The Best Centers of All Time in NBA have made their mark on the game with unmatched skills, dominance in the paint, and leadership on the court. From towering figures to versatile big men, these players have redefined the center position and earned their place among the greatest to ever play.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Best Centers of All Time in NBA :
10. Demarcus Cousins

While injuries have interrupted his career, Demarcus Cousins is undoubtedly one of the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. Known for his powerful combination of size, strength, and agility, Cousins has the ability to dominate in the post and stretch the floor with his shooting. His versatility, offensive skills, and all-around game make him a standout among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers | 1 | 4x All-Star, All-NBA Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team | 21.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 4.5 APG |
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9. Dwight Howard
One of the most dominant centers of his time, Dwight Howard is a key figure in the list of Best Centers of All Time in NBA. Known for his elite rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior defense, Howard was the centerpiece of the Orlando Magic during his peak years. His physicality and dominance in the paint helped him secure multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, solidifying his place among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets | 1 | 1x NBA Champion, 3x Defensive Player of the Year | 15.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.0 BPG |
8. Alonzo Mourning

Alonzo Mourning was known for his toughness and shot-blocking skills, ranking him among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. His defensive presence was a key factor in the Miami Heat’s success, and his leadership on both ends of the floor helped him become one of the most respected centers. Mourning’s ability to dominate in the post and protect the rim made him an integral part of his teams’ success.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets | 2 | 2x NBA Champion, 2x Defensive Player of the Year | 17.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.8 BPG |
7. David Robinson
David Robinson was an incredibly skilled and versatile center, making him one of the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. With his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, Robinson was a force on both ends of the floor. His leadership led the San Antonio Spurs to two NBA championships, and his individual accolades, including MVP honors, further solidify his place among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
San Antonio Spurs | 2 | 1x NBA Champion, 2x MVP, 10x All-Star | 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG |
6. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing was one of the most skilled and influential centers in the history of the NBA, earning his spot among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. Known for his scoring and shot-blocking abilities, Ewing was a dominant figure in the New York Knicks’ success throughout the 1990s. Though he never won a championship, his consistent excellence and leadership solidified his place in the top ranks of Best Centers of All Time in NBA.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, Orlando Magic | 0 | 11x All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team | 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG |
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5. Bill Russell

Bill Russell, with an unmatched 11 NBA championships, stands as one of the most decorated players in NBA history and among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. His leadership, shot-blocking, and rebounding skills were vital to the Boston Celtics’ dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s. Russell was not just a great player; his understanding of the game and ability to elevate his team made him a key figure in the Best Centers of All Time in NBA.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Boston Celtics | 11 | 11x NBA Champion, 5x MVP, 12x All-Star | 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 BPG |
4. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is often regarded as one of the most complete centers to ever play the game, making him one of the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. Known for his remarkable footwork, post moves, and elite defense, Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships and earned multiple individual honors, including an MVP and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors | 2 | 1x NBA Champion, 12x All-Star, 1x MVP, 2x Defensive Player of the Year | 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 BPG |
3. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant and physically gifted players in NBA history, making him an undisputed member of the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. Chamberlain set numerous records, including scoring 100 points in a single game, and he dominated offensively and defensively throughout his career. His accomplishments still stand as some of the most impressive in the history of professional basketball.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers | 2 | 4x MVP, 13x All-Star, 10x Scoring Champion | 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 BPG |
2. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is undoubtedly one of the most physically dominant centers ever to play the game, earning him a rightful spot among the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. With four championships and three Finals MVPs, O’Neal redefined the center position with his size, strength, and offensive skills. His ability to dominate the paint made him nearly unstoppable, and his impact on the game was felt for years.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics | 4 | 4x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 15x All-Star | 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG |
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as the Best Centers of All Time in NBA. With his signature skyhook and unmatched scoring ability, he was one of the most unstoppable forces in the history of the NBA. His longevity and consistency, combined with six championships and six MVP awards, make Abdul-Jabbar the greatest center to ever play the game. His remarkable career and accomplishments have solidified his place as the top center in NBA history.
Teams | Championships | Honors | Career Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers | 6 | 6x NBA Champion, 19x All-Star, 6x MVP | 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG |
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