# Who is the best NBA center of all time?

> Rim-rattlers, shot-blockers, and unstoppable post scorers — the center position has been home to some of the most dominant forces in NBA history across every era. Who stands tallest?

*By YPB Team · Published April 21, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-nba-center-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Kareem Abdul-Jabbar**
   The NBA's all-time leading scorer whose unstoppable skyhook and six championships across two franchises define his unrivaled 20-year dominance.
2. **Bill Russell**
   The defensive anchor of the Boston Celtics dynasty who won an unprecedented 11 championships in 13 seasons.
3. **Wilt Chamberlain**
   The most statistically dominant player in NBA history, including his legendary 100-point game and 55-rebound single-game record.
4. **Hakeem Olajuwon**
   The Nigerian-born 'Dream' whose footwork and Dream Shake move made him the most skilled post player in history, leading Houston to back-to-back titles.
5. **David Robinson**
   The Admiral combined military discipline with elite athleticism and led the San Antonio Spurs to two NBA titles.
6. **Patrick Ewing**
   The Georgetown legend anchored the Knicks for 15 seasons and remains one of the most complete and feared centers ever to play in New York.
7. **Nikola Jokic**
   The modern-era revolutionary whose passing vision and basketball IQ redefined what a center can do, leading Denver to a 2023 title.
8. **Dikembe Mutombo**
   The shot-blocking legend who won four Defensive Player of the Year awards and became a symbol of African excellence in the NBA.
9. **Willis Reed**
   The inspirational Knicks captain whose heroic limping return in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
10. **Bob Lanier**
   An underrated Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star who was one of the most skilled offensive big men of the 1970s.
11. **Alonzo Mourning**
   A two-time Defensive Player of the Year whose tenacity on both ends made him one of the most feared centers of the 1990s.
12. **Nate Thurmond**
   A pioneer and Hall of Famer who dominated the Golden State Warriors era before statistics fully captured his two-way brilliance.
13. **Bill Walton**
   When healthy, one of the most complete centers ever, leading UCLA to two titles and the Trail Blazers to an NBA championship.
14. **Robert Parish**
   The Chief's 21-year career included four championships alongside Larry Bird in Boston, making him one of the most durable greats in history.

Tags: sports, basketball, players, nba