NBA centers are among the most physically frightening athletes on the field. After all, it’s not uncommon for them to stand 6 feet 10 inches tall and have limbs and legs that are longer than their entire body! In basketball, having a dominant center at the team’s core has become less prevalent. This was made possible by the rise of nonstop three-point shooting and adaptable power forwards. However, centers dominated the court in the league’s early years. This is a list of the most famous centers in NBA history. We ranked them based on their professional achievements, statistics, advanced analytics, and legacy. Allow us to recognize Basketball-Reference.com! This list was made possible thanks to the website. Let’s see if you can figure out who took the top slot.
30+ Iconic NBA Centers Throughout History
Neil Johnston (1951-1959)
This guy is one of the shortest centers on the list, standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall. However, his height was sufficient to govern low during those days. Neil Johnston only played in the NBA for eight seasons, but he was a six-time All-Star and the league’s leading scorer three times during that time. The Hall of Famer played his whole career with the Philadelphia Warriors, who are now known as Golden State. He helped the team win the championship in 1956. He averaged 19.4 points per game and 11.3 RPG.
Neil Johnston (1951 1959)
Andre Drummond (2013-Present)
Is there a better rebounder than Andre Drummond? In his career, he has twice led the league in rebounds. What distinguishes him as a truly outstanding player, however, is that he has averaged 21.2 rebounds per 48 games throughout his career! This is the highest NBA average since 1973. He averages a double-double at 6 feet 11 inches. This is something you’ll notice a lot among the power centers on our list. He has averaged 13.9 ppg and 13.5 RPG since 2013. His selection to the All-Star team twice is another accomplishment. He was in Detroit for eight years, but the team only made the playoffs once during that period. We hope his abilities are not squandered on the Cavaliers!
Andre Drummond (2013 Present)
Jack Sikma (1978-1991)
We can see why some consider Jack Sikma to be the best center in Hall of Fame history. After all, Jack Sikma dominated the paint for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Seattle SuperSonics. During his career, the big blonde averaged 15.6 ppg and 9.8 RPG. He was a seven-time All-Star and won an NBA championship. He was a skilled shooter who made over 85 percent of his free throws. As a result, he was even more lethal than most centers! He was nearly unbreakable, which is unusual for someone his height. During his 14-year career, he appeared in at least 80 games in ten of them.
Jack Sikma (1978 1991)
Dikembe Mutombo (1992-2009)
Dikembe Mutombo was one of the best defenders in NBA history, regardless of position. The Hall of Famer won Defensive Player of the Year four times. He stands 7 feet 2 inches tall and can easily swat the ball away as it approaches the hoop. He was the sixth-best center in terms of blocks per 48 minutes, averaging 4.3. Even though most of the people on the list could outscore him, it was difficult to get past him. Did you know that his average rebounds per game is more than his average points per game?
Dikembe Mutombo (1992 2009)
Bob Lanier (1971-1984)
This powerful center spent his whole professional career in the Midwest. His jersey number was retired by both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Detroit Pistons! Bob Lanier played in the NBA for 14 seasons as a center, averaging 10.1 rebounds and 20.1 points per game. He shot more than 51% from the field. From 1972 to 1982, he was named to the All-Star team eight times. During his tenure, the Pistons made four playoff appearances. He averaged 25.1 points, 2.6 blocks, and 13.8 rebounds per game back then. Unfortunately, he did not win a championship.
Bob Lanier (1971 1984)
Dan Issel (1970-1984)
Dan Issel, a record-setting University of Kentucky basketball player, earned a reputation for himself as an offensive danger in both the ABA and NBA. He spent six seasons in the former until it amalgamated with the latter. He won a championship and established himself as the league’s second-leading scorer! As a member of the Denver Nuggets, he ruled the court for ten years. He nearly had a double-double for his career average of 22.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Something else from his career also struck out to us. Did you know he only missed 24 games in 15 seasons? Whoa!
Dan Issel (1970 1984)
Alonzo Mourning (1993-2008)
Over the span of his 15-year NBA career, ‘Zo Mourning averaged 4.4 blocks per 48 minutes played. This is the league’s fifth-best record among centers. With this stat, it’s easy to see why he was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and twice named to the All-Defensive First Team. He wasn’t just good on defense; he also averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game! Unfortunately, this suffered during his final years on the field due to a kidney transplant in 2003. He was a seven-time All-Star selection and helped Miami win the championship in 2006. Three years later, his jersey number was retired.
Alonzo Mourning
Robert Parish (1976-1997)
Did you realize that no one has played more NBA games than Robert Parish? From 1977 until 1997, he appeared in 1,611 games. As you may expect, this helped him attain incredible stats. He will rank among the top ten all-time blockers and rebounders. Unfortunately, his per-game numbers will not astonished you, as he only averaged 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. During his two decades in the NBA, he played for four different clubs. Nonetheless, he is best remembered for his tenure with the Boston Celtics. In the 1980s, he won three titles there. He went on to win his fourth championship with the Bulls.
Robert Parish (1976 1997)
Dwight Howard (2005-Present)
Without a doubt, his records qualify him for induction into the Hall of Fame. He also belongs on the list of the top centers in NBA history. Dwight Howard has previously won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. He also had the fourth-highest defensive rebounding average among centers, at 12.7 per 48 minutes. If you prefer to look at per-game statistics, we can see that he averages 12.6 rebounds per game. This is the tenth best center performance in NBA history. You can always count on him to score, since he converts 58.3 percent of his shots every 48 minutes.
Dwight Howard (2005 Present)
Wes Unseld (1969-1981)
Fans of Washington know Wes Unseld is a living legend. He played his entire career for the team that is now known as the Wizards. He had the fourth-highest rebounding average among centers, averaging 14 per game. He wasn’t the best scorer, as he only averaged 10.8 points each game. Nonetheless, his presence on the court influenced games because he never failed to keep their opponents guessing. In 1969, he was named league MVP. In 1978, he won a championship and was named NBA Finals MVP.
Wes Unseld (1969 1981)
Bill Walton (1975-1987)
Bill Walton seemed to be obsessed with winning during his playing days. He was an asset to both the UCLA team and the NBA. He had the most defensive rebounds per 48 minutes of any center in league history, averaging 13.8 per 48 minutes. Aside from that, he was a huge assistance to his teammates, with 5.8 assists per 48 minutes played. This is the third-best rating among NBA centers. He won the NBA MVP award and two championships in 1978. One played for the Boston Celtics, while the other for the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, due to his lingering ailments and turnover concerns, we had to cut him from the roster. Regardless, we cannot deny that he has left an incredible legacy.
Bill Walton (1975 1987)
Dave Cowens (1971-1983)
Another center who dominated in the 1970s. Dave Cowens won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics. He was even named league MVP in 1973. He averaged 17.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game during his career. As a result, he became one of the best dual-threat centers in league history. He was a member of the NBA All-Defense first team once and the All-Star squad eight times. We’re confident you’re already impressed! Wait till you hear he averaged 12.4 defensive rebounds per 48 minutes of playing time. This is the NBA’s fifth-best record among centers!
Dave Cowens (1971 1983)
Patrick Ewing (1986-2002)
It’s a shame Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing never won a championship because he gave it his all every night throughout the playoffs. In fact, Ewing averaged 20.2 points per playoff game during his career, ranking ninth among all centers. Ewing’s regular-season figures were just as absurd, with him averaging 21 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Ewing made the NBA All-Star team every year except one from 1986 through 1997. He was only chosen to the All-NBA first team once in his career, but the 7-footer was unquestionably one of the league’s most feared centers.
Patrick Ewing (1986 2002)
DeMarcus Cousins (2011-Present)
We are confident that many people will agree that DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins is the best center in the NBA right now. After all, he has an average of 12.1 defensive rebounds per 48 minutes played. This already ranks sixth among centers! Regardless of position, the talented player is a scoring threat. He ranks third among centers with an average of 31.9 points per 48 minutes played. Not to mention his defensive abilities! Did you know he had a steal rate of 2.1 per 48 minutes played? He was with the Los Angeles Lakers when they won the championship in 2020, however he did not participate that season due to an ACL tear. The only thing standing in his way right now is his turnover rate.
DeMarcus Cousins (2011 Present)
Artis Gilmore (1972-1988)
Artis Gilmore, also known as the “A-Train,” established himself as the finest rebounder in collegiate basketball history. He was also an ABA legend until the ABA was absorbed by the NBA in 1976. He was an extremely accurate shot. In fact, by the time he retired, he was the league’s all-time leader in this category. Over the course of his career, he made over 60% of his shots! He averaged 18.8 points per game and 12.3 rebounds. The Hall of Famer also played in 11 All-Star games, was chosen to the All-Defensive First Team, and was awarded MVP once. As you might expect, he could score a lot of points and keep the opposing players from doing much on the court. What a monster!
Artis Gilmore (1972 1988)
Walt Bellamy (1962-1975)
Walt Bellamy was one of the tallest players on the floor in the 1960s, standing 6 feet 11 inches. Regrettably, he was cast in the shadows of colleagues such as Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. He played for five different teams without winning a championship. He was voted Rookie of the Year in 1963 after setting the first-year field goal record. He did not end there, as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. During his career, he averaged 20.1 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive statistics, he was not selected to the All-NBA first team. Isn’t that strange?
Walt Bellamy (1962 1975)
Bob McAdoo (1973-1986)
As his career came to an end, Bomb McAdoo won two titles with the “Showtime” Lakers. However, he had already established himself as a brilliant center before to this. He was the fourth-best center in history, averaging 31.8 points per 48 minutes played. This is even greater than Wilt Chamberlain’s! McAdoo also averaged 22.1 points per game, ranking fifth in NBA history. In terms of rebounds per game, he averaged 9.4 per game. It’s easy to see why he was named MVP in 1975!
Bob McAdoo (1973 1986)
George Mikan (1949-1956)
When the NBA needs to make new rules to make things easier for the other players, you’re a dominant player. George Mikan is credited with initiating the trend of large men dominating the paint. After his career ended in 1956, the pioneer opened the way for everyone who followed. The attacking beast hit 50.5 shots every 48 minutes! No other center has broken this mark. Aside from that, he averaged 24 rebounds per 48 minutes of play. His 23.1 point per game average is also the fourth-highest in NBA history among all centers. During his career in the league, he won five championships. Aside from that, he was named to the NBA’s first team five times! What a symbol.
George Mikan (1949 1956)
David Robinson (1990-2003)
Did you know that only one NBA player attended the United States Naval Academy? This is none other than David “The Admiral” Robinson. He ranked sixth among centers in terms of blocks per 48 minutes played. He also made three blocks per game! This is the third-highest record in existence. Aside from being an excellent defender, he had a career double-double average of 21.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The Spurs were fortunate to have him for the whole of his career. He won two championships, an MVP award, and was named to ten All-Star teams during his time in San Antonio.
David Robinson (1990 2003)
Moses Malone (1975-1995)
As a center, you will frequently find yourself on the free-throw line. If you have a choice, Moses Malone should be the first person that comes to mind. He had the most free throws in NBA history, with an average of 9.1 per 48 minutes played! Aside from that, he had the second-highest offensive rebounding average (7.2 per 48 minutes played). Few people can compete with this center. After all, over his career, he averaged 22.1 points per game in the postseason. If you know anything about basketball, this number will make your jaw drop. He has already won MVP three times. He was also chosen for the All-Star squad 13 times and the All-NBA first team four times.
Moses Malone (1975 1995)
Hakeem Olajuwon (1985-2002)
To begin with, having the coolest nickname in the NBA must be a lot of fun. Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon certainly lived up to his moniker! He had the highest theft rate among the league’s centers, averaging 2.3 per 48 minutes. Aside from that, he had the second-highest block rate for the position at 3.1 per game. When it comes to playoff average, this number has risen to 3.3 blocks per game. He was a consistent scorer in those contests, averaging 25.9 points per game. Did you know that he is the center with the most postseason appearances? He was able to participate in nine of them! He was selected MVP once, won two championships, and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice. Last but not least, he is a 12-time All-Star. How could you not be impressed?
Hakeem Olajuwon (1985 2002)
Wilt Chamberlain (1960-1973)
Wilt Chamberlain’s career allows for a variety of assessments. During his career, he averaged 30.1 points per game, among other things! This is just second to Michael Jordan’s. Aside from that, he had the highest average of 22.9 rebounds per game in NBA history. He was certainly one-of-a-kind, with a career average of 45.8 minutes per game and a postseason average of 47.2 minutes per game. For good reason, his team placed a high value on him. He was named MVP four times. He also topped the league in scoring seven times and rebounds eleven times!
Wilt Chamberlain (1960 1973)
Jonas Valanciunas (2012-2020)
Jonas Valanciunas of Lithuania possesses a superb blend of offensive skills that allowed him to average 19.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while playing only 28 minutes per game for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. So Valanciunas can enhance his averages even further as the leader of a young skilled team that includes Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant by re-signing on a three-year, $45 million contract with the Grizzlies.
Jonas Valanciunas
Ben Wallace (1997-2012)
Wallace, who was born in Alabama, had a successful career, but he will be remembered most for his time with the Detroit Lions. Wallace appeared in over 1000 games during his career and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2021. Wallace was the consummate defensive player, winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times. What’s more, despite the fact that Wallace went undrafted, he was the first person to get such recognition.
Ben Wallace
Rik Smits (1989-2000)
Throughout his 12-year career, Smits remained faithful to the Indiana Pacers. He was one of the NBA’s most effective players, averaging 50.7% from the field during his career and made the All-Star game in 1997. He averaged 14.8 points per game and had a free throw percentage of 77.3 over his career.
Rik Smits (1989 2000)
Arnie Risen (1949-1958)
Risen was one of the top centers in the NBA during the 1950s, making four All-Star teams and winning the NBA Championship twice. During his career, he averaged 12 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1998.
Arnie Risen (1949 1958)
Mychal Thompson (1979-2001)
Thompson was born in the Bahamas and grew up in Florida before being picked as the first choice in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1978 NBA Draft. Thompson, who measured 6 feet 11 inches tall, won the NBA championship twice with the Los Angeles Lakers, in 1987 and 1988. Throughout his career, he averaged 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He never made it to an All-Star game, though…
Mychal Thompson (1979 2001)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (1998-2011)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, and made his professional debut there. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the 20th choice in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft. His career extended 13 years, during which he played for the Cavs every season save one, when he played for the Miami Heat. He returned to the Cavs as a special advisor in 2012.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (1998 2011)
Ralph Sampson (1984-1992)
Sampson is a four-time All-Star who has averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in his career. In 1984, he was named All-Star Game MVP and was also named to the All-NBA Team. Inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2012, he is most known for his stint with the Houston Rockets.
Ralph Sampson (1984 1992)
Joakim Noah (2008-2020)
Despite a turbulent finish to his career, Noah was a defensive force to be reckoned with throughout his peak. Noah is a two-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive team member who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Noah had a fantastic season, averaging 5.4 assists per game.
Joakim Noah (2008 2020)
Pau Gasol (2002-2019)
Gasol is widely regarded as one of the greatest international players of all time. During his career, Gasol was named to the All-Star team six times and won the NBA Championship twice. He ranks 21st in career blocks and was the Memphis Grizzlies’ Rookie of the Year in 2001.
Pau Gasol (2002 2019)
Mark Eaton (1983-1993)
Although he was not recognized for his ability to score and rebound, we can tell you that he was an excellent shot-blocker! In terms of NBA players, he was a late bloomer, joining the league at the age of 26. However, he ranks fourth all-time in blocks. He played his whole career with the Utah Jazz, where he led the league in blocks four times. 1984 was his best shot-blocking season, with an average of 5.6 blocks per game. He was twice named Defensive Player of the Year.
Mark Eaton (1983 1993)
Clyde Lovelette (1954-1964)
Lovelette is a tremendous scorer and rebounder from his active period. He played in four All-Star games and won three NBA championships during his career. He averaged 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during his career. He was formally inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1988.
Clyde Lovelette (1954 1964)
Nate Thurmond (1963-1977)
Nathaniel Thurmond was an American basketball player who spent the majority of his 14-year career with the National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors (NBA). He filled in at center and power forward. Thurmond was a seven-time All-Star and the first player in NBA history to record an official quadruple-double. In 1965, he grabbed 42 rebounds in a game, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell in an NBA game.
Nate Thurmond (1963 1977)
Willis Reed (1964-1974)
Willis Reed Jr. is a retired basketball player, coach, and general manager from the United States. He spent his whole professional playing career with the New York Knicks (1964–1974). In 1982, Reed was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1996, he was named one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History.” After retiring as a player, Reed worked as an assistant and head coach for various teams before being appointed to general manager and vice president of basketball operations for the New Jersey Nets (1989–1996).
Willis Reed (1964 1974)
Elvin Hayes (1968-1984)
Elvin Ernest Hayes, nicknamed “The Big E” for his alma mater, the Houston Cougars, is a retired American basketball player and radio pundit. He is a member of the NBA’s All-Time 50th Anniversary Team as well as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is the Washington Bullets/Wizards’ all-time top scorer. Hayes never missed more than two games in any of his 16 NBA seasons.
Elvin Hayes (1968 1984)
Montrezl Harrell (2015-2020)
Montrezl Harrell, the 6-foot-8 Los Angeles Clippers center, started five of 82 games last season and will return to the team’s second unit after the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard Paul George. D.J. Foster of The Ringer recently wrote about why Harrell may feast again during a contract season in that capacity. In 2018-19, Harrell averaged 16.6 PPG, 6.5 REB, and 2.0 AST, all career highs, and he is capable of filling in for George when the MVP candidate needs a rest. Harrell can also play the 5 in smaller lineups.
Montrezl Harrell (2015-2020)
Clint Capela (2014-2020)
According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets Center stated of the Golden State Warriors, “I want to face them.” As Feigen, Nathan Beighle of Blue Man Hoop, and Colin Connors of The Dream Shake all explained, Golden State made Capela eat those comments. Capela had the lowest net rating of any Houston starter in the series. Maybe he’ll get lucky and avoid Draymond Green and Golden State during the 2020 postseason.
Clint Capela (2014-2020)
Myles Turner (2015-2020)
In October 2018, the Indiana Pacers signed center Myles Turner to a contract deal, and the 23-year-old went on to lead the NBA in blocks per game (2.7) and improve his three-point shooting to a career-high 38.8 percent (76-196). Turner may push for All-Defensive accolades, but if playing him alongside Domantas Sabonis doesn’t produce in wins before Victor Oladipo returns from injury, the Pacers will be disappointed.
Myles Turner (2015-2020)
Marc Gasol (2008-2020)
The Toronto Raptors made NBA history by dealing for Marc Gasol before the February deadline. Gasol was nearly as vital to Toronto’s defense against the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors, while Kawhi Leonard was rightfully named NBA Finals MVP. The 34-year-old begins the season on an expiring contract, and if the Raptors aren’t legally in contention for the championship after the holidays, Toronto would be wise to sell him during the winter.
Marc Gasol (2008-2020)
LaMarcus Aldridge (2006-2020)
Coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs can use different lineups against different opponents, including featuring LaMarcus Aldridge alongside Jakob Poeltl. Although Aldridge is 34 years old, he has averaged 22.2 PPG and 8.9 REB for playoff teams over the last two seasons. The veteran enters the 2019-20 season needing to prove that he can help lead the Spurs past the conference’s top-tier teams, as San Antonio can release him in June.
LaMarcus Aldridge (2006-2020)
Al Horford (2007-2020)
Al Horford will not play center for the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Joel Embiid, but the 33-year-old veteran is listed in that position entering the season. The Sixers did not sign Horford to get buckets during the regular season. Philadelphia acquired him and his defensive abilities in order to play Giannis Antetokounmpo in the postseason and to offer cover for Embiid while he is off the court and/or when Embiid is injured.
Al Horford (2007-2020)
Tristan Thompson (2011-2020)
Multiple injuries hampered Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson to 43 games last season. Moving forward, his worth will be determined by what he brings to the Cavs in a trade and what he means to a team in the 2020 playoffs. In 2018-19, he averaged 14.1 PPG and 13.2 REB per 36 minutes, both career highs for the one-time champion, and he will need to replicate that output and stay healthy to help Cleveland rebuild after another disastrous season.
Tristan Thompson (2011-2020)
Willie Cauley-Stein (2015-2020)
Willie Cauley-Stein was anticipated to receive a fresh start with the Golden State Warriors. In transition, the 26-year-old would fare better than the Sacramento Kings’ Stephen Curry, D’Angelo Russell, and Draymond Green. Unfortunately, Cauley-Stein will be a spectator for at least one month due to an injury to his left foot. With Kevon Looney also out, it’s unclear who will start at center for the Warriors on opening night.
Willie Cauley-Stein (2015-2020)
Mitchell Robinson (2018-2020)
The New York Knicks were the poorest team in the NBA in 2018-19, so you’d be excused if you missed much, if not all, of Mitchell Robinson’s first season. New York’s youthful center made 19 starts, shot 69.4% from the field (the highest among rookies who played in at least 60 games), was sixth among first-year REB players (6.4), and ended second overall in the BLK Association (2.4). Playing with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Marcus Morris on the offensive end of the court should make his life simpler.
Mitchell Robinson (2018-2020)
Jarrett Allen (2017- present)
DeAndre Jordan could have been an excellent mentor to a young kid like Jarrett Allen. Allen does not need to compete for minutes with Jordan at this point in his career. In 80 games last season, the 21-year-old averaged 15 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. Those figures are his justification for commencing. The official website of the team’s Tom Dowd recounts how Allen increased weight and strength to contend with bigger and more physical opposing centers.
Jarrett Allen (2017- present)
Derrick Favors (2010-2020)
Derrick Favors would benefit from escaping Rudy Gobert’s intimidating shadow and joining the fast-paced New Orleans Pelicans. The 28-year-old might reach a new level and average a double-double for the first time with a lineup that includes rookie Zion Williamson, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball. However, it is on defense that he and Williamson can thrive as a top rim-protection duo. Favors is also returning to his usual center position with New Orleans.
Derrick Favors (2010-2020)
Julius Randle (2014-2020)
Julius Randle turned his best offensive season in the NBA into a hefty payday from the New York Knicks, and the 24-year-old should lead the team in scoring this season. Make no mistake about it: Randle was a consolation prize for the Knicks after they missed out on Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson. If Randle’s 34.4 three-point shooting in 2018-19 maintained consistent, New York would rather that he enter the season shooting less than 26 percent from outside the arc as a pro.
Julius Randle (2014-2020)
Bam Adebayo (2017-2020)
When the Miami Heat traded Hassan Whiteside to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jimmy Butler, the organization guaranteed 22-year-old center Bam Adebayo a starting spot. Adebayo appeared in 28 games during his second professional season. Adebayo fell short of a breakout season, posting 8.9 PPG and 7.3 REB while displaying top athleticism on defense despite seeing his playing time decrease from 19.8 MIN to a rookie 23.3 MIN.
Bam Adebayo (2017-2020)
Jusuf Nurkic (2014-2020)
If Nurkic had not suffered the awful injury that held him out of the playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers might have truly fought the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. After the superb backcourt of Lillard and McCollum, Nurkic is easily Portland’s finest player, since he can score the ball inside with his strength and talent while still being a solid rim protector. While Nurkic is out, the squad will at least have Hassan Whiteside, who can start.
Jusuf Nurkic (2014-2020)
DeAndre Ayton (2018-2020)
Because Ayton is on the awful Phoenix Suns and the 2018 rookie class is fantastic, the NBA Draft 2018 number one pick has not earned enough respect because the Bahamian big man has so much potential in this league. While he is a capable rebounder, his post and mid-range skills are among the finest in the league. So, if he works on his defense, which I’m sure he will give he’s only been in the NBA for one season, he’ll be a superstar.
DeAndre Ayton (2018-2020)
Nikola Vucevic (2011-2020)
Offensive talents in the Montenegrin center cannot be taught. His mid-range and three-point shooting near the basket is so impressive that he led the Magic to their first playoff participation in ten years, averaging 20.8 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. The one drawback to him is that he gives up a lot of points on defense, so players like Mo Bamba must cover him there.
Nikola Vucevic (2011-2020)
Karl-Anthony Towns (2015-2020)
Towns are one of the league’s most athletic players, so he’s a force driving to the basket. He also plays well in the low position and has excellent shooting for a center. Overall, when the Dominican is on fire, he’s an unstoppable force. Towns are coming off a stellar season in which he averaged 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. As a result, even if his defense has been critiqued in the past, Towns has proven that he can be an outstanding shot-blocker. However, it looks that his enormous skill is being squandered by the Timberwolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns (2015-2020)
Rudy Gobert (2013-2020)
The Stifle Tower is the league’s top defensive player and has been honored as such with successive Defensive Player of the Year awards. As much credit as Mitchell, Conley, Bogdanovic, and Ingles will receive for the Jazz over the following several seasons, it is Rudy Gobert who elevates them to Western Conference contention by transforming Utah into the league’s greatest defensive team.
Rudy Gobert (2013-2020)
Nikola Jokic(2015-2020)
“The Joker” has already established himself as the best passing big man in the league, if not in NBA history. He has also proved that despite averaging just over 20 points per game, he can grab 30 or even 40+ points when needed, like he did against the Spurs this past postseason. Nikola Jokic’s all-around ability is just fantastic, as he can generate 2 or 3 points for his team in a variety of ways.
Nikola Jokic(2015-2020)
Joel Embiid (2016-2020)
The Cameroonian center is so strong on both ends of the floor that he has been compared to the all-time top 5 center Hakeem Olajuwon. Last season, Joel Embiid averaged 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, demonstrating that he is a low-post monster who can routinely hit mid-range plus 3-point jumpers. There are few defensive players that can protect the paint like him.
Joel Embiid (2016-2020)
Bill Russell (1956-1969)
How incredible is it that Bill Russell won 11 NBA championships in his 13-year career? So yet, no one has broken this record! Despite not being the star of the Celtics offense, he was crucial to its success. His rebounding abilities are nothing to joke at. He had the highest rebounding average for a center at 22.5 per 48 minutes. Yes, he beat Wilt Chamberlain in this category. They are the only two players with a career average of more than 20 rebounds per game! Aside from that, he was a 12-time All-Star selection and five-time league MVP.
Bill Russell (1956 1969)
Shaquille O’Neal (1993-2011)
Shaquille O’Neal is without a doubt the best center of his generation. He was one of the most well-known and feared players in NBA history! Shaq was named to 15 All-Star teams during his career. He has spent the most time in the center position. He has the highest average of any center at 32.7 points per 48 minutes. In the postseason, he was a true beast. After all, he averaged 24.3 points per postseason game, tying him with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second place. We are not surprised that he was voted Finals MVP three times! This center has four NBA championships to his name, which is nothing to chuckle about.
Shaquille O’Neal (1993 2011)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970-1989)
In actuality, his average stats are lower than Wilt Chamberlain’s. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that Kareem Abdul-Jabber was active during a period when centers were more competitive. Aside from his position, he has had one of the best careers in the league! He not only holds the records for most minutes played and points scored, but he also has six NBA titles and six MVP awards to his name. If those facts aren’t enough to convince you that he ought to be first, consider that he has the highest win share record of any center. According to Basketball-Reference, he personally contributed to 273.4 wins for the clubs in which he played. This is 26 more wins than Wilt Chamberlain and 92 more than Shaq’s record. Finally, he was selected to the NBA All-Star team 19 times. Whoa.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar (1970 1989)
Yao Ming (2002-2011)
Yao Ming is a Chinese basketball executive and former professional player. He played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) (NBA). Yao was picked to start for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game eight times and was named to the All-NBA Team five times. At 2.29 m, he was the NBA’s tallest active player during his final season (7 ft 6 in).
Yao Ming (2002 2011)
Richaun Holmes (2016-Present)
Holmes is still only 28, but he deserves to be on this list. He was picked in the second round by the Philadelphia 76ers after being born in Lockport, Illinois. Holmes has started the season strong, averaging 15.0 points per game, 9.9 total rebounds, and a player efficiency rating that is far above average. Keep an eye on him.
Richaun Holmes
Joel Anthony (2007-2020)
Joel Vincent Anthony is a retired Canadian professional basketball player who played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He won two championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013. During the series, Anthony scored two points in 3.7 minutes of action.
Joel Anthony (2007 2020)
Darko Milicic (2001-2020)
Darko Milii was a former Serbian professional basketball player. At 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in), he was a solid NBA center. Milii played in the National Basketball Association from 2003 to 2013. (NBA). He was the NBA’s fifth-youngest player and its youngest foreign player, as well as the league’s youngest player to appear in an NBA Finals game and its youngest winner.
Darko Milicic (2001-2020)
Nazr Mohammed (1998-2016)
Nazr Tahiru Mohammed was an American professional basketball player who spent his 18-year career with eight different clubs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played basketball at the University of Kentucky. After his junior year, Mohammed decided to enter the NBA draft. In the first round, he was chosen by the Utah Jazz as the 29th overall pick. Utah traded his rights to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1999 NBA draft in return for a future first-round pick, which turned out to be Quincy Lewis.
Nazr Mohammed (1998-2016)
Antonio McDyess (1995-2011)
McDyess was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1995 draft, but he was traded to the Denver Nuggets before the season began, along with fellow forward Rodney Rogers and a mid-first-round pick that was later used to select Brent Barry. McDyess averaged 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in his first six seasons, courtesy to his explosive leaping and power dunking abilities.
Antonio McDyess (1995 2011)
Ronny Turiaf (2005-2014)
Ronny Turiaf is a retired French professional basketball player who spent ten years with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Turiaf was born in France and went on to play collegiate basketball with the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the United States, where he led the West Coast Conference in scoring his senior year. After graduating from Gonzaga, he entered the NBA draft and was chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers. He then played for the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Turiaf played with the Miami Heat when they won the NBA championship in 2012. He also represented France on the national squad.
Ronny Turiaf (2005 2014)
Nenad Krstic (2000-2016)
Nenad Krsti is a former Serbian professional basketball player and basketball executive. He is currently the Serbian Basketball Federation’s deputy president in charge of men’s basketball. Krsti was a member of the Serbian national basketball team and its international captain. He stood 2.12 m (7 ft 0 in) tall and played the center position. Krsti was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2005, and he was named to the All-Euroleague First Team twice in 2012 and 2013.
Nenad Krstic
Samuel Dalembert (2001-2017)
Samuel Davis Dalembert is a Haitian-Canadian former NBA basketball player who played for the league for 13 seasons (NBA). In college, he played basketball for Seton Hall University. Dalembert was known for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities during his NBA career. Dalembert was chosen 26th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2001 NBA draft. After 8 seasons with the 76ers, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings on June 17, 2010 for Andrés Nocioni and Spencer Hawes.
Samuel Dalembert (2001 2017)
Andris Biedrins (2002-2014)
Andris Biedri is a retired Latvian professional basketball player. In the 2004 NBA draft, he was chosen 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Biedri saw limited playing time and was prone to foul trouble (3.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.8 blocks and 2.9 fouls in 12.8 minutes, total 30 games). He was also the league’s youngest player in his first season, at the age of 18.
Andris Biedrins (2002 2014)
JaVale McGee (2008-present)
JaVale Lindy McGee is a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In college, he played basketball for the Nevada Wolf Pack. In the 2008 NBA draft, he was chosen 18th overall by the Washington Wizards. He is a three-time NBA champion, having won titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, respectively, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 to win his third. In 2021, he earned an Olympic gold medal in basketball as a member of the United States national team. Pamela McGee, an Olympic gold medalist, is his mother.
JaVale McGee (2008 Present)
Spencer Hawes (2007-2019)
Mason, Spencer Hawes is a former American professional basketball player. He was picked in the NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings in 2007 and is the nephew of retired NBA player Steve Hawes. Hawes’ prospects improved when starter center Brad Miller was dealt to the Chicago Bulls in his second season as a player. Hawes improved in every key statistical area, averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while playing 29.3 minutes per game and shooting.466 from the field. Hawes started 51 games as well, but he missed the season finale due to an injury caused by a flagrant foul levied on Denver Nuggets’ Kenyon Martin.
Spencer Hawes (2007 2019)
Brendan Haywood (2001-2015)
Brendan Todd Haywood is a retired American professional basketball player who played center for the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won the NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Haywood was the 20th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later, he was transferred to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Michael Doleac, who later traded him to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Laron Profit and a first-round choice. Haywood began putting up career numbers in the 2007-08 season, after serving as the Wizards’ regular center for the previous six years.
Brendan Haywood (2001 2015)
Anderson Varejao (1998-2021)
Anderson França Varejo is a Brazilian professional basketball player who most recently played for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for the Cavaliers for 12 seasons before being acquired by the Golden State Warriors in 2016. He’s also played with Franca and Flamengo of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), Barcelona of the EuroLeague and Liga ACB, and the Brazilian national team, where he won a gold medal in the Pan American Games in 2003.
Anderson Varejao (1998 2021)
Nerlens Noel (2015-Present)
Massachusetts-born Noel was selected in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013. He has played in 426 games, averaging 7.6 points per game and a 54.9 field goal percentage. His draft rights were eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent four seasons. He now plays for the New York Knicks. He is a huge center, at 6’11” tall!
Nerlens Noel
Marcus Camby (1997-2013)
Camby, who was born in Connecticut, was picked by the Toronto Raptors in the 1996 NBA Draft. His career lasted 17 years and he averaged 9.5 points per game. In 2007, he was voted Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in blocked shots per game. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive team four times and is still ranked 12th all-time in career blocks.
Marcus Camby (1997 2013)
DeAndre Jordan (2009-Present)
Jordan has to rank among the best athletic and accurate centers of all time. Jordan is a one-time All-Star and has won the rebounding title on two occasions. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive team thrice! In terms of career statistics, he has a lifetime field goal percentage of 66.9% and is presently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
DeAndre Jordan
Bill Cartwright (1980-1995)
Cartwright was picked by the New York Knicks in the 1979 NBA Draft. He spent the first part of his career with the Knicks before going on to the Chicago Bulls and a single season with the Seattle Supersonics. Cartwright was electrifying at the start of his career. As a rookie in 1979, he made the All-Star game after averaging 21.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. During his 15-year career, Cartwright won three NBA championships.
Bill Cartwright (1980 1995)