# The 24 Best Back-to-the-Basket Centers in NBA History

> Hook shots, drop steps and patient fadeaways off the block, from leather-ball pioneers to modern MVPs who still prefer working with their back to the rim.

*By YPB Team · Published October 31, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-24-best-back-to-the-basket-centers-in-nba-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Kareem Abdul-Jabbar** — score 1000/1000
   Six-time MVP whose unblockable skyhook from the low post made him the NBA's career scoring leader for decades.
2. **Robert Parish** — score 852/1000
   The Chief, a Celtics stalwart whose high-arcing turnaround won three titles in Boston.
3. **Walt Bellamy** — score 790/1000
   Hall of Famer who averaged over 31 points as a rookie in 1961-62 by scoring around the basket.
4. **Hakeem Olajuwon** — score 738/1000
   Rockets legend whose Dream Shake footwork is still the gold standard for post moves.
5. **George Mikan** — score 738/1000
   The original dominant big man, whose hook shots won the Minneapolis Lakers five titles and forced rule changes.
6. **Al Jefferson** — score 672/1000
   One of the last pure low-post scorers, a master of up-fakes and drop steps in the 2010s.
7. **Bob McAdoo** — score 511/1000
   Three-time scoring champion and 1975 MVP who scored inside and out for the Buffalo Braves.
8. **Alonzo Mourning** — score 511/1000
   Fierce Heat and Hornets center who scored on the block and won two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
9. **Willis Reed** — score 511/1000
   Knicks captain and two-time Finals MVP known for his strength and mid-post scoring.
10. **Dwight Howard** — score 511/1000
   Magic powerhouse who dominated the paint and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
11. **Yao Ming** — score 443/1000
   Rockets center with a soft touch and polished footwork who became an eight-time All-Star.
12. **Marc Gasol** — score 443/1000
   Grizzlies anchor and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year who ran the offense from the block.
13. **Moses Malone** — score 443/1000
   Three-time MVP and relentless offensive rebounder who led the 1983 76ers to the title.
14. **Nikola Jokic** — score 365/1000
   Three-time MVP who dissects defenses from the post as a scorer and a passer.
15. **Joel Embiid** — score 365/1000
   76ers star and 2023 MVP who mixes classic post footwork with face-up skill.
16. **Tim Duncan** — score 365/1000
   Five-time champion whose bank shot and patient low-post game anchored the Spurs dynasty.
17. **Wilt Chamberlain** — score 365/1000
   Scored 100 points in a game and averaged 50 in a season by dominating the paint like no one before him.
18. **Bill Walton** — score 275/1000
   Brilliant passing and scoring center who led the 1977 Trail Blazers to the championship.
19. **Shaquille O'Neal** — score 275/1000
   Overpowering low-post force who won four titles and three straight Finals MVPs with the Lakers.
20. **Brad Daugherty** — score 275/1000
   Five-time All-Star for the Cavaliers whose efficient post scoring was cut short by back injuries.
21. **Rik Smits** — score 275/1000
   The Dunking Dutchman, a Pacers center with a smooth turnaround jumper over smaller defenders.
22. **Artis Gilmore** — score 275/1000
   Towering ABA and NBA star who holds the league record for career field-goal percentage.
23. **Dave Cowens** — score 170/1000
   Undersized but tireless Celtics center and 1973 MVP who won two championships.
24. **Patrick Ewing** — score 0/1000
   Knicks great who scored with a fadeaway jumper and power moves on the block for 15 seasons in New York.

Tags: basketball, players, nba, legends, centers