25-1: Greatest centres in NBA history

• ‍Jim Cummins: Rhythm of the game and the secret 'fifth frame'‍
• Ranked: Top 30 NBA Players of All-Time‍
• Complete list of every Australian in the NBA

Twenty-seven NBA MVPs, 51 NBA championships combined in the list of the NBA's 25 Greatest Centres of All-Time. Before the modern NBA, the pivot was the most crucial piece in any team's pursuit of championship glory and this list is packed with ultimate winners, box score kings as big as their heights and weights.

This is the definitive 25-to-1 countdown of the greatest centres in NBA history.

25. Andrew Bogut – 7 ft 0 in (2.13m) 260lb (118kg)‍

Games: 706 │ Minutes: 27.3 mpg │ Points: 9.6 ppg (6,808) │ Rebounds: 8.7 rpg (5,720) │ Assists: 2.2 apg (1,728) │ Steals: 0.6 spg (408) │ Blocks: 1.6 bpg (1,419)

• NBA champion (2015)
• All-NBA Third Team (2010)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006)
• NBA blocks leader (2011)
• Number 1 Overall NBA Draft (2005)

Andrew Bogut’s NBA career is best understood through context, timing, and impact rather than raw scoring totals. The first Australian taken first overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, Bogut entered the league as a true two-way centre — a skilled passer, intelligent defender, and elite rim protector whose value showed up most clearly in team structure and defensive stability. His prime in Milwaukee hinted at a franchise anchor, but injuries reshaped his trajectory and ultimately redirected him toward high-level role excellence rather than star usage.

At Golden State, Bogut became a foundational piece of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. His screening, defensive communication, rim protection, and short-roll passing were essential to unlocking the Warriors’ spacing-heavy offence. While he was never a volume scorer, Bogut understood positioning, angles, and timing at an elite level, consistently impacting winning at the highest stage. As the first Australian selected No.1 overall — and an NBA champion — Bogut’s career stands as a landmark moment for Australian basketball and a reminder that influence is not always measured in points.

Call it basketball.com.au bias, but Bogut is a legit top 25 all-time NBA centre. High IQ, exceptional passer and a cornerstone of the Warriors infant dynasty.

24. Ben Wallace – 6 ft 9 in (2.06m) 240lb (109kg)

Games: 1,088 │ Minutes: 29.5 mpg │ Points: 5.7 ppg (6,254) │ Rebounds: 9.6 rpg (10,482) │ Assists: 1.3 apg (1,399) │ Steals: 1.3 spg (1,369) │ Blocks: 2.0 bpg (2,137)

• NBA champion (2004)
• 4× NBA All-Star (2003–2006)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2003, 2004, 2006)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2005)
• 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2002–2006)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2007)
• 2× NBA rebounding leader (2002, 2003)
• NBA blocks leader (2002)

Ben Wallace is one of the most extreme defensive outliers the NBA has ever seen — a centre who completely inverted the traditional value system of scoring-first bigs. Undrafted, undersized, and offensively limited, Wallace still bent games to his will through strength, anticipation, and defensive violence. He was the engine of the 2004 Detroit Pistons title team, anchoring one of the greatest team defenses in league history and staring down peak Shaquille O’Neal without blinking. Four Defensive Player of the Year awards tells the story: Wallace didn’t need touches to dominate outcomes. He changed shots, possessions, and series purely through defense and rebounding, carving out a Hall of Fame career on willpower alone.

‍‍23. Bill Laimbeer – 6 ft 11 in (2.11m) 245lb (111kg)

Games: 1,093 │ Minutes: 31.1 mpg │ Points: 12.9 ppg (14,734) │ Rebounds: 9.7 rpg (10,257) │ Assists: 2.0 apg (2,184) │ Steals: 0.8 spg (867) │ Blocks: 0.4 bpg (446)

• 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990)
• 4× NBA All-Star (1983–1985, 1987)
• NBA rebounding leader (1986)

Bill Laimbeer was the emotional and physical tone-setter of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, a centre who embraced chaos and confrontation as competitive tools. A stretch big before the term existed, Laimbeer could rebound, score, and drag opposing centres into uncomfortable territory — mentally and physically. He was unapologetic, polarising, and relentlessly effective, thriving in an era where intimidation mattered. His role in back-to-back championships was foundational, not decorative. Laimbeer wasn’t there to be liked — he was there to win, and he did.

22. Anthony Davis – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 253lb (115 kg)

Anthony Davis — Games: 736 │ Minutes: 34.3 mpg │ Points: 24.0 ppg │ Rebounds: 10.5 rpg │ Assists: 2.6 apg │ Steals: 1.3 spg │ Blocks: 2.3 bpg

• NBA champion (2020)
• 10× NBA All-Star (2014–2021, 2024, 2025)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (2017)
• 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020)
• All-NBA Second Team (2024)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2020, 2024)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015, 2017)
• 3× NBA blocks leader (2014, 2015, 2018)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013)
• NBA Cup champion (2023)

Anthony Davis is the modern defensive prototype — a centre with perimeter mobility, elite rim protection, and offensive versatility that stretches defenses vertically and horizontally. At his peak, Davis is a one-man system: capable of anchoring a championship defense while delivering superstar-level scoring efficiency. Injuries and availability have shaped the conversation around him, but his impact at full strength is undeniable. The 2020 title run confirmed what his skillset always suggested — Davis is not just a big man, but a matchup eraser and playoff weapon when deployed correctly.

‍‍21. Bob Lanier – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 250lb (113 kg)

Bob Lanier — Games: 959 │ Minutes: 34.3 mpg │ Points: 20.1 ppg (19,248) │ Rebounds: 10.1 rpg (9,698) │ Assists: 3.1 apg (3,007) │ Steals: 0.8 spg (777) │ Blocks: 1.1 bpg (1,100)

• 8× NBA All-Star (1972–1975, 1977–1979, 1982)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1974)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)

Bob Lanier was a dominant interior scorer and rebounder whose prime landed in an era overshadowed by bigger historical personalities. Soft hands, brute strength, and a reliable scoring touch made him a consistent 20-and-10 presence across multiple seasons. Though team success eluded him in Detroit, Lanier’s individual excellence was undeniable, earning repeated All-Star selections and respect from peers. His career stands as a reminder that greatness is not always accompanied by championships, but by sustained excellence.

‍20. Alonzo Mourning – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 261lb (118kg)

Games: 838 │ Minutes: 32.5 mpg │ Points: 17.1 ppg (14,311) │ Rebounds: 8.5 rpg (7,137) │ Assists: 1.1 apg (952) │ Steals: 0.5 spg (438) │ Blocks: 2.8 bpg (2,356)

• NBA champion (2006)
• 7× NBA All-Star (1994–1997, 2000–2002)
• All-NBA First Team (1999)
• All-NBA Second Team (2000)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999, 2000)
• 2× NBA blocks leader (1999, 2000)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)

Alonzo Mourning built his legacy on defensive ferocity, emotional leadership, and elite shot-blocking instincts. At his peak, he was one of the most intimidating interior defenders the league has ever produced, combining timing with raw power. His career arc is remarkable — from franchise cornerstone to health battles to championship contributor — but his prime years in Charlotte and Miami established him as a defensive anchor capable of carrying elite units. Mourning played with urgency and purpose, and his presence changed how teams attacked the paint.

‍19. Joel Embiid – 7 ft 0 in (2.13m) 280lb (127kg)‍

Games: 433 │ Minutes: 31.9 mpg │ Points: 27.9 ppg │ Rebounds: 11.2 rpg │ Assists: 3.7 apg │ Steals: 1.0 spg │ Blocks: 1.7 bpg

• NBA Most Valuable Player (2023)
• 7× NBA All-Star (2018–2024)
• All-NBA First Team (2023)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (2022, 2023)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017)

Joel Embiid is the most dominant scoring centre of the modern era, blending size, skill, footwork, and foul-drawing craft into an unstoppable offensive profile. Unlike traditional bigs, Embiid can beat defenders from the post, the perimeter, or the free-throw line, forcing entire defensive schemes to bend around him. His MVP season cemented his place among the elite, though postseason durability remains the unresolved chapter. At his best, Embiid is an offensive cheat code — a centre who scores like a wing and defends like a big.

18. Pau Gasol – 7 ft 0 in (2.13m) 250lb (113kg)

Games: 1,226 │ Minutes: 33.0 mpg │ Points: 17.0 ppg (20,894) │ Rebounds: 9.2 rpg (11,305) │ Assists: 3.2 apg (3,925) │ Steals: 0.5 spg (605) │ Blocks: 1.6 bpg (1,941)

• 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
• 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2002)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002)

Pau Gasol was the perfect bridge between eras — a skilled, intelligent big man who thrived as both a primary option and a championship-level second star. His arrival in Los Angeles reshaped the Lakers’ fortunes, giving Kobe Bryant the frontcourt partner required to win again. Gasol’s touch, passing feel, and composure elevated every lineup he played in. He wasn’t overpowering, but he was relentlessly effective, and his basketball IQ allowed him to age gracefully while remaining valuable deep into his career.

17. Dikembe Mutombo – 7 ft 2 in (2.18m) 260lb (118kg)‍

Games: 1,196 │ Minutes: 30.8 mpg │ Points: 9.8 ppg (11,729) │ Rebounds: 10.3 rpg (12,359) │ Assists: 1.0 apg (1,199) │ Steals: 0.4 spg (498) │ Blocks: 2.8 bpg (3,289)

• 8× NBA All-Star (1992, 1995–1998, 2000–2002)
• All-NBA Second Team (2001)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1998, 2002)
• 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1997, 1998, 2001)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1995, 1999, 2002)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1992)
• 2× NBA rebounding leader (2000, 2001)
• 3× NBA blocks leader (1994–1996)

Dikembe Mutombo defined defensive excellence for an entire generation. His shot-blocking wasn’t just statistical — it was psychological. Entire game plans changed because of his presence at the rim. While limited offensively, Mutombo’s rebounding, rim protection, and leadership made him the backbone of multiple elite defenses across different franchises. His finger wag became iconic because it represented certainty: if you came into the paint, you were gambling.

16. Arvydas Sabonis – 7 ft 3 in (2.21m) 292lb (132kg)

Games: 470 │ Minutes: 23.4 mpg │ Points: 12.0 ppg (5,629) │ Rebounds: 7.3 rpg (3,436) │ Assists: 2.1 apg (964) │ Steals: 0.6 spg (272) │ Blocks: 1.1 bpg (548)

• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996)
• 2× FIBA European League Player of the Year (1993, 1995)
• 6× Euroscar Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 1997, 1999)

Arvydas Sabonis arrived in the NBA well past his athletic prime, yet still revealed flashes of what might have been one of the greatest centres ever. Even on damaged knees, his passing vision, strength, and skill level were immediately apparent. Sabonis played chess while others played checkers — manipulating defenses with touch passes and positional intelligence. His legacy is split between what he was and what he could have been, but even the diminished version earned him a permanent place in centre history.

15. Dave Cowens – 6 ft 9 in (2.06m) 230lb (104kg)

Games: 766 │ Minutes: 36.6 mpg │ Points: 17.6 ppg (13,516) │ Rebounds: 13.6 rpg (10,444) │ Assists: 3.8 apg (2,922) │ Steals: 0.9 spg │ Blocks: 1.0 bpg

• 2× NBA champion (1974, 1976)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1973)
• 8× NBA All-Star (1972–1978, 1980)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1973)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1975, 1976)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1976)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1975, 1980)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1971)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1971)

Dave Cowens was pure competitive chaos — undersized for a centre, yet relentless in effort, rebounding, and physicality. He played every possession like it mattered, thriving in transition and defensive chaos rather than half-court dominance. Cowens was the emotional heartbeat of championship Celtics teams in the 1970s, combining hustle with legitimate skill. His MVP season reflected the era: production mattered, but toughness mattered more.

14. Walt Bellamy – 6 ft 11 in (2.11m) 225lb (102kg)

Games: 1,043 │ Minutes: 38.3 mpg │ Points: 20.1 ppg (20,941) │ Rebounds: 13.7 rpg (14,241) │ Assists: 2.4 apg (2,544) │ Steals: N/A │ Blocks: N/A

• 4× NBA All-Star (1962–1965)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1962)

Walt Bellamy was a statistical monster whose prime output rivals nearly anyone on this list. A dominant scorer and rebounder, Bellamy’s production came at volume and efficiency rarely matched in his era. While his career lacked the team success of some peers, his individual impact is undeniable. Bellamy represents a forgotten tier of greatness — players whose numbers demand recognition even if history hasn’t spotlighted them.

‍13. Robert Parish – 7 ft 1 in (2.16m) 244lb (111kg)

Games: 1,611 │ Minutes: 28.4 mpg │ Points: 14.5 ppg (23,334) │ Rebounds: 9.1 rpg (14,715) │ Assists: 1.4 apg (2,180) │ Steals: 0.8 spg (1,219) │ Blocks: 1.5 bpg (2,361)

• 4× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986, 1997)
• 9× NBA All-Star (1981–1987, 1990, 1991)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• All-NBA Third Team (1989)

Robert Parish was longevity personified — steady, durable, and relentlessly effective across two decades. As the quiet pillar of the Celtics dynasty, Parish provided interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection without ever demanding the spotlight. His value was consistency. Night after night, season after season, Parish delivered winning basketball. The “Chief” didn’t dominate conversations — he dominated time.

‍12. Dwight Howard – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 265lb (120kg)‍

Games: 1,242 │ Minutes: 31.8 mpg │ Points: 15.7 ppg (19,485) │ Rebounds: 11.8 rpg (14,627) │ Assists: 1.3 apg (1,628) │ Steals: 0.9 spg (1,111) │ Blocks: 1.8 bpg (2,228)

• NBA champion (2020)
• 8× NBA All-Star (2007–2014)
• 5× All-NBA First Team (2008–2012)
• All-NBA Second Team (2014)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2013)
• 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009–2011)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2012)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2005)
• 5× NBA rebounding leader (2008–2010, 2012, 2013)
• 2× NBA blocks leader (2009, 2010)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2008)

Dwight Howard at his peak was the most physically dominant defensive centre since Shaquille O’Neal. Explosive, powerful, and relentless on the glass, Howard carried Orlando to the NBA Finals as the unquestioned focal point of both offense and defense. His career arc is complicated, but his prime was undeniable — multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and All-NBA First Team selections reflect a stretch where he controlled the paint on both ends.

‍‍11. Patrick Ewing – 7 ft 0 in (2.13m) 240lb (109kg)

Games: 1,183 │ Minutes: 34.3 mpg │ Points: 21.0 ppg (24,815) │ Rebounds: 9.8 rpg (11,607) │ Assists: 1.9 apg (2,289) │ Steals: 1.0 spg (1,136) │ Blocks: 2.4 bpg (2,894)

• 11× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1997)
• All-NBA First Team (1990)
• 6× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1997)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1989, 1992)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1986)

Patrick Ewing was the face of a franchise and the backbone of New York basketball for over a decade. A reliable scorer, elite rim protector, and emotional leader, Ewing carried enormous playoff burdens in an unforgiving market. Though championships eluded him, his consistency and durability placed him among the greats. He didn’t redefine the position — he perfected the traditional two-way centre role in a brutal era.

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10. Moses Malone – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 260lb (118kg)

Games: 1,329 │ Minutes: 33.9 mpg │ Points: 20.6 ppg (27,409) │ Rebounds: 12.2 rpg (16,212) │ Assists: 1.4 apg (1,796) │ Steals: 0.8 spg (1,089) │ Blocks: 1.3 bpg (1,733)

• NBA champion (1983)
• NBA Finals MVP (1983)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1979, 1982, 1983)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1978–1989)
• ABA All-Star (1975)
• 4× All-NBA First Team (1979, 1982, 1983, 1985)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (1980, 1981, 1984, 1987)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1979)
• ABA All-Rookie Team (1975)
• 6× NBA rebounding leader (1979, 1981–1985)

Moses Malone was a force of nature on the offensive glass and one of the most relentless rebounders the game has ever seen. His ability to create extra possessions broke opponents mentally and physically. A three-time MVP and Finals MVP, Malone combined brute strength with elite instincts. He didn’t play pretty basketball — he played winning basketball, and lots of it.

9. Bill Walton – 6 ft 11 in (2.11m) 210lb (95kg)

Games: 468 │ Minutes: 28.3 mpg │ Points: 13.3 ppg (6,215) │ Rebounds: 10.5 rpg (4,923) │ Assists: 3.4 apg (1,590) │ Steals: 0.8 spg (380) │ Blocks: 2.2 bpg (1,034)

• 2× NBA champion (1977, 1986)
• NBA Finals MVP (1977)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1978)
• 2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978)
• All-NBA First Team (1978)
• All-NBA Second Team (1977)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977, 1978)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986)
• NBA rebounding leader (1977)
• NBA blocks leader (1977)

Bill Walton’s peak was brief, but it was transcendent. At full health, Walton was the most complete centre in basketball — a defensive anchor, elite passer, and offensive hub. He elevated teammates through intelligence and unselfishness, redefining what a centre could orchestrate. Injuries stole longevity, but not legacy. Walton’s best version belongs in any serious all-time conversation.

8. David Robinson – 7 ft 1 in (2.16m) 250lb (113kg)

Games: 987 │ Minutes: 34.7 mpg │ Points: 21.1 ppg (20,790) │ Rebounds: 10.6 rpg (10,497) │ Assists: 2.5 apg (2,441) │ Steals: 1.4 spg (1,388) │ Blocks: 3.0 bpg (2,954)

• 2× NBA champion (1999, 2003)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1995)
• 10× NBA All-Star (1990–1996, 1998, 2000, 2001)
• 4× All-NBA First Team (1991, 1992, 1995, 1996)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1994, 1998)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1993, 2000, 2001)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1992)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1991, 1992, 1995, 1996)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1990, 1993, 1994, 1998)
• NBA scoring champion (1994)
• NBA rebounding leader (1991)
• NBA blocks leader (1992)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1990)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990)

"The Admiral" was a physical marvel — elite size, speed, and athleticism paired with discipline and professionalism. A two-way monster, Robinson could dominate defensively while scoring efficiently and running the floor like a wing. His career bridged individual dominance and team success, culminating in championships once the Spurs roster matured. Robinson set the standard for the modern athletic centre.

7. George Mikan – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 245lb (111kg)

Games: 439 │ Minutes: N/A │ Points: 23.1 ppg (10,156) │ Rebounds: 13.4 rpg (5,878) │ Assists: 2.8 apg │ Steals: N/A │ Blocks: N/A

• 5× BAA/NBA champion (1949, 1950, 1952–1954)
• 2× NBL champion (1947, 1948)
• NBL Most Valuable Player (1948)
• 4× NBA All-Star (1951–1954)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1953)
• 6× All-BAA/NBA First Team (1949–1954)
• 2× All-NBL First Team (1947, 1948)
• NBL scoring champion (1948)
• 3× NBA scoring champion (1949–1951)
• NBA rebounding leader (1953)

George Mikan is the original dominant centre — the blueprint for everything that followed. His impact was so overwhelming that the league literally changed rules to contain him. Championships, scoring titles, and structural influence define his legacy. Without Mikan, the centre position does not become the sport’s early gravitational force. He didn’t just dominate his era — he shaped it.

6. Nikola Jokić – 6 ft 11 in (2.11m) 284lb (129kg)

Games: 675 │ Minutes: 33.7 mpg │ Points: 20.9 ppg │ Rebounds: 10.8 rpg │ Assists: 7.2 apg │ Steals: 1.3 spg │ Blocks: 0.7 bpg

• NBA champion (2023)
• NBA Finals MVP (2023)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022, 2024)
• 8× NBA All-Star (2019–2026)
• 5× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2020, 2023)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016)

The "Joker," is one of the most unique and versatile players in modern NBA history with a remarkable skillset and basketball IQ. He is a unicorn. Known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, Jokić possesses a point guard's vision and passing touch, allowing him to orchestrate the offense as a "point centre" — a rare trait for a player of his size. His ability to read defenses and make pinpoint passes has made him the centrepiece of the Denver Nuggets’ offense and a nearly unstoppable force on the floor. Jokić’s offensive game is well-rounded; he can score from the post, shoot from three, and drive to the basket with surprising agility, making him a matchup nightmare. As a two-time MVP and the first centre to achieve such honours since Shaquille O’Neal.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon – 7 ft 0 in (2.13m) 255lb (116kg)

Games: 1,238 │ Minutes: 35.7 mpg │ Points: 21.8 ppg (26,946) │ Rebounds: 11.1 rpg (13,748) │ Assists: 2.5 apg (3,058) │ Steals: 1.7 spg (2,162) │ Blocks: 3.1 bpg (3,830)

• 2× NBA champion (1994, 1995)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1994)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1985–1990, 1992–1997)
• 6× All-NBA First Team (1987–1989, 1993, 1994, 1997)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1990, 1996)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (1991, 1995, 1999)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985, 1991, 1996, 1997)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
• 2× NBA rebounding leader (1989, 1990)
• 3× NBA blocks leader (1990, 1991, 1993)

"The Dream" is arguably the most skilled and complete centres in NBA history, celebrated for his graceful footwork, defensive dominance, and versatility on both ends of the floor. His signature move, the “Dream Shake,” was a dazzling display of pivots, fakes, and spins that left defenders helpless and made him a nearly unstoppable scorer in the post. During his 18-year career with the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon was a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and a league MVP, solidifying his legacy as a player who could lead his team to the top through sheer talent and determination.

4. Shaquille O’Neal – 7 ft 1 in (216 cm) 325lb (147kg)

Games: 1,207 │ Minutes: 34.7 mpg │ Points: 23.7 ppg (28,596) │ Rebounds: 10.9 rpg (13,099) │ Assists: 2.5 apg (3,026) │ Steals: 0.6 spg (739) │ Blocks: 2.3 bpg (2,732)

• 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
• 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000[a], 2004, 2009)
• 8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1995, 1999)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 1996, 1997, 2009)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2001, 2003)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000)

The game orbited around Shaquille O'Neal. He was like the sun when he was on the floor. Known simply as "Shaq," he is one of the most dominant and charismatic players in NBA history with immense size, strength, speed and athleticism. Standing at 7'1" and weighing more than 300 pounds, Shaq’s physical presence made him a nearly unstoppable force in the paint, primarily for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. His 2000 NBA season is one of the most dominant of all-time. Shaq's combination of power and agility was something the league had rarely seen. During his 19-year career, O’Neal won four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, and an MVP award, establishing himself as one of the most dominant centres to ever play the game.

3. Bill Russell – 6 ft 10 in (2.08m) 215lb (98kg)

Games: 963 │ Minutes: N/A │ Points: 15.1 ppg (14,522) │ Rebounds: 22.5 rpg (21,620) │ Assists: 4.3 apg (4,100) │ Steals: N/A │ Blocks: N/A

• 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)
• 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
• 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
• 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)

Bill Russell is a towering figure in basketball history, not only for his unparalleled success as a player but also for his profound impact as a leader, pioneer, and champion of social justice. Known as one of the greatest defenders and rebounders of all time, Russell was the backbone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, leading them to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons — a record that remains unmatched. If this list was about winning, Russell is No1 by a wide, wide margin. His shot-blocking, defensive instincts, and relentless rebounding redefined the role of a centre and shifted the focus of basketball to defense and teamwork.

2. Wilt Chamberlain – 7 ft 1 in (2.16m) 275lb (125kg)

Games: 1,045 │ Minutes: 45.8 mpg │ Points: 30.1 ppg (31,419) │ Rebounds: 22.9 rpg (23,924) │ Assists: 4.4 apg (4,643) │ Steals: N/A │ Blocks: N/A

• 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972)
• NBA Finals MVP (1972)
• 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968)
• 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960)
• 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1960)
• 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966)
• 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973)
• NBA assist leader (1968)

Chamberlain shattered records and set standards that remain unbroken and legendary. He holds some of the most famous records in the NBA, including his astounding 100-point game and his record 50.4 points per game over an entire season. Throughout his career, Chamberlain was a statistical God, leading the league in scoring, rebounding, and even assists, showcasing his versatility and unselfishness. During 14 seasons, he scored 31,419 points and amassed an all-time NBA record 23,924 rebounds, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific players ever.

Chamberlain’s rivalry with Bill Russell defined a generation, as his offensive dominance contrasted Russell’s defensive prowess in battles that helped elevate the game to what it is now.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 7 ft 2 in (2.18m) 225lb (102kg)

Games: 1,560 │ Minutes: 36.8 mpg │ Points: 24.6 ppg (38,387) │ Rebounds: 11.2 rpg (17,440) │ Assists: 3.6 apg (5,660) │ Steals: 0.7 spg (1,160) │ Blocks: 2.6 bpg (3,189)

• 6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
• 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)
• 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986)
• 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981)
• 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971, 1976–1978, 1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972)
• NBA rebounding leader (1976)
• 4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)

The fact "The Captain" is slept on for the Greatest NBA Player of All-Time is a joke. He is the greatest men's basketball player to ever live when his entire resume is accounted. While Wilt is the Greatest NBA Player of All-time, Kareem edges him with longevity at centre. Kareem's six MVPs is only equalled by Michael Jordan. He is a six-time NBA champion, 19-time NBA All-Star, led the league in blocks four times, and scoring twice, spent half of his career as an All-NBA First Team member and five seasons on the second team. Kareem also possessed the most unstoppable shot in basketball history, the Skyhook. No other player has been able to replicate it.

He averaged a double-double - 24.6 points and 11.2 rebounds - per game in a 20-year NBA career when sports science didn't exist. He finished with those numbers despite a significant dip in the backend of his career. Kareem's career in the pivot is unquestionably the greatest stretch in NBA history.

The Greatest Lists: 25-1: Greatest power forwards in NBA history I 20-to-1: The greatest point guards in NBA history I 25-1: Greatest small forwards in NBA history I 25-1: Greatest shooting guards in NBA history I Ranked: The 19 smoothest jumpers in NBA history I Top 30 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback.