The 16 Greatest NBA Centers of All Time

Skyhook artists, rim-protecting giants, and modern point-centers span every era of the big-man game. Where does your favorite rank?

1

Bill Russell

Eleven-time champion whose defense and winning define the Celtics dynasty.

1000pts

2

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Six-time champion and the NBA's all-time scoring leader for decades, famous for the skyhook.

944pts

3

Bill Walton

An MVP and champion whose passing and court vision were revolutionary for a center.

722pts

4

Patrick Ewing

Eleven-time All-Star and the defensive anchor of the 1990s New York Knicks.

625pts

5

Wilt Chamberlain

The only player to score 100 points in a game and a statistical force of nature.

625pts

6

Dwight Howard

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time All-Star known as Superman.

566pts

7

Alonzo Mourning

A ferocious shot-blocker, seven-time All-Star and 2006 champion with the Heat.

500pts

8

Moses Malone

Three-time MVP and relentless rebounder who led the 76ers to the 1983 title.

423pts

9

Robert Parish

The Chief, a four-time champion and durable anchor of the 1980s Celtics.

333pts

10

Shaquille O'Neal

A 7'1", 325-pound force who won four titles and dominated the paint for two decades.

227pts

11

David Robinson

The Admiral, a two-time champion, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year for the Spurs.

227pts

12

Nikola Jokic

Three-time MVP and 2023 champion who redefined the position as a point-center.

227pts

13

Tim Duncan

Five-time champion whose fundamentals anchored the Spurs from center and power forward.

227pts

14

Hakeem Olajuwon

Back-to-back champion with the Rockets and the finest defensive footwork ever in the post.

100pts

15

George Mikan

The NBA's first dominant big man and a pioneer of the professional game.

100pts

16

Joel Embiid

A 2023 MVP and scoring champion who is a modern two-way force in the paint.

100pts