The center position is one of the most important and influential positions in basketball. Thats why i have chose to share my My Top 10 Centers Of All Time. A good center can dominate the game on both ends of the court, with their scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership. A great center can change the course of history, with their championships, awards, records, and legacy. A legendary center can transcend the sport, with their skill, personality, impact, and influence.

That’s why I decided to rank my top 10 centers of all time, based on my own criteria and preferences. This is not an objective or definitive list, but rather a personal and subjective one. I considered factors such as stats, achievements, longevity, consistency, versatility, clutchness, and greatness. I also considered factors such as style, charisma, innovation, and inspiration. This is my list of my top 10 centers of all time.

1. Shaquille O’Neal

There are many great centers in the history of basketball, but none of them can compare to Shaquille O’Neal, or Shaq for short. Shaq is my favorite center ever, and here are some of the reasons why:

• Shaq was a dominant force on both ends of the court. He could score at will with his strength, size, and skill. He averaged 23.7 points per game in his career, and had 14 seasons with over 20 points per game. He also led the league in field goal percentage 10 times, and had a career average of 58.2%. He was unstoppable in the paint, and could dunk on anyone who tried to stop him. He also was a great rebounder, averaging 10.9 rebounds per game in his career, and had 13 seasons with over 10 rebounds per game. He also was a good shot blocker, averaging 2.3 blocks per game in his career, and had nine seasons with over 2 blocks per game. He could protect the rim and intimidate opponents with his presence.
• Shaq was a winner and a leader. He won four NBA championships in his career, three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. He was named the Finals MVP in all four of his championship runs, and was the only player to do so until LeBron James matched him in 2016. He also won the regular season MVP award once, in 2000, when he led the league in scoring and field goal percentage. He was a 15-time All-Star, a 14-time All-NBA selection, and a three-time All-Defensive selection. He also won two scoring titles, one rebounding title, and one block title. He was a leader on and off the court, inspiring his teammates with his charisma, humor, and work ethic.
• Shaq was a entertainer and a personality. He was one of the most fun and funny players to watch and listen to. He had many nicknames, such as The Diesel, The Big Aristotle, Superman, Shaq Fu, The Big Shamrock, The Big Cactus, and many more. He also had many memorable quotes, such as “I’m not worried about the Sacramento Queens”, “I don’t need to work out. My motto is: No pain. No pain”, “I’m like toilet paper, toothpaste and certain amenities – I’m proven to be good”, and “I’m very quadrilingual. I speak English, basketball, Spanish and money”. He also had a rap career, releasing four albums and collaborating with artists like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Ludacris. He also starred in movies like Kazaam, Steel, Blue Chips, and Scary Movie 4. He also appeared in TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Fresh Off The Boat. He also has his own podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq.

Shaq is my favorite center ever because he was a dominant force on both ends of the court, a winner and a leader on every team he played for, and an entertainer and a personality off the court. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another player like him.

2. Dekembe Mutombo

• Mutombo was a defensive beast and a humanitarian. He was one of the best shot blockers and rebounders of all time. He averaged 9.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game in his career, and had 15 seasons with over 10 rebounds per game and 12 seasons with over 2 blocks per game. He led the league in blocks five times, and in rebounds four times. He was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time All-Star, a six-time All-Defensive selection, and a two-time rebounding champion. He also holds the record for the most blocks in a single game with 12. He was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, and could alter any shot that came his way. He also was famous for his signature finger wag after blocking a shot, which became his trademark gesture. He also was a humanitarian who cared deeply about his native country of Congo and Africa as a whole. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which aims to improve the health, education, and quality of life of the people in Congo. He also built a hospital in his hometown of Kinshasa, named after his late mother, which provides medical care to millions of people.
• Mutombo was a loyal and respected teammate and opponent. He played for six different teams in his career, but he always gave his best effort and showed his gratitude to each team he played for. He was a loyal teammate who supported his fellow players and helped them improve their game. He was also respected by his opponents, who admired his skill and spirit. He was known for being humble, polite, and friendly to everyone he met. He also had a great sense of humor and a distinctive voice that made him stand out. He was a joy to be around, and everyone loved him.
• Mutombo was an inspiration and a role model. He was one of the first African players to make it to the NBA, and he paved the way for many others to follow. He was proud of his heritage and culture, and he always represented them with dignity and grace. He also inspired many people with his story of overcoming adversity and achieving his dreams. He came from a poor family in Congo, where he did not have access to proper education or health care. He learned to speak nine languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, Lingala, Tshiluba, Kikongo, and two dialects of Ewe. He earned a scholarship to Georgetown University, where he studied linguistics and diplomacy. He also became one of the best basketball players in the world, and used his fame and fortune to give back to his community and country. He was a role model for many people who looked up to him as an example of what is possible with hard work, dedication, and compassion.

3. David Robinson

• Robinson was a versatile and athletic player and a patriot. He was one of the most complete players ever, who could do it all on both ends of the court. He averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3 blocks per game in his career, and had 14 seasons with over 20 points per game, 10 seasons with over 10 rebounds per game, and 12 seasons with over 2 blocks per game. He also shot 51.8% from the field, 73.6% from the free throw line, and 25% from the three-point line. He was a master of the mid-range shot, and could also step out to the perimeter or post up in the paint. He was also a freak athlete, who had a 7’1″ height, a 7’5″ wingspan, a 36-inch vertical leap, and a 4.5-second 40-yard dash time. He was fast, strong, agile, and explosive. He could run the floor like a guard, dunk like a forward, and defend like a center. He also was a patriot who served his country before joining the NBA. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in mathematics, and fulfilled his two-year commitment to the Navy as a civil engineering officer. He also represented the U.S. in international competitions, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996.
• Robinson was a champion and a mentor. He won two NBA championships in his career, both with the San Antonio Spurs. He was named the regular season MVP once, in 1995, when he led the league in scoring and rebounding. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year once, in 1992, when he led the league in blocks. He was a 10-time All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA selection, and an eight-time All-Defensive selection. He also won one scoring title, one rebounding title, one block title, and one assist title among centers. He also achieved the rare feat of recording a quadruple-double in a game, with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks in 1994. He was a leader on and off the court, who mentored his younger teammates and helped them grow as players and people. He was especially instrumental in developing Tim Duncan, who became his partner in crime and his successor as the franchise player of the Spurs.
• Robinson was a philanthropist and a gentleman. He was one of the most generous and kind players ever, who gave back to his community and country with his time and money. He founded the David Robinson Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to students from low-income families. He also donated $9 million to build the Carver Academy, a private school for underprivileged children in San Antonio. He also supported various charities and causes related to education, health care, social justice, and Christian faith. He also received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts, such as the NBA Sportsmanship Award (twice), the NBA Citizenship Award (twice), the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (once), and the Presidential Citizens Medal (once). He also was a gentleman who treated everyone with respect and dignity. He was humble, gracious, and classy in victory or defeat. He never complained or criticized anyone publicly. He always praised his opponents and teammates sincerely. He was a role model for many people who admired his character and integrity.

4. Hakeem Olajuwon

• Olajuwon was a skilled and graceful player and a pioneer. He was one of the most talented and elegant players ever, who had a unique combination of power and finesse. He averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game in his career, and had 13 seasons with over 20 points per game, 14 seasons with over 10 rebounds per game, and 12 seasons with over 2 blocks per game. He also shot 51.2% from the field and 71.2% from the free throw line. He was famous for his signature move, the Dream Shake, which was a series of fakes and spins that left his defenders bewildered and helpless. He also had a soft touch around the basket, a reliable mid-range jumper, and a deadly hook shot. He also was a pioneer who opened the doors for many international players to join the NBA. He was born and raised in Nigeria, where he did not play basketball until he was 15 years old. He moved to the U.S. to attend the University of Houston, where he led his team to three consecutive Final Four appearances. He also became the first foreign-born player to be drafted first overall in the NBA draft in 1984.
• Olajuwon was a clutch performer and a legend. He won two NBA championships in his career, both with the Houston Rockets. He was named the Finals MVP in both of his championship runs, and was the only player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year, and the Finals MVP in the same season (1994). He was also one of only four players to record at least 200 blocks and 200 steals in a single season (1989). He was a 12-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, a nine-time All-Defensive selection, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He also won two block titles and one rebounding title. He also holds the record for the most career blocks in NBA history with 3,830. He was a clutch performer who delivered when it mattered most. He led his team to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, despite being the underdogs in both years. He also outplayed some of the best centers of his era, such as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
• Olajuwon was a devout Muslim and a gentleman. He was one of the most faithful and respectful players ever, who followed his religion with dedication and sincerity. He observed Ramadan every year, even during the season, which meant he fasted from sunrise to sunset for a month. He also prayed five times a day, even during games or practices. He also donated millions of dollars to various Islamic charities and causes around the world. He also received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts, such as the NBA Humanitarian Award (once), the Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award (once), and the Laureus Sport for Good Award (once). He also was a gentleman who treated everyone with kindness and courtesy. He was humble, modest, and gracious in victory or defeat. He never trash-talked or taunted anyone publicly. He always complimented his opponents and teammates genuinely. He was a role model for many people who admired his faith and manners.

5.Bill Laimbeer

• Laimbeer was a tough and physical player and a competitor. He was one of the most hard-nosed and aggressive players ever, who played with a lot of intensity and passion. He averaged 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in his career, and had seven seasons with over 10 rebounds per game. He also shot 49.4% from the field, 32.8% from the three-point line, and 83.4% from the free throw line. He was a master of the dirty work, such as setting screens, boxing out, drawing charges, and diving for loose balls. He also was not afraid to use his elbows, knees, or fists to get an edge over his opponents. He was a competitor who hated to lose and did whatever it took to win.
• Laimbeer was a champion and a leader. He won two NBA championships in his career, both with the Detroit Pistons. He was a four-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA selection, and a two-time rebounding champion. He also holds the record for the most consecutive games played in NBA history with 685. He was a leader on and off the court, who rallied his teammates with his fiery attitude and vocal presence. He was also the captain of the Bad Boys Pistons, one of the most notorious and successful teams in NBA history. He instilled a culture of toughness, defense, and teamwork that made the Pistons a formidable force in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• Laimbeer was a villain and a personality. He was one of the most hated and controversial players ever, who drew the ire of fans, media, and opponents alike. He was booed and jeered wherever he went, and often got into fights or arguments with other players or referees. He also had many rivalries with some of the best players of his era, such as Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Parish, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen. He also had a knack for getting under their skin and provoking them into losing their composure or focus. He also had a sense of humor and a sarcastic wit that made him stand out. He often made fun of himself or others with his jokes or comments. He also appeared in TV shows like Married… with Children and Martin.

6.Arvydas Sabonis

• Sabonis was a skilled and smart player and a trailblazer. He was one of the most talented and intelligent players ever, who had a rare combination of size and skill. He averaged 12 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game in his NBA career, and had four seasons with over 10 points per game and three seasons with over 7 rebounds per game. He also shot 50% from the field, 32.8% from the three-point line, and 78.6% from the free throw line. He was a master of the post game, with an array of moves and counter-moves that made him unstoppable in the paint. He also had a great touch from the outside, and could stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. He also was a brilliant passer, who could find his teammates with pinpoint accuracy and vision. He also was a trailblazer who paved the way for many European players to join the NBA. He was born and raised in Lithuania, where he became a national hero and a basketball icon. He played for several teams in Europe, where he won numerous championships and awards. He also represented his country in international competitions, winning two Olympic bronze medals in 1992 and 1996.
• Sabonis was a resilient and loyal player and a leader. He overcame many injuries and obstacles in his career, but he never gave up or complained. He suffered several serious injuries to his knees, ankles, and Achilles tendons, which limited his mobility and athleticism. He also faced political and bureaucratic hurdles that prevented him from joining the NBA until he was 31 years old. He also played in an era where centers were dominant and physical, and he had to face some of the best big men of all time, such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Alonzo Mourning. He also played in a small market team with limited resources and exposure. But he never let any of these challenges stop him from playing his best and enjoying the game. He also was a loyal player who stayed with the same team for his entire NBA career: the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a leader on and off the court, who inspired his teammates with his passion and professionalism.
• Sabonis was a humble and friendly player and a personality. He was one of the most modest and kind players ever, who treated everyone with respect and gratitude. He was humble about his achievements and accolades, and always gave credit to his teammates and coaches. He also was grateful for his opportunities and experiences, and always expressed his appreciation to his fans and supporters. He also was friendly to everyone he met, regardless of their background or affiliation. He also had a sense of humor and a charming accent that made him stand out. He often made jokes or comments that made people laugh or smile. He also appeared in TV shows like The Simpsons.

7.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant and consistent player and a record-breaker. He was one of the most dominant and consistent players ever, who played at a high level for a long time. He averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game in his career, and had 17 seasons with over 20 points per game, 15 seasons with over 10 rebounds per game, and 10 seasons with over 2 blocks per game. He also shot 55.9% from the field and 72% from the free throw line. He was famous for his signature move, the skyhook, which was a high-arching shot that was virtually impossible to block or defend. He also had a great footwork, a reliable turnaround jumper, and a solid hook shot with either hand. He also was a record-breaker who holds many NBA records that are unlikely to be broken anytime soon. He holds the records for the most points in NBA history (38,387), the most minutes played in NBA history (57,446), the most field goals made in NBA history (15,837), the most field goals attempted in NBA history (28,307), the most All-Star selections in NBA history (19), and the most MVP awards in NBA history (6).
• Abdul-Jabbar was a winner and a leader. He won six NBA championships in his career, five with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was named the Finals MVP twice, in 1971 and 1985, and was the only player to win the award 14 years apart. He also won the regular season MVP six times, in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1980. He was a 19-time All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA selection, an 11-time All-Defensive selection, and a two-time scoring champion. He also won one rebounding title and four block titles. He was a leader on and off the court, who guided his teams with his experience and wisdom. He was also a mentor to many younger players, especially Magic Johnson, who became his partner in crime and his friend.
• Abdul-Jabbar was a Muslim and an activist. He was one of the most faithful and outspoken players ever, who followed his religion with conviction and courage. He converted to Islam in 1971, and changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means “noble one, servant of the Almighty”. He also observed Ramadan every year, even during the season, which meant he fasted from sunrise to sunset for a month. He also prayed five times a day, even during games or practices. He also was an activist who spoke out against racism, injustice, and oppression. He boycotted the 1968 Olympics to protest against the treatment of African Americans in the U.S. He also supported various causes and movements related to civil rights, social justice, education, health care, and Muslim faith. He also wrote several books and articles on various topics such as history, culture, politics, and sports.

8.Bill Cartwright

• Cartwright was a reliable and efficient player and a teammate. He was one of the most reliable and efficient players ever, who played with a lot of consistency and professionalism. He averaged 13.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in his career, and had six seasons with over 15 points per game and four seasons with over 7 rebounds per game. He also shot 51.4% from the field and 77.1% from the free throw line. He was a solid scorer in the post, with a smooth hook shot and a strong jump shot. He also was a good rebounder and defender, who could hold his own against some of the best big men of his era. He also was a teammate who sacrificed his stats and ego for the sake of the team. He accepted a reduced role when he joined the Chicago Bulls in 1988, and became a key part of their championship runs in 1991, 1992, and 1993.
• Cartwright was a fighter and a survivor. He overcame many injuries and challenges in his career, but he never gave up or lost his spirit. He suffered several injuries to his feet, ankles, knees, and back, which limited his playing time and mobility. He also faced criticism and scrutiny from fans, media, and opponents alike. He was often booed and jeered by Bulls fans who blamed him for the team’s failures or compared him unfavorably to Charles Oakley, whom he was traded for. He also had many confrontations with other players or coaches who tried to intimidate him or undermine him. He also played in an era where centers were dominant and physical, and he had to face some of the best big men of all time, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal. But he never let any of these obstacles stop him from playing his best and enjoying the game. He always fought back with his toughness and determination.
• Cartwright was a teacher and a leader. He was one of the most knowledgeable and respected players ever, who shared his wisdom and experience with others. He was a teacher who helped many younger players improve their game and learn from their mistakes. He was especially instrumental in developing Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, who became his co-stars on the Bulls. He also mentored many other players who played with him or under him as a coach or an assistant coach. He also was a leader who led by example and by voice. He was the captain of the Bulls for five seasons, and was the voice of reason and authority in the locker room. He also communicated well with his coaches and teammates, and always spoke his mind honestly and constructively.

9.Yao Ming

• Yao Ming was a talented and tall player and a global icon. He was one of the most talented and tall players ever, who had a rare combination of height and skill. He averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game in his career, and had six seasons with over 20 points per game and four seasons with over 10 rebounds per game. He also shot 52.4% from the field and 83.3% from the free throw line. He was a dominant scorer in the post, with a soft touch and a variety of moves. He also had a good mid-range jumper and a decent three-point shot. He also was a good rebounder and shot blocker, who used his size and length to his advantage. He also was a global icon who brought basketball to millions of people around the world. He was born and raised in China, where he became a national hero and a basketball legend. He played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he won one championship and three CBA MVP awards. He also represented China in international competitions, winning three FIBA Asian Championship gold medals and one Olympic bronze medal. He also became the first international player to be drafted first overall in the NBA draft in 2002.
• Yao Ming was a humble and respectful player and a teammate. He was one of the most humble and respectful players ever, who treated everyone with dignity and grace. He was humble about his achievements and accolades, and always gave credit to his teammates and coaches. He also was respectful to his opponents and fans, and never trash-talked or taunted anyone publicly. He always praised his rivals and supporters sincerely. He also was a teammate who sacrificed his stats and ego for the sake of the team. He accepted a reduced role when he joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, and became a key part of their success in the mid-2000s. He also supported his fellow players and helped them improve their game.
• Yao Ming was a philanthropist and an ambassador. He was one of the most generous and influential players ever, who gave back to his community and country with his time and money. He founded the Yao Ming Foundation, which provides educational opportunities and health care to children in China and the U.S. He also donated millions of dollars to various charities and causes related to disaster relief, wildlife conservation, social justice, and sports development. He also received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts, such as the Laureus Sport for Good Award (once), the NBA Sportsmanship Award (once), the NBA Citizenship Award (once), and the United Nations Environment Programme Champion of the Earth Award (once). He also was an ambassador who promoted basketball and cultural exchange between China and the U.S. He also advocated for peace and harmony among different nations and peoples.

10.Nicola Jokic

• Jokic is a creative and versatile player and a playmaker. He is one of the most creative and versatile players ever, who can do everything on the court. He averages 18.6 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in his career, and has four seasons with over 15 points per game, four seasons with over 10 rebounds per game, and four seasons with over 5 assists per game. He also shoots 52.8% from the field, 34.5% from the three-point line, and 82.8% from the free throw line. He is a master of the passing game, with an amazing vision and touch. He can find his teammates with pinpoint accuracy and flair. He can also score from anywhere on the floor, with a smooth jumper, a crafty post game, and a soft touch around the basket. He can also handle the ball like a guard, and run the offense like a point guard. He is a playmaker who makes his team better with his unselfishness and skill.
• Jokic is a clutch performer and a leader. He is one of the most clutch performers ever, who delivers when it matters most. He has many game-winning or game-tying shots in his career, and has a knack for making big plays in crunch time. He also has impressive playoff numbers, averaging 24.7 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in his postseason career. He also led his team to two consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances in 2019 and 2020, despite being the lower seed in both years. He also won the regular season MVP award in 2021, becoming the first center to do so since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. He is a leader on and off the court, who guides his team with his confidence and charisma. He is also a mentor to many younger players, especially Jamal Murray, who became his partner in crime and his friend.
• Jokic is a fun-loving and humble player and a personality. He is one of the most fun-loving and humble players ever, who enjoys the game and life with a smile and a laugh. He is always joking around with his teammates and coaches, and making them laugh with his antics and comments. He also has a great sense of humor and a charming accent that makes him stand out. He also loves animals, especially horses, which he grew up with in his native Serbia. He also owns a racehorse named Dream Catcher, which he bought as a gift for his girlfriend. He is also humble about his achievements and accolades, and always gives credit to his teammates and coaches. He also respects his opponents and fans, and never trash-talks or taunts anyone publicly. He always praises his rivals and supporters sincerely. How can he not be in My Top 10 Centers.

These are my top 10 centers of all time, but I know that not everyone will agree with me. That’s why I want to hear from you. Who are your favorite centers of all time? Who do you think I missed or ranked too high or too low? What are your criteria and preferences for choosing the best centers? Let me know in the comments section below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and fellow basketball fans. Let’s have a lively and respectful discussion about the greatest centers in basketball history.

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