Top 10 Centers in NBA History

camarosuper6 · 03-26-2004, 03:16 PM

OK.....

Anyone who loves basketball I am going to be posting a new catagory from the NBA each week. It could be anything from best passers, to biggest busts, to worst salaries to pretty much anything imaginable.

But, me being a big BIG MAN fan, I will start this honorary edition with the

Top 10 Centers EVER and a few comments why..

My Top 10 Centers.... starting with number 10

10. Robert Parish- Super consistent, hard nosed, work horse type player who won championships, played smart, and could keep up with the younger boys even into his forties. The fact he played nearly as long as Ive been alive gets him number 10 on my list.

9. Patrick Ewing- think a championship makes you a winner? Not in Ewing's case. Probably the best jump shooting center ever, had a dominant college career and took no time brining his skills to the pro level where he was one of the most dominant big men of his era. Great defensive intimidator on Defense, and smooth and powerful on offense, he was a rare combination of a silky jump shot that probably no center ever had, and a huge defensive ability to block shots and rebound like few others in his day. Number 9 on my list.

8. Bill Walton- Though his career was cut short by injuries, he was a superb passer with an uncanny ability to win. His UCLA days are those of legend, and before his injury he was one of the great centers of his day, using his excellent scoring and passing ability to win a championship in Portland. Later on he became much more of a role player, still helping Boston to win a few titles in the 1980's. He played neck and neck with Kareem and proved he was in a league with the big boys. Number 8 on my list.

7. David Robinson- Although many called him soft and aloof, there was no center in history with Robinsons pure athletic ability and speed. A former gymnast, in his prime he was faster than many guards, was quicker than any forward, and had more versatile than any center in his day. A former Defensive player of the year, and league MVP, Robinsons rare abilities and athleticism are sometimes overlooked, but Robinson finally quieted the critics winning two championships in his later years, and retiring in 2003. Number 7 on my list.

6. Moses Malone- a super powerful center, and one of the greatest rebounders ever, Moses Malone won 2 championships in the early 80's and is a League and Finals MVP. Malone was the Shaq of his era, beating up opponents with quick and powerful moves to the basket and being a pure intimidator on defense, Malone was the Shaq of the league, before Shaq arrived. Number 6 on my list.

5. Shaq Oneal- Without question the most powerful, intimidating, and nearly unstoppable Center in league history. His size, strength and power are unmatched in basketball. No one has ever seen someone weighing over 350 lbs move like Shaq does, dunking on people, intimidating anyone coming into his path. During the 2000-2002 seasons, no center did more and was more unstoppable than Shaquille, who demolished near every center that got in his path. Number 5 on my list.

4. Hakeem Olajuwan- If Robinson was the most athletic, Olajuwan has the best moves and footwork of any player next to Michael Jordan. His absolutely amazing array of moves befuddled even the best of centers (just ask Robinson and Shaq). His ability to step up in the clutch and utterly dominate even the greatest players in unparalleled by almost any player in NBA history. Add this to his uncanny defensive ability (all time block shots leader), he was Mr. Clutch for many years in Houston, and he won NBA championships with medicore teams. He was amazing to watch. Number 4 on my list.

3. Bill Russell- Played head to head with Wilt Chamberlain and still ended up winning 10 rings. The greatest defensive player of his era and maybe ever, no center did more for their team than Bill Russell. Russell rebounded and blocked shots like few centers ever, even going head to head with Wilt on a yearly basis. He passed, he scored when needed and nobody could get through him. He was the backbone of the greatest team in NBA history, and that alone makes him number 3.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- This man broke record after record. He has the most unstoppable shot ever, and won NBA ring after NBA ring. He went head to head with Wilt, to Moses, to Olajuwan to Ewing. He lasted decade after decade, being a super smooth scorer, excellent passer, and one of the leagues finest defenders to ever grace the court. He changed the game politically and physically. There was only one center who could surpass his ability.... Number 2 on my list.

1. WILT CHAMBERLAIN... Think Kareem is Number one. No way. Kareem was awesome, but Wilt Chamberlain is the only center who could do whatever he wanted, WHENEVER he wanted. 7'1 and near 300 lbs, Wilt was a high jumper, and had a 57 inch vertical jump. He scored 40 pts, 50 pts, 60, and even 100 pts in games all the time. He blocked shots before they recorded them, he rebounded more than any one could imagine. He did anything and everything he wanted to on a basketball court. He utter dominance struck fear into opponents who triple teamed him on a regular basis. There was no one who could dominate a game like Wilt, and thats why he is Number 1.

Next....

BigBallaGA · 03-26-2004, 03:45 PM

SHAQ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no hesitation, no comteplation

PURE AND SIMPLE

next question !

x~factor · 03-26-2004, 06:09 PM

Just match them up one by one and no one, I mean NO ONE can stop Shaquile O'Neal.

Ralph Wiggum · 03-26-2004, 06:24 PM

The only reason I wouldn't put Shaq number one is because of his lack of dominance. I know...I know....But hear me out. I Shaq really wanted to He could easily have a career average of 35pts, 15 reb, & 4 blks a game. It just seems like he is OK with being a Team Player(a main one at that) than being the only option on the team. Shaq should dominate the game like Wilt did. Like x~factor said, "...NO ONE can stop Shaquile O'Neal."

gr81 · 03-26-2004, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by camarosuper6

10. Robert Parish- Don't know about that

9. Patrick Ewing- Yeah Ewing could be top ten

8. Bill Walton- No way in hell Walton is top ten, not a chance

7. David Robinson-I'd put D-Rob higher personally. I think he is top 5-6

6. Moses Malone- Hmmmm, maybe more of a top 15 center

5. Shaq Oneal- Defn a top 5, but still lacks what the all time centers like Hakeem and Jabbar have. I think he is a step away from that level

4. Hakeem Olajuwan- Hakeem, top three personally, much better player than Russell. Think about the context of who each center played against. Hakeem was much more talnted IMO

3. Bill Russell- Not a top five center, certainly not better than Robinson or Oneal

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- what else can you say, the most prolific scorer ever besides MJ! The hook wsa unstappable

1. WILT CHAMBERLAIN... You have to agree with this, he may have been the cockiest Bastard that walked gods green earth, but he was more dominant than even Jordan, relatively. Possibnly the most dominant athlete in any sport ever!

Next....

Flex · 03-26-2004, 06:35 PM

I agree with the list, except for the order.

The Big Aristotle a.k.a. Wilt Chamberneezee(Shaq) is #1 bar none. Wilt #2. Russell #3. Kareem #4. Hakeem, Malone, Robinson, Ewing, Parrish and #10??

I dont even think Walton deserves to be on that list.

gr81 · 03-26-2004, 07:50 PM

sorry bro, but there ain't no way in hell shaq is the center that Wilt was, not even close!! shaq doesn't have the dominence that Wilt did. Shaq is too inconsistent nowadays. he is great, but he ain't no Wilt. I mean, Wilt is arguably the greatest player ever, I say arguable b/c Jordan was better IMO, but Shaq can't compare to either.

Flex · 03-26-2004, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gr81
sorry bro, but there ain't no way in hell shaq is the center that Wilt was, not even close!! shaq doesn't have the dominence that Wilt did. Shaq is too inconsistent nowadays. he is great, but he ain't no Wilt. I mean, Wilt is arguably the greatest player ever, I say arguable b/c Jordan was better IMO, but Shaq can't compare to either.

i have to disagree. There was ONE good center in the league, Bill Russell, when Wilt dominated, (who, by the way, used to contain Wilt every time they played.....11 championship rings).

On the other hand, Shaq has DOMINATED every good modern day center he has played against. The admiral, the dream, Ewing, Duncan (even though he's a PF), Mourning, Mutombo.......you name it, Shaq's dominated them.

and they didn't coin the term "Hack-a-Shaq" b/c they could stop him. they foul the shit outta him and force him to shoot free throws cuz that's his only weakness, and if they didn't, he'd be COMPLETELY unstoppable.

and if you wanna get really nittygritty, put Shaq vs. Wilt one-on-one, and Shaq would shut his skinny ass out, no question.

camarosuper6 · 03-26-2004, 09:01 PM

Ok... Shaq is VERY dominant yes... but remember, Shaq kind of caught all of the dominant centers in the league in the later stages of their career.

In the beginning, Shaq didnt dominate Olajuwan, or Robinson or Ewing. They were all solid rivalries. Olajuwan dominated Shaq in the finals. Robinson didnt lose to Shaq for the first 2 or 3 seasons in the league. Ewing was always toe to toe with him. Mutumbo.. well, he just seems to be all elbows and knees..

It wasnt until Shaq reached his prime, and all the other guys were almost at the end of their career, that he started putting it on them. But it wasnt always like that.

Shaq is top 5, but not the top Dawg.

Ok... Walton may be high, but it starts getting thin. Maybe Walton 10, Parish 9 and etc.

Flex · 03-26-2004, 09:07 PM

YES he is bro.

Shaq in his prime is the greatest center in history, and i'm not even a big fan of him.

Put him (in his prime) back in Wilt's day, and Shaq would've averaged 100 points/game. Put Wilt in his prime in today's game, and he's an average Stilt.

In his prime, Shaq is better than any center in their prime, ever.

gr81 · 03-26-2004, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Flex
i have to disagree. There was ONE good center in the league, Bill Russell, when Wilt dominated, (who, by the way, used to contain Wilt every time they played.....11 championship rings).

On the other hand, Shaq has DOMINATED every good modern day center he has played against. The admiral, the dream, Ewing, Duncan (even though he's a PF), Mourning, Mutombo.......you name it, Shaq's dominated them.

and they didn't coin the term "Hack-a-Shaq" b/c they could stop him. they foul the shit outta him and force him to shoot free throws cuz that's his only weakness, and if they didn't, he'd be COMPLETELY unstoppable.

and if you wanna get really nittygritty, put Shaq vs. Wilt one-on-one, and Shaq would shut his skinny ass out, no question.

Completely untrue bro, sorry. Remember when Hakeem was in his prime, he used to embarass Oneal. Same with Robinson, he used to beat him up game after game. Oneal has his weight and power, but Hakeem was two time the center Shaq ever was. He can do things that Shaq can't even think about doing. He could shoot the jumper, his post game was much more versatile, he was a better passer. Shaq was a better rebounder and power man, but thats it. Hakeem was more complete, Robinson was more complete, and Wilt was definately more complete! no doubt about it.

Flex · 03-26-2004, 09:41 PM

SHAQ is, in Arnold terms, NUMERO UNO

BigBallaGA · 03-27-2004, 09:14 AM

man how many times can i tell these dumb rookies that SHAQ is the best center to EVER play the game !!!!!!

next time, ill type in french.....

camarosuper6 · 03-27-2004, 09:45 AM

Rookie?

Hmm... like jumping on the Shaq bandwagon doesnt sound a little rookieish???

Sure hes dominant, but mostly at the expense of many NBA rules. If he didnt plummet everyone and run over people, he wouldnt be where he is today.

BTW Olajuwan toasted Shaq......

Flex · 03-27-2004, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by camarosuper6
Sure hes dominant, but mostly at the expense of many NBA rules. If he didnt plummet everyone and run over people, he wouldnt be where he is today.

BTW Olajuwan toasted Shaq......

I completely agree with you that there should be more fouls on him called (and even 3 second violations for that matter), but you can't possibly say he'd wouldn't be as good.
BTW, He wouldn't run over people if every team in the league didnt use the "Hack-a-Shaq" method.

p.s. Put Hakeem in his prime vs. Shaq in his prime (not in his younger years when they squared off), and Shaq DOMINATES, no questions asked.

Flex · 03-27-2004, 10:52 AM

BTW camaro, great idea for a thread......can't wait to see what suprise there is next week haha

BigBallaGA · 03-27-2004, 03:46 PM

dude, just sheer power and agression wise his skils not even withstanding, he kills every center to ever play the game !!!

now that sheer power and agression with his skills standing, and he is on another level from everyone else....

no one can handle shaq, i've seen interviews with people like robinson, malone and the rest who said that comes to the center position no one can hold their own against Shaq...... there is no debate in the center position as to who is the best of all time

now the guard position, yea there is contemplation and a cohesive argument to be made for a few players for the top spot !!!

camarosuper6 · 03-27-2004, 08:25 PM

Well Flex my friend

I truely believe Hakeem in his prime and Shaq in his prime, although an AWESOME matchup, Hakeem would prevail. Shaq cannot be stopped physically, but Hakeem was probably the greatest defensive center of the last 2 decades. If anyone had a chance at stopping shaq, or at least playing nose to nose, its hakeem. Shaq's main weakness IMO is his defense, where Hakeems moves would destory Shaq (If they can destory a super quick David Robinson, then Shaqs much slower defensive reactions would be silly ).

But thats My opinion.

Cant wait to see what I can think up for next thread

austinite · 03-28-2004, 01:50 PM

Oh yeah! NBA fans! The Final Four is great, but I'm an NBA man.

Top 10 Centers?
Kareem
Russell
Wilt
Shaq
Akeem
Walton
Tim Duncan
Ralph Sampson
Mo Malone
Ewing

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 09:51 PM

I'd put Mutumbo in the top ten before I'd put Bill Walton. Now if you're figuring Walton's college career into this then maybe but this is pure NBA and Walton doesn't even belong. I would even but Vlade Divac in there before Walton maybe in 9th before Parrish. Parrish wasn't really dominate due to the team around him with the Celtics in the mid 80's. I'd rate Robinson in front of O'neal any day of the week due to Robinson's ability at his size. Shaq should have/ or be as dominate as Wilt.

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by austinite
Oh yeah! NBA fans! The Final Four is great, but I'm an NBA man.

Top 10 Centers?
Kareem
Russell
Wilt
Shaq
Akeem
Walton
Tim Duncan
Ralph Sampson
Mo Malone
Ewing

Ralph Sampson!!! Why didn't you just post Benoit Benjamin or Joe Barry Carroll??

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 10:08 PM

My top ten...

10. Vlade Divac- One of the best passing big men of all time next to Robinson.
9. Parrish- Like I said in an earlier post not as dominate as he possibly could have been due to having Bird, McHale and company around him.
8. George Mikan- One of the first dominate Big Men in the NBA.
7. Moses Malone- Great Center not top 5.
6. Ewing- Great Center all the Way around.
5. O'Neal- Not as dominate as he should be. I'm sorry but he should be averaging over 30pts 20boards and 5 to 6 blocks per game. Especially what the officials give him night in and night out.
4. Robinson- Imagine if he didn't spend those years of his prime in the Navy??
3. Olajuwan- Great on both sides of the floor on O and D. Could hit those baseline jumpers, pass, rebound and block shots with the best of them.
2. Chamberlain- If he could only shoot free throws and win som championships I'd rank him #1.
1. Jabbar- All time leading scorer, and had the hook from hell.

Please feel free to pick this apart. PLEASE back it up though with good fact if you do!!

Flex · 03-28-2004, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by I'm Trying
My top ten...

10. Vlade Divac- One of the best passing big men of all time next to Robinson.
9. Parrish- Like I said in an earlier post not as dominate as he possibly could have been due to having Bird, McHale and company around him.

5. O'Neal- Not as dominate as he should be. I'm sorry but he should be averaging over 30pts 20boards and 5 to 6 blocks per game. Especially what the officials give him night in and night out.

Please feel free to pick this apart. PLEASE back it up though with good fact if you do!!

well, you want me to pick it apart....so here goes......

1st of all, you don't have Bill Russell. the guy has more championship rings than fingers, and is considered one of the BEST defensive players ever.......he used to DOMINATE Wilt.

10. VLADE??? OMG

9. Parrish is one of the NBA's 50greatest and def. deserves a top 10. he won only like 5 rings

5. And Shaq is NOT as dominant as he should be???? bro, he's got the SECOND best player in the NBA on his team who also wants to score 30pts/night, not to mention Malone and Payton (this year).
Besides, he doesnt dominate as much ever since "HackaShaq" was invented, cuz freethrow shooting is his ONLY weakness. Yes, officials give him alot of calls, but he gets MURDERED night in, night out as well.

i can't believe you guys don't consider Shaq #1 center of all time, its like the only thing me and my buddies can agree about regarding sports (well that, and how Jordan, Bird and Magic are the top 3).

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 10:44 PM

What about shaq before Kobe became as good as he is? What about when he was with Orlando?? Shit I forgot about putting Russell on there. But I'd put Divac on there like I said before, before Walton.

Shaq's other weakness is keeping his f-ing yap shut. If Shaq was smart enough he would have worked on that part of his game to improve it in stead of putting out those HORRIBLE rap albums and movies.
Who do you rate the BEST player in the Nba then Flex??

camarosuper6 · 03-28-2004, 10:49 PM

Shaq is great, but IMO overrated as far as the Top Centers Ever.

1. Wilt
2. Kareem
3. Russell
4. Hakeem
5. Shaq

Now.. if we were going by pure talent.. here is my list

1. Wilt
2. Hakeem
3. Robinson
4. Kareem
5. Russell
6. Shaq

Of course, talent doesnt decide dominance..

gr81 · 03-28-2004, 10:52 PM

Anyone who thinks that Shaq in his prime was better then Hakeem in his prime, is absolutely nuts. By the wat, the less talented than teh Laker rockets won two NBA championships at a time when the talent in the league was MUCH tougher, and they beat the Magic with Oneal, and swept them 4 straight. Hakeem had and all around game and played like it every night, where is Shaq comes to camp overweight every year. Shaq is great, but he could be greater

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 10:53 PM

i have sort of a bias against Bill Russell. My home team the Sac Kings hired him as a coach and GM and brought over Sampson. All Russell did was set the Kings back farther and had more of a mountain to climb to the point that they are at now. It also helps due to the new ownership.

I'm Trying · 03-28-2004, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gr81
Anyone who thinks that Shaq in his prime was better then Hakeem in his prime, is absolutely nuts. By the wat, the less talented than teh Laker rockets won two NBA championships at a time when the talent in the league was MUCH tougher, and they beat the Magic with Oneal, and swept them 4 straight. Hakeem had and all around game and played like it every night, where is Shaq comes to camp overweight every year. Shaq is great, but he could be greater

Exactly.

camarosuper6 · 03-28-2004, 10:57 PM

I agree. If you really wanna get down to it IMO, I truly deep down believe Hakeem may be the greatest center in history. I put Wilt and Kareem there because of their accomplishments, but in all honesty, I think Hakeem could have schooled both of them, especially Kareem (who I believe is great, but overrated really). They never had to play against the competition Hakeem did as far as big men.

But that is just my opinion.

camarosuper6 · 03-28-2004, 10:58 PM

Actually, if each center where in his prime, I think Robinson could have schooled Kareem and Wilt as well. Hakeem and Robinson (although Robinson didnt have that aggression that Hakeem had) were so quick and athletic, Kareem and Wilt never ever saw any competition like them. If they were all playing in their prime in the league, Hakeem and Robinson could have given them absolute fits!

03-26-2004, 06:35 PM	#6
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	I agree with the list, except for the order. The Big Aristotle a.k.a. Wilt Chamberneezee(Shaq) is #1 bar none. Wilt #2. Russell #3. Kareem #4. Hakeem, Malone, Robinson, Ewing, Parrish and #10?? I dont even think Walton deserves to be on that list. You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

03-26-2004, 09:01 PM	#9
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Ok... Shaq is VERY dominant yes... but remember, Shaq kind of caught all of the dominant centers in the league in the later stages of their career. In the beginning, Shaq didnt dominate Olajuwan, or Robinson or Ewing. They were all solid rivalries. Olajuwan dominated Shaq in the finals. Robinson didnt lose to Shaq for the first 2 or 3 seasons in the league. Ewing was always toe to toe with him. Mutumbo.. well, he just seems to be all elbows and knees.. It wasnt until Shaq reached his prime, and all the other guys were almost at the end of their career, that he started putting it on them. But it wasnt always like that. Shaq is top 5, but not the top Dawg. Ok... Walton may be high, but it starts getting thin. Maybe Walton 10, Parish 9 and etc. "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-26-2004, 09:41 PM	#12
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	SHAQ is, in Arnold terms, NUMERO UNO You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

03-27-2004, 09:14 AM	#13
BigBallaGA LA ISLA BONITA Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,363 Photos: 4	man how many times can i tell these dumb rookies that SHAQ is the best center to EVER play the game !!!!!! next time, ill type in french..... http://users.skynet.be/bk284631/headlogo.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.deephousepage.com/smilies/club.gif

03-27-2004, 09:45 AM	#14
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Rookie? Hmm... like jumping on the Shaq bandwagon doesnt sound a little rookieish??? Sure hes dominant, but mostly at the expense of many NBA rules. If he didnt plummet everyone and run over people, he wouldnt be where he is today. BTW Olajuwan toasted Shaq...... "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-26-2004, 03:16 PM	#1
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Top 10 Centers in NBA History OK..... Anyone who loves basketball I am going to be posting a new catagory from the NBA each week. It could be anything from best passers, to biggest busts, to worst salaries to pretty much anything imaginable. But, me being a big BIG MAN fan, I will start this honorary edition with the Top 10 Centers EVER and a few comments why.. My Top 10 Centers.... starting with number 10 10. Robert Parish- Super consistent, hard nosed, work horse type player who won championships, played smart, and could keep up with the younger boys even into his forties. The fact he played nearly as long as Ive been alive gets him number 10 on my list. 9. Patrick Ewing- think a championship makes you a winner? Not in Ewing's case. Probably the best jump shooting center ever, had a dominant college career and took no time brining his skills to the pro level where he was one of the most dominant big men of his era. Great defensive intimidator on Defense, and smooth and powerful on offense, he was a rare combination of a silky jump shot that probably no center ever had, and a huge defensive ability to block shots and rebound like few others in his day. Number 9 on my list. 8. Bill Walton- Though his career was cut short by injuries, he was a superb passer with an uncanny ability to win. His UCLA days are those of legend, and before his injury he was one of the great centers of his day, using his excellent scoring and passing ability to win a championship in Portland. Later on he became much more of a role player, still helping Boston to win a few titles in the 1980's. He played neck and neck with Kareem and proved he was in a league with the big boys. Number 8 on my list. 7. David Robinson- Although many called him soft and aloof, there was no center in history with Robinsons pure athletic ability and speed. A former gymnast, in his prime he was faster than many guards, was quicker than any forward, and had more versatile than any center in his day. A former Defensive player of the year, and league MVP, Robinsons rare abilities and athleticism are sometimes overlooked, but Robinson finally quieted the critics winning two championships in his later years, and retiring in 2003. Number 7 on my list. 6. Moses Malone- a super powerful center, and one of the greatest rebounders ever, Moses Malone won 2 championships in the early 80's and is a League and Finals MVP. Malone was the Shaq of his era, beating up opponents with quick and powerful moves to the basket and being a pure intimidator on defense, Malone was the Shaq of the league, before Shaq arrived. Number 6 on my list. 5. Shaq Oneal- Without question the most powerful, intimidating, and nearly unstoppable Center in league history. His size, strength and power are unmatched in basketball. No one has ever seen someone weighing over 350 lbs move like Shaq does, dunking on people, intimidating anyone coming into his path. During the 2000-2002 seasons, no center did more and was more unstoppable than Shaquille, who demolished near every center that got in his path. Number 5 on my list. 4. Hakeem Olajuwan- If Robinson was the most athletic, Olajuwan has the best moves and footwork of any player next to Michael Jordan. His absolutely amazing array of moves befuddled even the best of centers (just ask Robinson and Shaq). His ability to step up in the clutch and utterly dominate even the greatest players in unparalleled by almost any player in NBA history. Add this to his uncanny defensive ability (all time block shots leader), he was Mr. Clutch for many years in Houston, and he won NBA championships with medicore teams. He was amazing to watch. Number 4 on my list. 3. Bill Russell- Played head to head with Wilt Chamberlain and still ended up winning 10 rings. The greatest defensive player of his era and maybe ever, no center did more for their team than Bill Russell. Russell rebounded and blocked shots like few centers ever, even going head to head with Wilt on a yearly basis. He passed, he scored when needed and nobody could get through him. He was the backbone of the greatest team in NBA history, and that alone makes him number 3. 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- This man broke record after record. He has the most unstoppable shot ever, and won NBA ring after NBA ring. He went head to head with Wilt, to Moses, to Olajuwan to Ewing. He lasted decade after decade, being a super smooth scorer, excellent passer, and one of the leagues finest defenders to ever grace the court. He changed the game politically and physically. There was only one center who could surpass his ability.... Number 2 on my list. 1. WILT CHAMBERLAIN... Think Kareem is Number one. No way. Kareem was awesome, but Wilt Chamberlain is the only center who could do whatever he wanted, WHENEVER he wanted. 7'1 and near 300 lbs, Wilt was a high jumper, and had a 57 inch vertical jump. He scored 40 pts, 50 pts, 60, and even 100 pts in games all the time. He blocked shots before they recorded them, he rebounded more than any one could imagine. He did anything and everything he wanted to on a basketball court. He utter dominance struck fear into opponents who triple teamed him on a regular basis. There was no one who could dominate a game like Wilt, and thats why he is Number 1. Next.... "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-26-2004, 03:45 PM	#2
BigBallaGA LA ISLA BONITA Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,363 Photos: 4	SHAQ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no hesitation, no comteplation PURE AND SIMPLE next question ! http://users.skynet.be/bk284631/headlogo.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.deephousepage.com/smilies/club.gif

03-26-2004, 06:09 PM	#3
x~factor Just Lurkin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Valley Stream, NY Posts: 243	Just match them up one by one and no one, I mean NO ONE can stop Shaquile O'Neal.

03-26-2004, 06:24 PM	#4
Ralph Wiggum Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Miami Posts: 26	The only reason I wouldn't put Shaq number one is because of his lack of dominance. I know...I know....But hear me out. I Shaq really wanted to He could easily have a career average of 35pts, 15 reb, & 4 blks a game. It just seems like he is OK with being a Team Player(a main one at that) than being the only option on the team. Shaq should dominate the game like Wilt did. Like x~factor said, "...NO ONE can stop Shaquile O'Neal."

03-26-2004, 07:50 PM	#7
gr81 You Lack Intensity!!!! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Just below our civil disguise Posts: 6,378 Photos: 10	sorry bro, but there ain't no way in hell shaq is the center that Wilt was, not even close!! shaq doesn't have the dominence that Wilt did. Shaq is too inconsistent nowadays. he is great, but he ain't no Wilt. I mean, Wilt is arguably the greatest player ever, I say arguable b/c Jordan was better IMO, but Shaq can't compare to either.

03-26-2004, 09:07 PM	#10
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	YES he is bro. Shaq in his prime is the greatest center in history, and i'm not even a big fan of him. Put him (in his prime) back in Wilt's day, and Shaq would've averaged 100 points/game. Put Wilt in his prime in today's game, and he's an average Stilt. In his prime, Shaq is better than any center in their prime, ever. You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

03-27-2004, 10:52 AM	#16
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	BTW camaro, great idea for a thread......can't wait to see what suprise there is next week haha You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

03-27-2004, 03:46 PM	#17
BigBallaGA LA ISLA BONITA Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,363 Photos: 4	dude, just sheer power and agression wise his skils not even withstanding, he kills every center to ever play the game !!! now that sheer power and agression with his skills standing, and he is on another level from everyone else.... no one can handle shaq, i've seen interviews with people like robinson, malone and the rest who said that comes to the center position no one can hold their own against Shaq...... there is no debate in the center position as to who is the best of all time now the guard position, yea there is contemplation and a cohesive argument to be made for a few players for the top spot !!! http://users.skynet.be/bk284631/headlogo.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.tranceaddict.com/bgrounds...er_smaller.gif http://www.deephousepage.com/smilies/club.gif

03-27-2004, 08:25 PM	#18
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Well Flex my friend I truely believe Hakeem in his prime and Shaq in his prime, although an AWESOME matchup, Hakeem would prevail. Shaq cannot be stopped physically, but Hakeem was probably the greatest defensive center of the last 2 decades. If anyone had a chance at stopping shaq, or at least playing nose to nose, its hakeem. Shaq's main weakness IMO is his defense, where Hakeems moves would destory Shaq (If they can destory a super quick David Robinson, then Shaqs much slower defensive reactions would be silly ). But thats My opinion. Cant wait to see what I can think up for next thread "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-28-2004, 01:50 PM	#19
austinite right-wing conspirator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: DC Area Posts: 432 Photos: 4	Oh yeah! NBA fans! The Final Four is great, but I'm an NBA man. Top 10 Centers? Kareem Russell Wilt Shaq Akeem Walton Tim Duncan Ralph Sampson Mo Malone Ewing

03-28-2004, 09:51 PM	#20
I'm Trying Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,574	I'd put Mutumbo in the top ten before I'd put Bill Walton. Now if you're figuring Walton's college career into this then maybe but this is pure NBA and Walton doesn't even belong. I would even but Vlade Divac in there before Walton maybe in 9th before Parrish. Parrish wasn't really dominate due to the team around him with the Celtics in the mid 80's. I'd rate Robinson in front of O'neal any day of the week due to Robinson's ability at his size. Shaq should have/ or be as dominate as Wilt. The beatings will continue until morale improves!! Personal Goal: I WILL be playing "C" tournament ball next year!!! Training Moderator @softballfans My New Journal!!!! Age: 29 \| Height: 5'11.5" \| Weight: 198 lbs BF% ? Bests: Bench:? \| Squat: ? \| Deads: ? Goals: Bench: 235 \| Squat: 250 \| Deadlift: 300

03-28-2004, 10:08 PM	#22
I'm Trying Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,574	My top ten... 10. Vlade Divac- One of the best passing big men of all time next to Robinson. 9. Parrish- Like I said in an earlier post not as dominate as he possibly could have been due to having Bird, McHale and company around him. 8. George Mikan- One of the first dominate Big Men in the NBA. 7. Moses Malone- Great Center not top 5. 6. Ewing- Great Center all the Way around. 5. O'Neal- Not as dominate as he should be. I'm sorry but he should be averaging over 30pts 20boards and 5 to 6 blocks per game. Especially what the officials give him night in and night out. 4. Robinson- Imagine if he didn't spend those years of his prime in the Navy?? 3. Olajuwan- Great on both sides of the floor on O and D. Could hit those baseline jumpers, pass, rebound and block shots with the best of them. 2. Chamberlain- If he could only shoot free throws and win som championships I'd rank him #1. 1. Jabbar- All time leading scorer, and had the hook from hell. Please feel free to pick this apart. PLEASE back it up though with good fact if you do!! The beatings will continue until morale improves!! Personal Goal: I WILL be playing "C" tournament ball next year!!! Training Moderator @softballfans My New Journal!!!! Age: 29 \| Height: 5'11.5" \| Weight: 198 lbs BF% ? Bests: Bench:? \| Squat: ? \| Deads: ? Goals: Bench: 235 \| Squat: 250 \| Deadlift: 300

03-28-2004, 10:44 PM	#24
I'm Trying Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,574	What about shaq before Kobe became as good as he is? What about when he was with Orlando?? Shit I forgot about putting Russell on there. But I'd put Divac on there like I said before, before Walton. Shaq's other weakness is keeping his f-ing yap shut. If Shaq was smart enough he would have worked on that part of his game to improve it in stead of putting out those HORRIBLE rap albums and movies. Who do you rate the BEST player in the Nba then Flex?? The beatings will continue until morale improves!! Personal Goal: I WILL be playing "C" tournament ball next year!!! Training Moderator @softballfans My New Journal!!!! Age: 29 \| Height: 5'11.5" \| Weight: 198 lbs BF% ? Bests: Bench:? \| Squat: ? \| Deads: ? Goals: Bench: 235 \| Squat: 250 \| Deadlift: 300

03-28-2004, 10:49 PM	#25
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Shaq is great, but IMO overrated as far as the Top Centers Ever. 1. Wilt 2. Kareem 3. Russell 4. Hakeem 5. Shaq Now.. if we were going by pure talent.. here is my list 1. Wilt 2. Hakeem 3. Robinson 4. Kareem 5. Russell 6. Shaq Of course, talent doesnt decide dominance.. "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-28-2004, 10:52 PM	#26
gr81 You Lack Intensity!!!! Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Just below our civil disguise Posts: 6,378 Photos: 10	Anyone who thinks that Shaq in his prime was better then Hakeem in his prime, is absolutely nuts. By the wat, the less talented than teh Laker rockets won two NBA championships at a time when the talent in the league was MUCH tougher, and they beat the Magic with Oneal, and swept them 4 straight. Hakeem had and all around game and played like it every night, where is Shaq comes to camp overweight every year. Shaq is great, but he could be greater

03-28-2004, 10:53 PM	#27
I'm Trying Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,574	i have sort of a bias against Bill Russell. My home team the Sac Kings hired him as a coach and GM and brought over Sampson. All Russell did was set the Kings back farther and had more of a mountain to climb to the point that they are at now. It also helps due to the new ownership. The beatings will continue until morale improves!! Personal Goal: I WILL be playing "C" tournament ball next year!!! Training Moderator @softballfans My New Journal!!!! Age: 29 \| Height: 5'11.5" \| Weight: 198 lbs BF% ? Bests: Bench:? \| Squat: ? \| Deads: ? Goals: Bench: 235 \| Squat: 250 \| Deadlift: 300

03-28-2004, 10:57 PM	#29
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	I agree. If you really wanna get down to it IMO, I truly deep down believe Hakeem may be the greatest center in history. I put Wilt and Kareem there because of their accomplishments, but in all honesty, I think Hakeem could have schooled both of them, especially Kareem (who I believe is great, but overrated really). They never had to play against the competition Hakeem did as far as big men. But that is just my opinion. "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

03-28-2004, 10:58 PM	#30
camarosuper6 Unstoppable Force Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,415	Actually, if each center where in his prime, I think Robinson could have schooled Kareem and Wilt as well. Hakeem and Robinson (although Robinson didnt have that aggression that Hakeem had) were so quick and athletic, Kareem and Wilt never ever saw any competition like them. If they were all playing in their prime in the league, Hakeem and Robinson could have given them absolute fits! "Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a guy tired of screwing her"

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