- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s scoring record for nearly 39 years.
- Bill Russell was credited for revolutionizing defensive concepts.
- Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to score 100 points in a game.
Centers often use their big frame to score easy points or block shots at the rim.
While traditionally dominating exclusively in the paint, their play styles have adapted alongside the evolution of the game of basketball to give their teams the best NBA championship odds possible.
Let’s take a look at some of the best centers in NBA history.
7 Best NBA Centers Ever To Play the Game
| Rank | Player | Years Played |
| 1 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 1969-1989 |
| 2 | Bill Russell | 1956-1969 |
| 3 | Wilt Chamberlain | 1959-1973 |
| 4 | Shaquille O'Neal | 1992-2011 |
| 5 | Hakeem Olajuwon | 1984-2002 |
| 6 | Moses Malone | 1974-1995 |
| 7 | David Robinson | 1989-2003 |
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Renowned for his iconic skyhook, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for the most points in NBA history for nearly 39 years.
Accomplishments: six championships, two Finals MVPs, six MVPs, 15 All-NBA Team selections, 19 All-Stars, 11 All-Defensive Team selections.
2. Bill Russell
Bill Russell was credited with revolutionizing defensive concepts. He would tip his own blocked shots to himself or a teammate, essentially creating outlet passes at times.
Appreciation: Bill Russell – The cornerstone of the @Celtics' dynasty; an uncanny shotblocker who revolutionized @NBA defensive concepts. pic.twitter.com/xOmaUEV1EC
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 18, 2017
Accomplishments: 11 championships, five MVPs, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 12 All-Stars, 1968-1969 All-Defensive First Team.
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to score 100 points in a game and lead the league in total scoring, rebounds, and assists for a season.
Accomplishments: two championships, one Finals MVP, four MVPs, 10 All-NBA Team selections, 13 All-Stars, two All-Defensive Team selections.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal possessed a rare combination of elite size, strength, footwork, soft touch, quickness, and athleticism, rendering him virtually unstoppable.
Accomplishments: four championships, three Finals MVPs, one MVP, 14 All-NBA Team selections, 15 All-Stars, three All-Defensive Team selections.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon was known for his “Dream Shake,” an effective tactic for shaking defenders and converting turnaround jumpers or finishing at the rim.
Accomplishments: two championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, 12 All-NBA Team selections, 12 All-Stars, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, nine All-Defensive Team selections.
6. Moses Malone
Moses Malone consistently outworked his opponents, resulting in fabulous scoring and rebounding numbers, especially on the offensive glass.
Accomplishments: one championship, one Finals MVP, three MVPs, eight All-NBA Team selections, 13 All-Stars, two All-Defensive Team selections.
7. David Robinson
David Robinson was a dominant scorer and shot blocker in the post, scoring as many as 71 points in a game.
Accomplishments: two championships, one MVP, 10 All-NBA Team selections, 10 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, eight All-Defensive Team selections.
Who Is the Best Center to Ever Play Basketball?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as the best center in basketball history.
He led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in only his third season in the league before moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won five more titles.
Abdul-Jabbar is often ranked just below Michael Jordan and LeBron James in discussions of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Who Are the Best NBA Centers in the NBA Right Now?
Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić has all-time great playmaking skills, the complete package as a post scorer, and a reliable 3-point shot. He has plenty of time to enhance his résumé which already includes a championship, a Finals MVP, and two MVPs.
Joel Embiid
Blessed with outstanding power, footwork, post moves, driving abilities, defensive skills, and a 3-point shot, Joel Embiid has established himself as a perennial MVP candidate.
