Who is the most SKILLED center in NBA history?

Question

While a case could be made for Shaq being the most DOMINANT center, few would argue that he is or was the most skilled. Based on nothing but pure ability and skill set (not rings), who is the best and why?

Answer 1

Skilled? Man I can't believe no one said Dream!!!
Dream had moves on top of moves! He murdered Ewing in the 93-94 finals. Then he destroyed Shaq! the next year!

At a time when the NBA had some great bigmen, the DREAM beat them all with "skill" not size.

Answer 2

You can make an arguement for Hakeem. He is #1 all time in blocked shots, a 2 time Defensive Player of the year, an MVP winner, holds 2 Finals MVPs as well and is 1 of 4 players to ever record a quadruple-double. You have to consider generation though. Wilt was a great center yes, and so was Kareem. But, had Olajuwon played in Chamberlain's era, do you think he would have been more dominant than Wilt? It's something to consider, of course. Every generation has it's center. There is always at least one dominant big man in the league in a certain span of time. After Olajuwon's reign atop, Shaq and Robinson owned the title. Nowadays, when he's healthy, Yao Ming is a monster. Yao has potential to be that guy if he can keep from hurting himself.

Answer 3

I have to say either Jabbar or Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt was a dominating force back in his day. He holds around 45 NBA records and was the only player to average 50 points per game during a season.

Answer 4

Bill Walton. When healthy he repeatedly got the best of Kareem. Was the best passing center ever. Great shot blocker, and was equally adept making moves in the post off of either the left or right shoulder. Also was great at grabbing a rebound and turning mid air to look for an outlet pass.

Answer 5

Lew Alcindor (most know him as Abdul-Jabbar) he had good fundamentals,rebounded and passed well, could actually make free throws more than half the time (wilt career 51 pct. shaq 52 pct.) and worked hard to perfect that impossible to stop never imitated sky hook shot...had great success as a large part of the biggest college run of all time (Woodens UCLA teams) led the Milwaukee Bucks to a title then was one of the cornerstones to the Lakers' 80s success

Answer 6

i'd say that that's Wilt Chamberlain. whilst he replace into accused of being too selfish and continuously taking the shot, he replaced his sport and led the NBA in assists the subsequent 365 days. This replace into in the process the top of Oscar Robertson who continues to be interior the proper 5 for occupation assists. additionally, Wilt ought to not be stopped by skill of every person. even whilst Russell replace into prevailing all of his championships and alter into the proper defender interior the league he ought to in basic terms sluggish Wilt right down to twenty-eight.7 factors according to sport and variety of 29 rebounds according to sport. mutually as Hakeem replace into terrific, he ought to not carry a candle to Kareem or Wilt of their primes.

Answer 7

Kareem Abdul Jabbar. He had a devastating sky hook, was passably good at defense in the lane and could rebound effectively. As Celtic fans of the 80s can attest, he was scary.

Answer 8

its definantly Shaq... the guy is the best in the post... rebounds, blocks, points, and the man has the court vision of a Point Guard... oh and he's the only Center in teh league not to get dunked on by a Guard

Answer 9

I gotta think it's Hakeem. He was the total package, ball handling, shooting touch, rebounding, incredible defense, great court vision...but someone else made a good point that every generation has their center, and it's difficult to compare players from different generations.

Answer 10

Hakeem The Dream. Footwork, hand-eye coordination, and leaping ability put him above everybody. That classic "Tip Jam" and the "Dream Shake" are unparalleled.