of Knicks history and a global basketball icon.
7. David Robinson
David Robinson is one of the greatest centers in NBA history, known for his dominant two-way play and leadership with the San Antonio Spurs. He won two NBA championships (1999,2003), the1995 MVP award, the 1992 Defensive Player of the Year, and the 1990 Rookie of the Year. Robinson was a10-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, and four-time All-Defensive Team honoree. Over his 14-season career, he amassed over 20,000 points,10,000 rebounds, and nearly 3,000 blocks, ranking among the NBA’s all-time leaders in each category. Robinson’s legacy is further cemented by his Hall of Fame induction in 2009 and his role in establishing the Spurs as a perennial contender. His impact on the team, the league, and basketball culture remains foundational and enduring.
6. Moses Malone
Moses Malone is one of the greatest centers in NBA history, renowned for his rebounding dominance and scoring prowess. Over his 19-year career, Malone amassed 27,409 points and 16,212 rebounds, ranking among the all-time leaders in both categories. He won three MVP awards (1979, 1982, 1983), one Finals MVP (1983), and an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers. Malone was a 12-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA selection, and led the league in rebounding six times. His legacy is further cemented by his Hall of Fame induction in 2001 and his status as one of only three players to surpass 28,000 points and 17,000 rebounds. Malone’s impact on the Rockets, 76ers, and the NBA as a whole remains foundational, influencing generations of big men and shaping the modern center position.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, renowned for his dominant play on both ends of the floor. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors both years. Olajuwon is the only player to win NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season (1994). He was a 12-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and holds the NBA record for most career blocks (3,830), also ranking among the all-time leaders in points and rebounds. His signature “Dream Shake” move revolutionized post play, and his legacy as a defensive anchor and offensive force is cemented by his Hall of Fame induction in 2008. Olajuwon’s impact on the Rockets, the NBA, and basketball culture globally remains foundational and enduring.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, renowned for his overpowering physicality and charisma. He won four NBA championships (2000,2001,2002 with the Lakers;2006 with the Heat) and three consecutive Finals MVP awards (2000–2002), becoming one of only two players to achieve this feat. O’Neal was the 1999–2000 NBA MVP, 1993 Rookie of the Year, and a 15-time All-Star. He ranks among the NBA’s all-time leaders in points (28,596), rebounds (13,099), and field goal percentage (58.2%). His impact extended beyond the court, with a global fanbase and a legacy as a cultural icon. O’Neal’s Hall of Fame induction in 2016 solidifies his status as a foundational figure for the Lakers, Heat, and the NBA, influencing future generations of centers and basketball culture worldwide.
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, known for his extraordinary statistical achievements and transformative impact on the game. He won two NBA championships (1967,1972), four MVP awards, one Finals MVP, and was a 13-time All-Star. Chamberlain holds the NBA record for most career rebounds (23,924) and ranks among the all-time leaders in points (31,419), averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game. His legendary 100-point game in 1962 remains the highest single-game scoring feat in professional basketball. Chamberlain led the league in scoring seven times and rebounding 11 times, and he is the only center to lead the NBA in assists in a season (1968). Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979, Chamberlain’s legacy as a record-setter and game-changer continues to shape basketball culture and inspire future generations of centers.
2. Bill Russell
Bill Russell is widely regarded as the greatest defensive center in NBA history, anchoring the Boston Celtics’ dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s. He won an unprecedented 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, including two as a player-coach, and was named NBA MVP five times. Russell was a 12-time All-Star and led the league in rebounds four times, finishing his career with 21,620 rebounds and averaging 22.5 per game. His defensive prowess and leadership transformed the Celtics into a powerhouse, and his legacy is further cemented by his Hall of Fame induction in 1975. Russell’s impact extends beyond statistics, as he became a symbol of excellence, teamwork, and social activism, influencing generations of players and shaping the identity of the Celtics and the NBA as a whole.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as the greatest center in NBA history, with a career defined by unmatched longevity and dominance. He won six NBA championships (one with Milwaukee, five with the Lakers), six regular-season MVP awards (an NBA record), two Finals MVPs, and was selected as an All-Star 19 times. Kareem retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record he held for nearly 40 years. His signature “skyhook” shot is considered the most unstoppable move in basketball history. Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy is further solidified by his Hall of Fame induction,15 All-NBA selections, and 11 All-Defensive Team honors. His impact on the Lakers, the NBA, and global basketball culture remains foundational, inspiring generations of players and cementing his status as a transcendent sports icon.