What makes center difficult to rank is that there are probably 6 centers who you could easily place in the top 10 players of all time (the 5 you mentioned plus Moses). Honestly, if you were to start a franchise and have the choice of any of those 6 (in their primes), you probably couldn't go wrong with any (all were truly amazing during their primes, dominating in their own ways). It is really difficult to rank because I don't think that there is a wrong ranking (assuming you have those 6 in there). I'd probably say: 1) KAJ- Dominated 2 decades and good in the early 90s. Don't think we will ever see a guy that big, that skilled. 2) Dream- Dominated quite possibly the toughest decade for bigs. Possibly the most skilled center on this list (guard-like abilities, outstanding shotblocker along with the most complete offensive arsenal). 3a) Shaq- Most physically imposing yet skilled force since 3b 3b) Wilt- First ever physically imposing yet skilled bigman to dominate 5) Russell- Resume speaks for itself 6) Moses- Almost put him at 3c but figured I should show respect to the older generations.
Any of the top five centers can be placed in any order and I wouldn't have a problem. They're pretty much on each others levels and are that good. Shaq, Hakeem, Russel, Chamberlain and Kareem.
I would probably put the same 5, even though I only ever saw two of them play. Maybe I would put Wilt ahead of Kareem.
Crazy how quickly yall kids forget about Hakeem. Smh. <iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/luF-e5oPi5k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
1. Walmart Shopping Center 2. Civic Center 3. The center of my bed. 4. Center of gravity 5. Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Hakeem had top level offense AND defense.. incredible. Most defensive players don't have an offensive game.