The Greatest Center From Every NBA Team

We have reached the final installment of our series, selecting the greatest player at every position from every NBA team. Today, we honor the big men in the middle at the center position. During the 60s, 70s, and even part of the 80s, the center position dominated the league. The 90s and 2000s had their fair share of greats who played the position as well. The center position has delivered the most amount of MVP awards in NBA history with 28 and the 2nd most Finals MVPs with 13. The importance of a dominant scorer inside or elite rim protector can never be undervalued, and the players below are the cream of the crop.

There has never been a point in time in any year that an NBA center wasn’t at least a Top 5 player in the game. Even with a 20-year gap in MVP awards from 2000 to 2021, there were still centers that battled for those honors. Currently, in the NBA, the big man is back as 2 centers have just finished back-to-back seasons of finishing 1st and 2nd in MVP voting. The importance of having a good to a great center will never change, even as the game continues to evolve to a more perimeter-based league. For now, let us honor the centers that have paved the way and some who are currently doing so in today’s NBA.

Here are the greatest centers from every NBA team.

Atlanta Hawks – Dikembe Mutombo

Career Stats (with Hawks): 11.9 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 3.2 BPG

Career Achievements (with Hawks): 2x Defensive Player Of The Year, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection

Dikembe Mutombo spent just 4 and a half seasons with the Hawks during his 18-year career. He was never one to wow you on the floor with his defense. No, where Mutombo made his living was on the other end. Mutombo is one of the premier shot blockers to ever play the game. During his 4 and a half seasons with Atlanta, he only had one season in which he blocked less than 3.0 BPG. He would win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1997 and 1998, with the team solidifying his place among the Hawks’ all-time greats.

His back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year seasons was truly special. During Mutombo’s era, the interior defense was more valuable than perhaps it has ever been. He was a consistent 10.0 PPG and 10.0 RPG player but also a consistent paint defender who was going to either block or deflect any shot attempt that came within his range. Mutombo had super quick defensive instincts for his size, and it showed to the tune of teams bringing the game away from him as much as possible. He is also only 1 of 5 players in Hawks history to have their jersey retired and the only player from the center position.

Boston Celtics – Bill Russell

Career Stats (with Celtics): 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG

Career Achievements (with Celtics): 5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 1x All-Star Game MVP, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

This is about as easy of a choice as there is when it comes to picking every team’s greatest center in history. Bill Russell played 13 seasons for the Boston Celtics and delivered a championship to the city in 11 of them. He is often regarded as the greatest defender and rebounder of all time and has earned that stripe on his jacket. As a world-class athlete, Bill was able to leap over any and everybody in the NBA during the 60s for rebounds, blocks, or finishes at the basket. He took home 5 MVP awards in his career, which is even more special when you consider that his peers, the players, were the ones to vote for him.

Russell led the league in rebounding 5 times, including the first 3 years of his career. He averaged less than 20.0 RPG just 3 times in 13 years, which shows his dominance on the glass. Blocks and steals were not recorded at the time, which disallows us to render a perfect conception of his true defensive abilities. If you watch him for just 5 minutes, you will see the impact he brought to the table every night. From 1959 through 1966, Russell led the Celtics to 8 straight championships, forming the greatest dynasty in Boston sports history.

Brooklyn Nets – Brook Lopez

Career Stats (with Nets): 18.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Career Achievements (with Nets): 1x All-Star

The accolades or lack thereof may surprise you, but Brook Lopez’s impact on the New Jersey/Brooklyn franchise is undeniable. In a time of desperation and uncertainty, Lopez was the star that shined brightest for the team. He owns a few stats for the Nets franchise that may surprise you. First, you may not have known that he is the only player to ever play for 9 years for the team. Yeah, Brook Lopez is the Nets’ longest-tenured player.

Next, you may not know that Lopez is also the Nets’ all-time leading scorer. When it comes to PPG, Lopez’s PPG doesn’t even crack the Top 10 with the team, but his totality and consistency shine through. Lopez scored 10,444 points in 9 years with the team, 4 more points than Buck Williams. What makes it even more incredible is that Lopez missed nearly 2 full seasons with the Nets due to injury in 2012 and 2014. Lopez peaked for Brooklyn in 2017 and 2018 when he had back-to-back seasons of 20.0 PPG or more and 1.3 BPG or more. These accomplishments make Brook Lopez easily the best center in the Nets’ history.

Charlotte Hornets – Alonzo Mourning

Career Stats (with Hornets): 21.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 3.2 BPG

Career Achievements (with Hornets): 2x All-Star

Alonzo Mourning is one of the best defensive bigs in NBA history. He played just 3 seasons with the Hornets at the beginning of his career, but those 3 years have held up for the best by a center in team history. He is most well-known for his career with the Miami Heat, but don’t let that make you forget about his time in Charlotte. Mourning was a dominant presence in the paint, especially when it came to forcing opponents to take tougher shots. Mourning was a great shot-blocker, but he was also overly tough and physical, so chances are if he didn’t block the shot, he still let you know he was there.

His most complete season as a player with the Hornets came in his rookie season. He averaged 21.0 PPG and 10.2 RPG, but also sent 3.5 BPG flying. Most impressively perhaps is the fact he only missed 4 games that season and helped Charlotte reach the second round of the playoffs. He had one of the most iconic moments in franchise history when he hit a game-winning shot against Boston in the first round that helped them upset the Celtics. Mourning’s 3 seasons in Charlotte are still the best stretch by a center in team history.

Chicago Bulls – Artis Gilmore

Career Stats (with Bulls): 19.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.1 BPG

Career Achievements (with Bulls): 4x All-Star, 1x All-Defensive Team

Let me tell you something. If Artis Gilmore went to the Bulls before deciding to join the ABA, we would have him in conversations with Wilt and Bill. Gilmore was a mixture of Kareem’s finesse and Wilt’s strength. He demonstrated a dominant post-game that saw him back any defender into a precarious position while finishing so smoothly at the basket. He was also one of the more efficient scorers in Bulls history at 58.7% shooting in 6 and a half seasons with the Bulls. No disrespect to Joakim Noah, but A-Train is the best center in Bulls history.

In just his second season with the Bulls, Gilmore had his best season with the team. He averaged 22.9 PPG, 13.1 RPG, and 2.2 BPG. He took control on both ends of the floor and was named an All-Star for the very first time. Gilmore would follow that up with another All-Star season in 1979 with 23.7 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 1.9 BPG. Gilmore helped put Chicago on the map basketball-wise and for that, he is the Chicago Bulls’ greatest center ever. 

Cleveland Cavaliers – Brad Daugherty

Career Stats (with Cavaliers): 19.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Achievements (with Cavaliers): 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection

How different could things have been for Cleveland if Brad Daugherty’s age didn’t give out on him at a young age? Daugherty brought so much more to the table than being a dominant presence in the paint. He was one of the better big man passers of his era and could spread the floor out with his ability to knock down mid to medium-range jumpers. When his career ended due to chronic back issues, Daugherty had become the Cavs’ all-time leader in points and rebounds with a 3-year stretch that rivaled the all-time greats.

From 1991 through 1993, Daugherty was a Top 5 center in basketball. Over those 3 years, he averaged 21.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 0.9 SPG. He was also selected to 3 All-Star games and in 1992, earned himself All-NBA Third Team honors. He helped the Cavs become legitimate threats to the Chicago Bulls and earned them 5 playoff trips and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 1992. At the age of 30, Daugherty was forced to retire after missing 2 seasons with back issues just as he was hitting his stride as an elite big.

Dallas Mavericks – Tyson Chandler

Career Stats (with Mavericks): 10.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Career Achievements (with Mavericks): 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

Tyson Chandler played just 2 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and 2015. His contributions in 2011 to the only championship in Mavs history make him their undisputed greatest center. Chandler was known for 2 things during his time with the Mavs. He was a ferocious interior defender and rebounder as well as an electric lob threat on offense when he got free. He wasn’t going to wow you on offense with his skills, but as a defender, there were many times he would make your jaw drop.

In 2011 with the Mavericks, Chandler finished 3rd in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind only Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. That season, he averaged 1.1 BPG and shot over 65.0% on offense. He also grabbed 9.4 RPG, 6.6 of which came on defense. During the playoff run in 2011, Chandler took opposing centers completely out of the game with his defense. That list includes guys like Andrew Bynum, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh, and Serge Ibaka. Without Chandler, the Mavs may not make that run to the Finals at all.

Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic

Career Stats (with Nuggets): 19.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Achievements (with Nuggets): 2x MVP, 4x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection

Over the past 4 seasons, Nikola Jokic has solidified himself as one of the top centers in the game while slowly dragging the title of best Nuggets center away from Dikembe Mutombo. Jokic has been fascinating to watch as he handles and passes the ball like a point guard while rebounding and scoring like the big man that he is. He has one of the highest IQs for a center in recent memory, flawlessly finding his cutters and shooters open from the high post. His ability to shoot the ball and spread the floor only adds to his skills that made him a 2x MVP.

Over the past 2 seasons, we have seen the true value of what Nikola Jokic brings to a team. In 2021, Jokic averaged 26.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 8.3 APG to claim his first MVP award. He led the Nuggets to the playoffs despite losing his right-hand man Jamal Murray in the 2nd half of the season. Jokic did it again in 2022, but this time he was without Murray and Michael Porter Jr. for the entire season. He still led Denver to the playoffs with averages of 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 7.9 APG to claim his 2nd MVP award. Jokic’s emergence as one of the best players in today’s NBA lands him here on our list.

Detroit Pistons – Ben Wallace

Career Stats (with Pistons): 6.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Career Achievements (with Pistons): 4x Defensive Player Of The Year, 4x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection

This choice comes down to if you value the physicality of Bill Laimbeer that led to championships or the interior defense and leadership of Ben Wallace that led to one. We chose the latter as Ben Wallace is not your run-of-the-mill defender; he is one of the greatest defenders ever. With his incredible size, strength, and athleticism, Wallace became a defensive specimen that would survive and thrive in any defensive era on any defensive team in history.

In 5 seasons from 2002 through 2006, Ben Wallace became a 4-time All-Star and won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards. He led the league in 2002 in BPG with 3.5 and RPG with 13.0 to claim the first one. He led the league in rebounding again in 2003, but it would be his work in 2004 that he would be most remembered for. It was not one of his award-winning seasons but rather the way his defense led to a huge upset win in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Wallace’s defense on Shaq and the way the team rallied around that to capture the championship are still engrained into my mind. It is a tough call between Laimbeer and Wallace, but Wallace’s defensive dominance tips the scales in his favor.

Golden State Warriors – Wilt Chamberlain

Career Stats (with Warriors): 41.5 PPG, 25.1 RPG, 3.0 APG

Career Achievements (with Warriors): 1x MVP, 1x Rookie Of The Year, 6x All-Star, 6x All-NBA Team Selection

Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant and freakishly athletic players in league history. His scoring record and NBA records are some that can never and will never be seen again in our lifetime. His career began in Philadelphia and San Francisco with the Warriors franchise and the jaw-dropping performances began from the get-go. Wilt burst onto the scene by winning not only the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 1960 but would win MVP as well. With 37.6 PPG and 27.0 RPG on the year, both of which led the NBA, Chamberlain had arrived, and the myth was born.

That was the first season of four straight that Wilt would lead the NBA in both scoring and rebounding. In 1962, he set an NBA record that still stands by averaging 50.4 PPG in 80 games played. He would also lead the league in scoring in 1964 and 1965. He amassed 5 seasons of 35.0 PPG or better with the Warriors and 3 seasons of 25.0 RPG or better. These astronomical numbers and records easily make Wilt Chamberlain the best center in Warriors history.

Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon

Career Stats (with Rockets):22.5 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 3.2 BPG

Career Achievements (with Rockets): 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 2x Defensive Player Of The Year, 12x All-Star, 12x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection

Another unanimous choice on our list today is Hakeem Olajuwon with the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon ruled the 90s as the game’s best center and the only No. 1 option to win multiple championships in the decade besides Michael Jordan. Olajuwon dazzled on both ends of the floor as the ultimate rim protector and disruptor on defense while being a force to be reckoned with on offense. He dominated defenders with his patented “Dream Shake” and knocked down mid-range jumpers on the regular. On defense, there was no big man that could figure him out. He swatted and altered shots with just his presence. His high IQ and awareness made him the best defender maybe in the game’s history.

From 1985 through 1996, Olajuwon had 12 straight seasons of at least 20.0 PPG, 10. RPG, and 2.5 BPG. The legend of Hakeem Olajuwon really came to fruition in 1994 and 1995. In 1994, he led the Houston Rockets to an NBA championship by winning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP all in the same season. He averaged 27.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 3.7 BPG in one of the best seasons by a center in history. He followed it up in 1995 by leading a 6-seed Rockets team back to the Finals for back-to-back championship wins. 

Indiana Pacers – Rik Smits

Career Stats (with Pacers): 14.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Career Achievements (with Pacers): 1x All-Star

I would like to give a shout out here to Mel Daniels, who, if we were allowed to include ABA players, might just be our choice for the Pacers. Rik Smits is our choice for NBA history and with very good reason. Smits was a decent finisher at the rim and a solid starter for an Indiana team that helped them become contenders in the 90s and early 2000s. Smits had real finesse on his shots for Indiana, shooting 50.7% from the field for his career and 77.3% on free throws. He wasn’t the best center in basketball, but he wasn’t the worst either, which seems to be an unfortunate theme for the Pacers when it comes to the center position.

His peak as a player came from the 1995 season through the 1996-97 season. Over that time, Smits averaged 17.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG. He then became an All-Star in 1998 for the only time when he averaged 16.7 PPG and grabbed 6.9 RPG. Smits made 5 significant playoff runs in his career, including a run to the 2000 NBA Finals. The team hasn’t been back since. He is a career 14.8 PPG and 5.2 RPG playoff performer. 

Los Angeles Clippers – Bob McAdoo

Career Stats (with Clippers): 28.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Career Achievements (with Clippers): 1x MVP, 1x Rookie Of The Year, 4x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

Bob McAdoo began his career with 4 and a half seasons with the Buffalo Braves who are now known as the Los Angeles Clippers. McAdoo was an offensive genius who became a scoring juggernaut and one of the best shooting big men to ever play the game. The first 4 seasons of his career are some of the best for any player at the center position in history. Even though McAdoo could never lead the Braves to a title, he certainly made his mark on the league.

In his first 4 seasons, McAdoo took home 3 straight scoring titles, an MVP, and Rookie of the Year. From 1974 through 1976, McAdoo averaged 32.1 PPG and 13.8 RPG. He took home the 1975 MVP awards when he led the league in scoring with 34.5 PPG, grabbed 14.1 RPG, and had 2.1 BPG. He had finished 2nd in MVP voting in 1974 as well. McAdoo left a lasting impact on a newly founded franchise that has lasted the past 50 years. 

Los Angeles Lakers – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Career Stats (with Lakers): 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 BPG

Career Achievements (with Lakers): 3x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 13x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 7x All-Defensive Team Selection

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not solely the greatest center in Lakers history, but the greatest in NBA history as well. Before I go any further, I would like to point out that Shaquille O’Neal had serious consideration as our choice here before ultimately landing on Kareem. Abdul-Jabbar was unstoppable on offense with his unguardable skyhook from the paint as well as the threat he was on the fast break with Magic Johnson. On defense, he was just as dominant, leading the league in BPG with the Lakers 3 different times.

Kareem would go on to win 5 championships with the Lakers and take home 1 Finals MVP with them in 1985. He led the NBA in scoring with the Lakers in 1976 and 1983 while recording 7 seasons of at least 25.0 PPG with the team. He also recorded 6 seasons of at least 3.0 BPG and led the league for the first 4 years in purple and gold. His place atop the Lakers and NBA hierarchy land Kareem as the Lakers’ greatest center.

Memphis Grizzlies – Marc Gasol

Career Stats (with Grizzlies): 15.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG

Career Achievements (with Grizzlies): 1x Defensive Player Of The Year, 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

Marc Gasol was a bruiser and powerful big man for 11 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He had a decent mid to medium-range game, could control the game with his defensive abilities, and had a nose for the ball that was unmatched for his time. He found most of his success on the glass and at the rim on offense while providing the best interior defense in Grizzlies history from a center.

In a controversial decision, Marc Gasol took home the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year when he edged out LeBron James for the award. On the season, Gasol averaged 7.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.7 BPG. His peak for Memphis came in the 2016-17 season when he earned his last All-Star appearance as a member of the Grizzlies. That season, Gasol averaged 19.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.3 BPG. During his time with Memphis, Gasol helped to make them one of the most exciting teams in basketball, who were an upset and deep playoff run waiting to happen. 

Miami Heat – Alonzo Mourning

Career Stats (with Heat): 16.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.7 BPG

Career Achievements (with Heat): 2x Defensive Player Of The Year, 5x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

Making his 2nd appearance on our list for his 11 seasons with the Miami Heat is Alonzo Mourning. With the Heat, Mourning built on the foundation set in Charlotte to become one of the more feared and best centers in basketball at the time. He stood out among the great centers of his time for his no-nonsense attitude and rough physicality that made you either love or hate him. He accomplished in 8 healthy seasons with the Heat what most do not accomplish in their whole career while helping to put the Miami Heat on the map of the NBA landscape.

Zo was a bruiser, there isn’t any denying that. There was also a sort of finesse to the way he would play defense. He would play smart and was deceptively fast at staying with opponents in the post. Mourning was an All-Star in his first 3 seasons with Miami, going for better than 19.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 2.0 BPG each season. He took home back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1999 and 2000 when he led the NBA in BPG with 3.7 and 3.9 respectively. If it weren’t for an unforeseen kidney ailment, we may be ranking Mourning a lot higher on the All-time greatest center list.

Milwaukee Bucks – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Career Stats (with Bucks): 30.4 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.4 BPG

Career Achievements (with Bucks): 3x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection

It can be argued that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a better individual player with Milwaukee than he was with the Lakers. Nobody would argue with you considering the hold that Kareem had over the NBA at the time. He won 3 MVP awards in 6 seasons with the Bucks, while delivering them their first championship in team history in 1971. He had a more complete game on the court than at any other time in his career and instilled fear into opponents everywhere he went.

His dominance began in 1971 when he took home the scoring title with 31.7 PPG. Kareem would lead the Bucks to the NBA Finals, where they would emerge victorious for the first time ever as champions. Kareem averaged 27.0 PPG and 18.5 RPG to lead the Bucks in 4 games over the Baltimore Bullets. He would go on to win 2 more MVPs in 1972 and 1974 and lead the Bucks back to the Finals in 1974, where they lost to Boston in 7 games. Kareem’s stranglehold on the rest of the NBA during his time in Milwaukee makes him an easy choice for their greatest center.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns

Career Stats (with Timberwolves): 23.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Career Achievements (with Timberwolves): 1x Rookie Of The Year, 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

Drafted No. 1 overall in 2015, Karl-Anthony Towns was met with the weight of the world in expectations. The way he has handled that, gone through unimaginable adversity, and still has the Wolves ready to pounce on the competition in 2022-23 is remarkable. He has gone through the highest highs and lowest lows to emerge as the best Timberwolves player at the center position by a longshot.

Towns has improved his overall game every year since his rookie season. After his Rookie of the Year campaign, Town developed into one of the greatest 7-foot shooters ever and an All-Star. He has averaged 22.0 PPG or better every year since 2017 and is currently enjoying a stretch of 4 years straight with at least 24.0 PPG. He is a career 39.7% shooter from three, which is remarkable for a player his size. This includes a 2022 season that saw him post a 41.0% efficiency from three, a 3-point contest win, and a playoff berth for the Timberwolves. Now, Towns can hopefully continue to build on a great start to his career while taking Minnesota to new heights.

New Orleans Pelicans – Anthony Davis

Career Stats (with Pelicans): 23.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.4 BPG

Career Achievements (with Pelicans): 6x All-Star, 1x All-Star Game MVP, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection

I know what you’re thinking. We already named Anthony Davis our best power forward in Pelicans history. The truth is yes we did, but Davis also appeared in 3 out of his 7 seasons with New Orleans as a center as well. Those 3 seasons are better than any stretch by any Pelicans center in their history. Davis was a consistent two-way MVP candidate in New Orleans, climbing to the top of the NBA in terms of player rankings during his time with the team. On offense, he was a smooth scorer who could handle the ball and drive to the rack or shoot from anywhere inside the arc. On defense, he was a mastermind who became the best defender in the league, using his ability to block and alter the path of shots regularly.

Davis led the NBA in BPG three times. The other centers in Pelicans history that have done it even once is zero. From 2014 through 2019, Davis averaged at least 20.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.0 BPG every season. He secured 3 Top 10 MVP finishes, including in 2018, when he finished 3rd with 28.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 2.6 BPG, which led the NBA. He was able to will the Pelicans to the playoffs twice and made a 2nd round appearance in 2018. The team hasn’t been that far since.

New York Knicks – Willis Reed

Career Stats (with Knicks): 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Career Achievements (with Knicks): 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 1x Rookie Of The Year, 7x All-Star, 1x All-Star Game MVP, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

I know many people were expecting to see Patrick Ewing’s name here, but the vote was swayed in Willis Reed’s favor. Rightfully so, as Reed delivered 2 championships to the New York Knicks while claiming both Finals MVP awards. While Ewing was an all-time great and one of the best in the 90s, Reed accomplished more as the starting center for the New York Knicks. Ewing fans, don’t be disappointed. Losing out to someone the caliber of Willis Reed is nothing to be upset about.

For the first 7 years of his career, Reed was as consistently great as they come. Over that time, he averaged 20.1 PPG and 13.8 RPG while winning an MVP and 2 titles. In 1970, Reed won the MVP award when he averaged 21.7 PPG and 13.9 RPG while leading the Knicks to a 60-22 overall record. He then led the Knicks to the NBA Finals, where Reed went toe-to-toe with Wilt Chamberlain and not only came out with the win but claimed Finals MVP to boot. Reed averaged 23.0 PPG and 10.5 RPG to beat the Lakers in 7 games. He would do it again in 1973 with the Knicks, this time taking down Wilt, West, and the Lakers in 5 games. Reed once again was named Finals MVP with a 16.4 PPG and 9.2 RPG series.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Jack Sikma

Career Stats (with SuperSonics): 16.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Career Achievements (with SuperSonics): 7x All-Star, 1x All-Defensive Team Selection

Jack Sikma spent the first 8 seasons of his career with the Seattle SuperSonics. Sikma was a consistent rebounding and shot-blocking machine for Seattle, making an immediate impact upon his arrival in Seattle. Without his soft touch shooting the ball and high IQ when passing it combined with his all-around skill, the Sonics probably don’t win the 1979 NBA championship.

Sikma became an All-Star in just his second season in 1979. That would not be the only accolade he garnered that season. In the regular season, Sikma averaged 15.6 PPG and 12.4 RPG to help Seattle to a 52-30 record. In the playoffs, he averaged 14.8 PPG and 11.7 RPG to help get them to the NBA Finals. In the Finals, Sikma would average 15.8 PPG, 14.8 RPG, and 3.2 BPG to help Seattle take down the Washington Bullets in the Finals and win the NBA championship. His role in that title run makes him the easy choice for the best center in SuperSonics/Thunder history.

Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard

Career Stats (with Magic): 18.4 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Career Achievements (with Magic): 3x Defensive Player Of The Year, 6x All-Star, 6x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection

It feels wrong not having Shaquille O’Neal anywhere on this list. Dwight Howard deserves this spot because of his defensive dominance and his ability to take a worse Magic team than Shaq just as far as the NBA Finals. Howard was just too strong and efficient on offense for any other center in the league to really be able to stop him. On defense, he confused opposing bigs and guards with his ridiculous athleticism and shot-blocking abilities to have one of the best defensive peaks the game has ever seen.

Howard began to really shine through as a superstar in 2008. He would lead the league in rebounding for the first of 4 times with the Magic and recorded 2.1 BPG. He would lead the league in BPG in 2009 and 2010 and win 3 straight Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 through 2011. In 2009, he led a Magic Team that featured Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis to the NBA Finals behind 20.3 PPG, 15.8 RPG, and 2.6 BPG. Howard’s 6-year rule over the league lands him as Orlando’s greatest center.

Philadelphia 76ers – Wilt Chamberlain

Career Stats (with 76ers): 27.6 PPG, 23.9 RPG, 6.8 APG

Career Achievements (with 76ers): 3x MVP, 4x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection

Wilt Chamberlain makes his 2nd appearance on this list for his 4 seasons of work with the Philadelphia 76ers. I would like to also acknowledge the Chairman Of The Boards, Moses Malone for his MVP and NBA championship season in the City Of Brotherly Love. Wilt was just statistically dominant and also delivered a championship to the city, slightly making him the greater pick for Philly. Wilt was still the same old scoring and rebounding machine that he was with the Warriors, but this time, it proved to be more conducive to winning.

In each season that he was a member of the 76ers, Wilt led the league in rebounding. He averaged 23.9 RPG over 4 years with Philadelphia and also took home a scoring title in 1966 when he averaged 33.5 PPG. Wilt would win 3 straight MVP awards from 1966 to 1968, averaging 27.3 PPG and 24.2 RPG over those 3 years. He would help the Sixers win a championship in 1967 when he faced his old team, the San Francisco Warriors. He averaged 17.7 PPG, 28.5 RPG, and 6.8 APG to help win the title.

Phoenix Suns – Amar’e Stoudemire

Career Stats (with Suns): 21.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG

Career Achievements (with Suns): 1x Rookie Of The Year, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection

In his 8 seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Amar’e Stoudemire electrified fans everywhere with his ferocious and intense play on one of the most exciting offenses in NBA history. If you took all of the great centers in Suns history and molded their best trait together, you would get Amar’e Stoudemire. He was athletic and intense. He could score, he could pass, he could rebound, and he could defend. Stoudemire was the Suns’ best-drafted prospect since Alvan Adams and made the Suns feel glorious for taking a risk and drafting him out of high school.

In 6 of his 8 seasons in Phoenix, Stoudemire recorded at least 20.0 PPG and 8.0 RPG. His abilities mixed with those of point guard Steve Nash made the Suns Western Conference powerhouses and legitimate contenders for the NBA title year after year. They never reached the promised land, but that wasn’t for a lack of trying on Stoudemire’s part. He peaked in 2005 when he exploded for 26.0 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.6 BPG. His part in the run of the 2000s Suns makes him our choice for their greatest center.

Portland Trail Blazers – Bill Walton

Career Stats (with Trail Blazers):17.1 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.6 BPG

Career Achievements (with Trail Blazers): 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2x All-Defensive Team Selection

Bill Walton had the best 4-year stretch for any center in Portland Trail Blazers history by a longshot. Walton could do it all despite falling victim to many unfortunate injuries. He was an intimidating inside presence that could score, pass, rebound, and play swarming defense with the best of them. Walton’s all-around game was eventually rewarded when he led the Trail Blazers to their only championship in team history in 1977 and an MVP award in 1978.

The 1977 season was a special one for Bill Walton. Helped the league in rebounds with 14.4 RPG and blocks with 3.2 BPG. He then led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals, where they took on the Philadelphia 76ers. Portland won in 6 games and Walton was named Finals MVP averaging 18.5 PPG, 19.0 RPG, and 3.7 BPG. He would win an MVP award in 1978 when he averaged 18.9 PPG, 13.2 RPG, and 2.5 BPG.

Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins

Career Stats (with Kings): 21.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG

Career Achievements (with Kings): 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection

In his 7 seasons with the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins became arguably the best center in basketball. He mastered the art of bully ball and punished opposing bigs in a way that made you cringe and look away from the screen. Not only could he score in bunches with his soft shooting touch and moves around the basket, but he could also distribute the ball at an exceptional clip as well as defend at a high level in spurts. It doesn’t help that the Kings never made the playoffs when he was their guy.

Boogie’s final 3 and a half seasons with the Kings were when he staked his claim to “best center in the world” status. He averaged 25.2 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.4 BPG over those 3 seasons. He was averaging 27.8 PPG and 10.6 RPG in 55 games with the Kings in 2017 before he was traded to New Orleans. Boogie’s reign atop the NBA as its best center makes him the greatest in Kings history.

San Antonio Spurs – David Robinson

Career Stats (with Spurs): 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.0 BPG

Career Achievements (with Spurs): 1x MVP, 1x Defensive Player Of The Year, 1x Rookie Of The Year, 10x All-Star, 10x All-NBA Team Selection, 8x All-Defensive Team Selection

If it weren’t for a man named Tim Duncan, we would probably be talking about David Robinson as the best player ever for the San Antonio Spurs. From his incredible rookie season that saw him improve the Spurs’ win total by 35 games to his MVP season in 1995, Robinson was one of the best centers in the NBA. On offense, he was skilled, but what made him special was his athleticism and mid-range elbow jumper. On defense, he was an all-around beast who swatted and altered shots at an alarmingly high rate.

Robinson came in and turned around the Spurs franchise in his very first season in the NBA. He took home Rookie of the Year honors and the league was put on notice as the Spurs won 35 more games than the previous season. Robinson would take home a Defensive Player Of The Year in 1992 and an MVP in 1995. He helped the Spurs reach the playoffs 6 times before Duncan arrived. He would win 2 titles with the Spurs before calling it quits in 2003.

Toronto Raptors – Antonio Davis

Career Stats (with Raptors): 12.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Career Achievements (with Raptors): 1x All-Star

Is it just me or do the Raptors have a really ugly history when it comes to the center position? Antonio Davis was their greatest center, which doesn’t exactly make you jump out of your seat. Davis was a banger in the paint. He could defend and rebound at an exceptional level while being just very average on offense. Nevertheless, Raptors fans remember him with admiration and respect as they should because no one could question his effort.

Davis was a member of the Raptors during the last days of the Vince Carter era up north. The 2000-01 seasons saw him make the only All-Star appearance of his career. That season, he averaged 13.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.9 BPG. In his 6 seasons in Toronto, the Raptors made the playoffs 3 times and made it to the second round once.

Utah Jazz – Rudy Gobert

Career Stats (with Jazz): 12.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Career Achievements (with Jazz): 3x Defensive Player Of The Year, 3x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection

Mark Eaton was given serious consideration here as Utah’s greatest center, but ultimately we landed on Rudy Gobert. While Eaton ranks 3rd all-time in total blocks, Gobert himself has an abundance of defensive accolades and credit to his name. He has averaged 2.0 BPG in 8 out of 9 seasons as a member of the Jazz and while he is no longer with the team, will be remembered amicably for his time there.

Gobert won 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards in 4 seasons from 2018 through 2021. He won his first award in 2018 when he averaged 10.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, and 2.3 BPG. He took it home again the next season when he averaged 12.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG, and 2.3 BPG. His last Defensive Player of the Year came in 2021 when he averaged 13.5 RPG, 0.6 SPG, and 2.7 BPG. Gobert helped the Jazz to the playoffs 6 times in 9 years. Now that he has moved on to Minnesota, could he take Karl-Anthony Towns’ spot on the throne?

Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld

Career Stats (with Bullets): 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Career Achievements (with Bullets): 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1x Rookie Of The Year, 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Team Selection

Wes Unseld was the driving force behind and the most valuable player in the only NBA title in Washington Bullets/Wizards history. Unseld helped the Bullets reach a total of 4 NBA Finals, finally getting the win in 1978. Unseld was known for his rebounding and defense, but one trait that goes unnoticed was his passing. Unseld was one of the very best at turning a simple rebound into an easy 2-point on the other end by rifling outlet passes to his teammates sprinting down the court. He is the engine that made the Bullets go and it showed during the 1970s.

Unseld burst onto the scene in 1969, taking home Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. He averaged 13.8 PPG and 18.2 RPG to lead the Bullets to a 57-25 record. He led the Bullets to Finals appearances in 1971, 1975, 1978, and 1979. In 1978, the Bullets were locked in a 7-game battle with the Seattle SuperSonics. Unseld would help them wrap up the championship and be named Finals MVP with 9.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 3.9 APG. For his role in their only NBA championship, Wes Unseld is the greatest center in Bullets/Wizards history. 

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