Greatest NBA Big Men

The NBA game has changed, but these giants could have dominated in any era.

The evolution of the big man may be the most interesting development in the modern NBA.

Once heralded for strength, low-post footwork and efficient scoring, the giants of the game, thanks to data, have been pushed out to the perimeter, where they can be effective pick-and-roll targets for star guards.

As the game has changed, it’s fun to imagine how the all-time big greats would adapt to the modern style.

Whether NBA fans will see another big man win MVP is up in the air, but these big men defined their generations.

30. Yao Ming

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, left, works against San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan in 2008. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Sept. 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China

Size: 7-6, 310 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 9 seasons (2002-11)

Teams: Houston Rockets

Stats: 19.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.6 APG, 23.0 PER

Accolades: NBA All-Star (8 times), Second Team All-NBA (2 times), Third Team All-NBA (3 times)

Bottom Line: Yao Ming

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming defends against Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson in 2003. George Widman / AP Photo

Yao Ming was touted as the “Chinese Shaq” coming out of China.

While Yao didn’t achieve that level of dominance, he proved he belonged among the great centers in the league. He was a big-time scorer for the Rockets and a skilled passer underneath the basket.

But the Rockets’ teams with him and Tracy McGrady often underachieved in the playoffs, which contributes to Yao’s legacy. Foot problems ended his career early, and he’s been an ambassador for basketball in China since.

29. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the first round (fourth pick) of the 2003 NBA draft. Ben Margot / AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: March 24, 1984, in Dallas, Texas

Size: 6-11, 235 pounds

College: Georgia Tech

Career: 13 seasons (2003-16)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat

Stats: 19.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.0 APG, 20.6 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA All-Star (11 times), Second Team All-NBA

Bottom Line: Chris Bosh

Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh in a 2012 game against the New Jersey Nets. J Pat Carter / AP Photo

Chris Bosh racked up All-Star appearance after All-Star appearance as the focal point of the offense in Toronto. But he also racked up a couple of first-round playoff losses, which is why he made the move to join forces with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in Miami.

Forced to take a backseat offensively, Bosh developed into a rim protector and knockdown catch-and-shoot player from the outside.

Bosh’s career faced a tragic end when he was diagnosed with blood clotting issues, forcing him into a far too early retirement.

28. Artis Gilmore

Artis Gilmore against Bill Walton and the San Diego Clippers in 1983. AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Sept. 21, 1949, in Chipley, Florida

Size: 7-2, 240 pounds

College: Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University

Career: 17 seasons (1971-88)

Teams: Kentucky Colonels, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics

Stats: 18.8 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 2.3 APG, 21.4 PER

Accolades: ABA champion, ABA MVP, ABA Playoffs MVP, NBA/ABA All-Star (11 times), First Team All-NBA/ABA (5 times), First Team All-Defense (4 times), Second Team All-Defense, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Artis Gilmore

Chicago Bulls center Artis Gilmore attempts to block a shot against Boston Celtics center Robert Parish during a playoff game in 1981. Bill Polo / AP Photo

Artis Gilmore debuted in the ABA in 1971 and led the now-defunct Kentucky Colonels to a championship in the 1974-75 season.

When the ABA and NBA merged, Gilmore proved he belonged among the best in any league, making four All-Star teams in six seasons with the Bulls.

A rebounding machine, a dominant defensive presence and remarkably durable, Gilmore’s game would fit in any era.

27. Bob McAdoo

Buffalo Braves power forward Bob McAdoo, left, against the Philadelphia 76ers during a playoff game in 1976. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: Sept. 25, 1951, in Greensboro, N.C.

Size: 6-9, 210 pounds

College: Vincennes University, North Carolina

Career: 14 seasons (1972-86)

Teams: Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers

Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 2.3 APG, 20.7 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA MVP, NBA All-Star (5 times), First Team All-NBA, Second Team All-NBA, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Bob McAdoo

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Bob McAdoo, center, against the Dallas Mavericks in 1984. AP Photo

A dominant force from the moment he put on an NBA uniform, Bob McAdoo became an elite scorer in just his second season.

He led the league in scoring for three straight seasons from 1973 to 1976, averaging more than 30 points per game.

His production tailed off as he aged, and he clashed with management in Detroit and took a role-playing role with the Lakers of Magic and Kareem.

McAdoo spent the latter part of his 30s playing in Italy and is one of just a few players to win both the NBA and FIBA EuroLeague titles.

26. Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard made his NBA debut at the age of 19. Bill Haber / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Dec. 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia

Size: 6-11, 265 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 15 seasons (2004-present)

Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards

Stats: 17.4 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.5 APG, 21.6 PER

Accolades: NBA Defensive Player of the Year (3 times), NBA All-Star (8 times), First Team All-NBA (5 times), Second Team All-NBA, Third Team All-NBA (2 times)

Bottom Line: Dwight Howard

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard dunks against the Houston Rockets in 2012. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Now a punchline in many NBA circles, and somewhat deservedly so, Dwight Howard was the most dominant big man of the last 15 years. He led a Magic team to the NBA Finals, featuring a surrounding cast of spot-up shooters feeding off Howard’s post scoring.

In his prime, Howard was unstoppable and a defensive rock. However, the back half of his career has been full of disappointment after disappointment, featuring some delusional talk about still wanting to be an offensive focus.

Here’s hoping he realizes his role and ends his career on a good note.

25. Robert Parish

Robert Parish pulls down a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1981. John Martell / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Aug. 30, 1953, in Shreveport, Louisiana

Size: 7-0, 230 pounds

College: Centenary College

Career: 21 seasons (1976-1997)

Teams: Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls

Stats: 14.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.4 APG, 19.2 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (3 times), All-Star (9 times), Second Team All-NBA, Third Team All-NBA

Bottom Line: Robert Parish

Boston Celtics center Robert Parish looks for daylight against the Philadelphia 76ers during a playoff game in 1982. AP Photo

When the Celtics traded for Robert Parish in 1980, he certified the team as a perennial championship contender.

After it was clear Larry Bird was a superstar following his first season in the league, Parish and rookie Kevin McHale turned Boston into a juggernaut.

Parish made the All-Star team in each of his first seven years as a Celtic, hovering around 20 points per game.

Though he was overshadowed a bit by Bird and McHale in Boston (for reasons we don’t need to get into here), Parish was a vital component on those three championship runs in the 1980s.

24. Wes Unseld

Washington Bullets center Wes Unseld secures an offensive rebound against the Atlanta Hawks in 1979. AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: March 14, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky

Size: 6-7, 245 pounds

College: Louisville

Career: 13 seasons (1968-1981)

Career stats: 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.9 APG, 16.0 PER

Teams: Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star (5 times), First Team All-NBA, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Wes Unseld

Washington Bullets center Wes Unseld reaches to block a shot by Seattle SuperSonics big man Paul Silas in 1979. AP Photo

Wes Unseld was the precursor to what we would see a decade after he retired in Dennis Rodman. A selfless player, Unseld had rebounding skills that were unmatched in the league and gave his teams a security blanket on defense.

He broke in as the Rookie of the Year and MVP, becoming the second player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. Unseld could best be compared to a modern-day Kevin Love. Unseld’s efficiency, crisp passing and board work made him a threat everywhere on the floor.

He led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history.

23. Dolph Schayes

Syracuse Nationals center Dolph Schayes, left, makes a move on Boston Celtics center Bill Russell in 1958. AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: May 19, 1928, in New York, New York

Died: Dec. 10, 2015, in Syracuse, New York

Size: 6-8, 220 pounds

College: New York University

Career: 15 seasons (1949-64)

Teams: Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia 76ers

Stats: 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 22.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA All-Star (12 times), First Team All-NBA (6 times), Second Team All-NBA (6 times)

Bottom Line: Dolph Schayes

Syracuse Nationals center Dolph Schayes, in 1960, after becoming the first NBA player to top the 15,000-point mark. Warren M. Winterbottom / AP Photo

Starting back in the NBL days, Dolph Schayes is one of the players that helped grow the league into the NBA we see today.

Spending 14 of his 15 years in the league with the Syracuse Nationals in the 1950s and ’60s, Schayes was a beast on the boards, leading the league in rebounds in his second season.

His efficiency at the free-throw line was a rare asset for big men back then, as he led the league in free-throw percentage three times.

He also was the first person in the NBA to ever surpass 15,000 points.

22. Patrick Ewing

New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing puts up a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1995. Morry Gash / AP Photo

Position: Center and power forward

Born: Aug. 5, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica

Size: 7-0, 240 pounds

College: Georgetown

Career: 17 seasons (1985-2002)

Teams: New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, Orlando Magic

Stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG, 1.9 APG, 21.0 PER

Accolades: NBA All-Star (11 times), First Team All-NBA, Second Team All-NBA (6 times), First Team All-Defense, Second Team All-Defense (3 times), Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Patrick Ewing

Patrick Ewing scored 24,815 points in his career. Ron Edmonds / AP Photo

A skilled offensive player, Patrick Ewing doesn’t have an eye-popping highlight reel. In fact, most of the highlights shown these days are of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen making him look foolish.

And while that may be a fitting image of Ewing’s frequent clashes with the Bulls, he is responsible for the best era of Knicks basketball since the days of Willis Reed.

Ewing was a reliable and stout offensive presence in the league year after year for more than a decade.

21. Bill Walton

Portland Trail Blazers center Bill Walton drives around Boston Celtics center Dave Cowens in 1977. Peter Southwick / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Nov. 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California

Size: 6-11, 210 pounds

College: UCLA

Career: 13 seasons (1974-1987)

Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics

Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 0.8 APG, 20.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star (2 times), First Team All-NBA, Second Team All-NBA, First Team All-Defense (2 times), Sixth Man of the Year

Bottom Line: Bill Walton

Portland Trail Blazers center Bill Walton, right, battles for positions against Milwaukee Bucks center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975. AP Photo

What could have been? Bill Walton may be second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in terms of greatest college players ever, and his first few years in the NBA looked like another chapter in that story.

Foot problems wrecked what would have been an all-time great career. His two titles came 10 years apart, and by the time he was coming off the bench for the Celtics, he was all but washed up.

Walton gritted it out for that Boston run, but that was more or less the end of the line for him.

20. Dennis Rodman

Detroit Pistons power forward Dennis Rodman, right, grabs a rebound away from Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 3 of the 1989 NBA Finals. Bob Galbraith / AP Photo

Position: Small forward and power forward

Born: May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey

Size: 6-7, 210 pounds

College: Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Career: 14 seasons (1986-2000)

Teams: Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 7.3 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 1.8 APG, 14.6 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (5 times), NBA All-Star (2 times), Defensive Player of the Year (2 times), Third Team All-NBA (2 times), First Team All-Defense (7 times), Second Team All-Defense

Bottom Line: Dennis Rodman

Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman leaps into the air after throwing a long pass against the Miami Heat in 1996. Hans Deryk

Dennis Rodman was an enigmatic personality, but his on-court persona was pretty much the exact opposite of his tabloid-driven personal life.

On the court, he was a selfless rebounder, content with doing the dirty work on the boards to ensure his team took control after missed shots.

The No. 1 rebounder in the history of the league, Rodman brought his skills to a pair of impressive championship runs by the Pistons and Bulls.

19. Dave Cowens

Boston Celtics center Dave Cowens, right, makes a hook shot against the New York Knicks during a playoff game in 1974. AP Photo

Position: Center and power forward

Born: Oct. 25, 1948, in Newport, Kentucky

Size: 6-9, 230 pounds

College: Florida State

Career: 11 seasons (1970-80, 1982-83)

Teams: Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 17.6 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 3.8 APG, 17.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA MVP, NBA All-Star (8 times), Second Team All-NBA (3 times), First Team All-Defense, Second Team All-Defense (2 times)

Bottom Line: Dave Cowens

Dave Cowens brings down a rebound against the Cincinnati Royals in 1972. AP Photo

Dave Cowens does not get enough credit for continuing the Celtics’ dynasty into the 1970s and bridging the gap from John Havlicek to Larry Bird.

Despite some criticism that Cowens was undersized as a center, he quickly silenced the haters, averaging 17 points and 15 rebounds per game in his rookie season. The next year, he won MVP. The year after that, the C’s won the title.

Havlicek gets the most acclaim, but Cowens is on a short list of players to lead his team in all five major statistical categories for a season (points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals).

18. Pau Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies center Pau Gasol drives to the basket against the New York Knicks in 2001. Mark Lennihan

Position: Center and power forward

Born: July 6, 1980 (age 39 years), in Barcelona, Spain

Size: 7-0, 250 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 19 seasons (2001-present)

Teams: Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trailblazers

Stats: 17.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 3.2 APG, 21.4 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA All-Star (6 times), Second Team All-NBA (2 times), Third Team All-NBA (2 times), Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Pau Gasol

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol, left, fights for an opening to the basket against Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki in 2014. Tony Gutierrez / AP Photo

Pau Gasol’s skills were overlooked for the first bit of his career in Memphis, making just one All-Star team in six-plus years. His move to Los Angeles to join the Lakers provided the spotlight he needed, and it became clear Gasol was the missing piece for a second Kobe Bryant run through the West.

He and Bryant ran the league during the first four of his six years in L.A., and Gasol finally got the hardware he deserved, making another three trips to the All-Star game.

Predictably, his game has aged gracefully, as he still provides valuable minutes and promises to be a reliable option off the bench for a championship contender in Portland.

17. Bob Pettit

St. Louis Hawks center Bob Pettit takes a shot against the Cincinnati Royals in 1957. AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: Dec. 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Size: 6-9, 205 pounds

College: LSU

Career: 11 seasons (1964-75)

Teams: Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks

Stats: 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 25.3 PER

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA MVP (2 times), NBA All-Star (11 times), First Team All-NBA (10 times), Second Team All-NBA, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Bob Pettit

Bob Pettit, right, fights for a rebound against the Philadelphia Warriors in 1956. AP Photo

Bob Pettit was the GOAT of the NBA in his day, making the All-Star team in each of his 11 seasons and racking up a couple of MVP trophies in the process.

His 6-9, 200-pound frame stood out among the early days of the league and allowed him to wreak havoc as a scorer and rebounder.

He also got to the free-throw line with great regularity, averaging more than 10 free-throw attempts per game across his career.

Despite his relatively short career, Pettit still ranks 18th in rebounds and 38th in points all-time.

16. Willis Reed

New York Knicks center Willis Reed shoots against the Cincinnati Royals in 1969. AP Photo

Position: Center and power forward

Born: June 25, 1942, in Hico, Louisiana

Size: 6-9, 235 pounds

College: Grambling State

Career: 10 seasons (1964-74)

Teams: New York Knicks

Stats: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 18.6 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP (2 times), NBA All-Star (7 times), First Team All-NBA, Second Team All-NBA (4 times), First Team All-Defense, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Willis Reed

Willis Reed led the New York Knicks to their first NBA title in 1970. AP Photo

Bottom line: Willis Reed is best known for limping onto the court in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to bring home a championship for the New York Knicks. The unfortunate part is that one moment has come to define him as a player, ignoring his all-time great status in the years leading up to that moment.

Reed posted upward of 20 points and 13 rebounds per game throughout the bulk of his career.

Playing in that Finals game may have netted the team a championship, but it also may have taken years off at the end. Reed was never the same player after that torn thigh muscle and played just another 19 games before hanging it up.

15. Elvin Hayes

Washington Bullets power forward Elvin Hayes dunks against the New York Knicks in 1977. AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: Nov. 17, 1945, in Rayville, Louisiana

Size: 6-9, 235 pounds

College: Houston

Career: 16 seasons (1968-84)

Teams: San Diego Rockets, Houston Rockets, Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets

Stats: 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.8 APG, 17.7 PER

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA All-Star (12 times), First Team All-NBA (3 times), Second Team All-NBA (3 times), Second Team All-Defense (2 times)

Bottom Line: Elvis Hayes

Elvin Hayes, left, playing defense against the San Antonio Spurs in 1979. AP Photo

Elvin Hayes burst onto the scene with the San Diego Rockets, averaging upward of 28 points and 17 rebounds per game as a rookie.

He proceeded to make the All-Star team in each of his first 12 seasons, picking up a championship with the Bullets in 1979.

Hayes was remarkably durable during his NBA career and never played less than 80 games in any of his 16 seasons.

14. Kevin McHale

Boston Celtics power forward Kevin McHale makes a move to the basket against the New Jersey Nets in 1984. Elise Amendola / AP Photo

Position: Power forward

Born: Dec. 19, 1957, in Hibbing, Minnesota

Size: 6-10, 210 pounds

College: Minnesota

Career: 13 seasons (1980-93)

Teams: Boston Celtics

Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 1.7 APG, 20.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (3 times), NBA All-Star (7 times), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2 times), First Team All-NBA, First Team All-Defense (3 times), Second Team All-Defense (3 times)

Bottom Line: Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale drives against the Chicago Bulls in 1980. Fred Jewell / AP Photo

A defensive force, Kevin McHale was the yin to Larry Bird’s yang and an all-important cog in the Boston Celtics’ dominant run through the East in the 1980s. It is impossible to know what kind of numbers McHale could have put up in a starring role.

His 1986-87 season showed a glimpse of that, but his makeup made him uniquely suited to come off the bench, which he did for much of his career.

His shot-blocking ability and scoring made him the perfect fit while Bird dominated the ball. When McHale checked in, that’s when the game really started.

13. Charles Barkley

Philadelphia 76ers center Charles Barkley, left, blocks a shot by Milwaukee Bucks center Alton Lister during a playoff game in 1986. Amy Sancetta / AP Photo

Position: Power forward

Born: Feb. 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama

Size: 6-6, 252 pounds

College: Auburn

Career: 16 seasons (1984-2000)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets

Career stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.9 APG, 24.6 PER

Accolades: NBA MVP, NBA All-Star (11 times), First Team All-NBA (5 times), Second Team All-NBA (5 times), Third Team All-NBA

Bottom Line: Charles Barkley

Houston Rockets forward Charles Barkley drives against the Seattle SuperSonics during a playoff game in 1997. David J. Phillip / AP Photo

Charles Barkley only belongs here because of his unbelievable rebounding skill. By his size alone, Barkley is more of a wing in the modern NBA. Listed at just 6 feet, 6 inches, there are guards that match Barkley’s size.

His unique way of scoring and rebounding around bigger defenders made him an MVP, and he led the Suns to a Finals showdown against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.

Had it not been for those Bulls, we would look at “Sir Charles” in a much different light.

12. Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, right, drives against Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol during a playoff game in 2011. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Position: Power forward

Born: June 19, 1978, in Wurzburg, Germany

Size: 7-0, 245 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 21 seasons (1998-2019)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.4 APG, 22.4 PER

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star (14 times), First Team All-NBA (4 times), Second Team All-NBA (5 times), Third Team All-NBA (2 times)

Bottom Line: Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki shoots against the Utah Jazz in 2012. Steve C. Wilson / AP Photo

Dirk Nowitzki takes the mantle as the greatest European player in NBA history and rivals Hakeem Olajuwon for the best international talent ever.

An unstoppable jump shooter at 7-feet, Nowitzki is the evolution of the modern NBA personified. A player with great post moves and length, he often chose to step outside and bury long-range shots.

Sometimes criticized for his lack of mobility and defense, he shut up all the critics by topping the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.

11. David Robinson

San Antonio center David Robinson shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in 1993. Joe Holloway Jr. / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Aug. 6, 1965, in Key West, Florida

Size: 7-1, 235 pounds

College: Navy

Career: 14 seasons (1989-2003)

Teams: San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG, 2.5 APG, 26.2 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, NBA All-Star (10 times), First Team All-NBA (4 times), Second Team All-NBA (2 times), Third Team All-NBA (4 times), First Team All-Defense (4 times), Second Teams All-Defense (4 times), Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: David Robinson

David Robinson shoots against the Utah Jazz during a playoff game in 1998. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

“The Admiral” entered the NBA with a level of polish rarely seen. You can credit four years at the Naval Academy for that.

In fitting U.S. Navy fashion, Robinson was a beast defending — in his case it was the basket. His quick feet and length led to him climbing all the way to No. 6 on the all-time blocks list.

Credit his leadership, ceding the helm to Tim Duncan from day one, for extending Robinson’s career and adding one more trophy to his mantle.

10. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett, left, drives the baseline against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2002. Lucy Nicholson / AP Photo

Position: Power forward

Born: May 19, 1976, in Mauldin, South Carolina

Size: 6-11, 240 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 21 seasons (1995-2016)

Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets

Stats: 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 3.7 APG, 22.7 PER

Accolades: NBA champion, NBA All-Star (15 times), NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-NBA (4 times), Second Team All-NBA (3 times), Third Team All-NBA (2 times), First Team All-Defense (9 times), Second Team All-Defense (3 times)

Bottom Line: Kevin Garnett

Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett grabs a rebound against the Orlando Magic in 2013. Charles Krupa / AP Photo

Raw emotion and intensity defined the first and greatest Timberwolves franchise player. The expansion team needed a face, and Kevin Garnett gave them that and more, winning an MVP in a dominant 2003-04 campaign that saw the Wolves go to the Western Conference finals.

He took a backseat on offense in Boston, but set the tone defensively for the NBA champion Celtics in 2008.

Had it not been for some poorly timed injuries, “The Big Ticket” would have more than one ring.

9. Karl Malone

Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone, left, drives against Indiana Pacers power forward Dale Davis in 1995. Leon Algee / AP Photo

Position: Power forward

Born: July 24, 1963, in Summerfield, Louisiana

Size: 6-9, 250 pounds

College: Louisiana Tech

Career: 19 seasons (1985-2004)

Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

Stats: 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.6 APG, 23.9 PER

Accolades: NBA All-Star (14 times), NBA MVP (2 times), First Team All-NBA (11 times), Second Team All-NBA (2 times), Third Team All-NBA, First Team All-Defense (3 times), Second Team All-Defense

Bottom Line: Karl Malone

Karl Malone, left, moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs in 1998. Joey Garcia / AP Photo

Sometimes referred to as a punch line for both his lack of production in the playoffs and his ring-chasing with the Lakers in the last year of his career, Karl Malone was an absolute machine in his prime.

Teaming with fellow All-Star John Stockton, the two made one of the most productive tandems the game has seen, evidenced in Malone’s pair of MVPs during Michael Jordan’s prime.

“The Mailman” used his freakish strength and array of post moves to climb his way to second all-time on the NBA scoring list.

8. George Mikan

Minneapolis Lakers center George Mikan gets a rebound against the New York Knicks in 1954. AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: June 18, 1924, in Joliet, Illinois

Died: June 1, 2005, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Size: 6-10, 245 pounds

College: DePaul

Career: 8 seasons (1948-56)

Teams: Minneapolis Lakers

Stats: 23.1 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 27.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (5 times), NBA All-Star (4 times), First Team All-NBA (5 times)

Bottom Line: George Mikan

George Mikan, right, shoots a hook shot against the New York Knickerbockers in 1953. AP Photo

George Mikan set the tone for the early years of the Lakers. His career, although short, was littered with honor.

From a championship perspective, his teams three-peated and piled up five titles in six years in the 1950s, placing them among the great dynasties in the sport.

After the fifth championship, Mikan retired, but came back to play in 37 games with the Lakers in 1955, leading the team to another playoff appearance.

7. Moses Malone

Houston Rockets center Moses Malone shoots against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the 1981 NBA Finals. AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: March 23, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia

Died: Sept. 13, 2015, in Norfolk, Virginia

Size: 6-10, 215 pounds

College: N/A

Career: 21 seasons (1974-95)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Stars, Houston Rockets, Buffalo Braves, Spirits of St. Louis, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 20.3 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.3 APG, 22.0 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (1983), three-time NBA MVP (1979, 1982, 1983), NBA Finals MVP (1983), NBA 13-time All-Star, four-time First-Team All-NBA, four-time Second-Team All-NBA

Bottom Line: Moses Malone

Moses Malone goes up for a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1983. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Here’s the list of players who have won three MVPs: Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone.

It’s an elite class of players, and Malone belongs among them. He has had his number retired by both the 76ers and Rockets.

He was the total package on both sides of the ball and deserves far more praise than he receives.

6. Hakeem Olajuwon

Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon, right, drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns in 1994. Rick Bowmer / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria

Size: 7-0, 255 pounds

College: Houston

Career: 18 seasons (1984-2002)

Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors

Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.1 BPG, 2.5 APG, 23.6 PER

Accolades: Two-time NBA champion (1994, 1995), 12-time NBA All-Star, NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995), two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, six-time First-Team All-NBA, three-time Second-Team All-NBA, three-time Third-Team All-NBA, five-time NBA First-Team All-Defense, four-time NBA Second-Team All-Defense

Bottom Line: Hakeem Olajuwon

Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon dunks against the Denver Nuggets in 2000. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

“The Dream” may be the most graceful of all the names on this list. His patented “Dream Shake” is the end-all, be-all of post maneuvers.

Many credit his pair of championships to Michael Jordan’s year-plus absence from the league, but Olajuwon’s greatness as a player is not to be questioned.

He was a dominant, reliable force at both ends and led the Rockets to their best era in franchise history.

5. Shaquille O’Neal

Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal defends against the Chicago Bulls in 1995. Tim Boyle / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey

Size: 7-1, 325 pounds

College: LSU

Career: 19 seasons (1992-2011)

Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics

Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 2.5 APG, 26.4 PER

Accolades: Four-time NBA champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006), 15-time NBA All-Star, NBA MVP (2000), three-time NBA Finals MVP (2000, 2001, 2002), eight-time First-Team All-NBA, two-time Second-Team All-NBA, four-time Third-Team All-NBA, three-time Second-Team All-Defense, Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Shaquille O’Neal

Los Angeles Laker center Shaquille O’Neal muscles his way around Miami Heat center Brian Grant in 2002. J. Pat Carter / AP Photo

The second-most dominant force in NBA history, only topped by the sheer godliness of Wilt Chamberlain’s numbers, Shaquille O’Neal bullied his way to back-to-back-to-back championships with the Lakers.

He was unguardable with his combination of size and quickness. Had he kept himself in tip-top shape, he could have gone even farther, carrying on that dominance well into his 30s.

Despite his reputation as a bit lackadaisical, O’Neal showcased great leadership and a will to win in each one of his stops in the league.

4. Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan scores against the Phoenix Suns in 2012. Ross D. Franklin / AP Photo

Position: Power forward and center

Born: April 25, 1976, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Size: 6-11, 250 pounds

College: Wake Forest

Career: 19 seasons (1997-2016)

Teams: San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 3.0 APG, 24.2 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (5 times), NBA All-Star (15 times), NBA MVP (2 times), NBA Finals MVP (3 times), First-Team All-NBA (10 times), Second-Team All-NBA (3 times), Third-Team All-NBA (2 times), First-Team All-Defense (8 times), Second-Team All-Defense (7 times), Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan won five NBA championships with the Spurs. Jeff Roberson / AP Photo

The epitome of consistency, Tim Duncan’s career mimics a modern-day vision of Bill Russell.

Duncan’s teams missed the playoffs just once in his nearly two-decade career. He squared off against and overcame the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the vaunted Pistons of the early 2000s.

Duncan may not have the highlight-reel plays of the others, but his undeniable combination of skill and leadership helped the Spurs maintain greatness through two decades.

3. Bill Russell

Boston Celtics center Bill Russell shoots against the Syracuse Nationals in 1962. Peter J. Carroll / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana

Size: 6-10, 215 pounds

College: San Francisco

Career: 13 seasons (1956-69)

Teams: Boston Celtics

Stats: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 18.9 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (11 times), NBA All-Star (12 times), NBA MVP (5 times), First Team All-NBA (3 times), Second Team All-NBA (8 times), First Team All-Defense

Bottom Line: Bill Russell

Bill Russell skies for a rebound against the Detroit Pistons in 1961. AP Photo

It’s unfortunate for Bill Russell that the blocks did not become an official NBA statistic until 1973, four years after the big man retired.

He likely would have dominated that category in the same way his Celtics dominated the NBA for more than a decade, winning 11 titles in 13 seasons, including nine straight.

Russell anchored those Hall of Fame teams and battled extreme prejudice off the court to become an all-time great in Boston.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1961. AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: Aug. 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Size: 7-1, 275 pounds

College: Kansas

Career: 14 seasons (1959-1973)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors

Stats: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 26.1 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (2 times), NBA All-Star (13 times), NBA MVP (4 times), NBA FInals MVP, First Team All-NBA (7 times), Second Team All-NBA (3 times), First Team All-Defense (2 times), Rookie of the Year

Bottom Line: Wilt Chamberlain

Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain against the New York Knicks players during the 1973 NBA Finals. File2 / AP Photo

The big man with a big reputation, Wilt Chamberlain was putting up video-game-like stats throughout the 1960s, scoring upward of 40 and even 50 points per game.

Truly a man ahead of his time, Chamberlain had a combination of length, skill and athleticism that was unstoppable by anyone not named Bill Russell.

It helped that Russell’s Celtics had a litany of All-Stars on the roster, while Chamberlain was more or less a one-man show until he joined the Lakers at the end of his career.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Milwaukee Bucks center Lew Alcindor, before he changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, shoots against the Chicago Bulls in 1970. Larry Stoddard / AP Photo

Position: Center

Born: April 16, 1947, in New York City, New York

Size: 7-2, 225 pounds

College: UCLA

Career: 20 seasons (1969-89)

Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers

Stats: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG, 3.6 APG, 24.6 PER

Accolades: NBA champion (6 times), NBA All-Star (19 times), NBA MVP (6 times), NBA Finals MVP (2 times), First Team All-NBA (10 times), Second Team All-NBA (5 times), Rookie of the Year, First Team All-Defense (5 times), Second Team All-Defense (6 times)

Bottom Line: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar against the Indiana Pacers in 1978. Nick Ut / AP Photo

Often wrongly overlooked as being a candidate for the greatest of all time, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar could do no wrong from the moment he entered the league.

The epitome of excellence and durability, he made the All-Star team in 19 of his 20 NBA seasons, playing more than 70 games in all but two of those seasons.

The No. 1 scorer in NBA history had an impossible shot to stop in the skyhook, and after allowing Magic Johnson to take the reins of the Lakers in the last half of his career, Abdul-Jabbar led the team to multiple championships in his late 30s.

Related: Best Big Men in the NBA Today