Basketball thrives on the greatness of legendary players, and when it comes to scoring centers, a few names always rise to the top. Wilt Chamberlain, who was anything but ordinary, stands out with his insane statistics. This guy once famously dropped 100 points in a single game in 1962. Will anyone ever come close? Probably not. Chamberlain finished his career with an average of 30.1 points per game, proving he was an offensive juggernaut. His domination on the court is legendary, usually considered unparalleled, and any discussion about scoring centers begins with him.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, another all-time great, holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history, the total count being a staggering 38,387 points. His signature skyhook shot was virtually unblockable, making him one of the most efficient scorers the league has ever seen. Fans old enough to remember his time with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers can testify to the impact he had on the game. Notably, Abdul-Jabbar led the league in scoring in two seasons, and his consistent performance allowed him to win six MVP awards during his 20-year career.
Shaquille O’Neal, often known simply as Shaq, brought an entirely different dynamic to the game. The sheer force and thunderous dunks made him a nightmare for defenders. Shaq scored over 28,596 points in his career and was named Finals MVP three times while winning four NBA titles. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing around 325 pounds, his physical presence was a game-changer. His brute strength combined with surprising agility made him a totally different beast compared to his contemporaries or even those who came before him.
Hakeem Olajuwon, the Dream, cannot be overlooked either. He had a unique blend of finesse and power, often outsmarting defenders with his dream shake move. Olajuwon finished his career with 26,946 points and led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in the mid-90s. Furthermore, his career average of 21.8 points per game along with his two Finals MVP titles, affirm his status as one of the greatest to play in the center position.
Another significant name to mention is Patrick Ewing, who electrified Knicks fans throughout the late ’80s and ’90s. Despite the Knicks not winning a championship during his tenure, Ewing racked up an impressive 24,815 points. He played a crucial role in making the Knicks a perpetual playoff contender. His career averages, which include 21 points per game, reflect his outstanding consistency and scoring ability. The Knicks haven’t quite been the same ever since his departure.
Moses Malone had a relentless work ethic that earned him respect across the league. A three-time NBA MVP, Malone amassed 27,409 points over his illustrious career. Known for his tenacity on the boards and a knack for scoring, Malone often dominated both ends of the floor. He led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA title in 1983, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats. His professional career spanned over 21 years, showcasing his longevity and durability in the fiercely competitive environment of the NBA.
David Robinson, known as “The Admiral,” also made a substantial impact. With over 20,790 points to his name, Robinson was particularly dominant during the ’90s. Leading the San Antonio Spurs to their first NBA championship in 1999, Robinson’s agility and scoring prowess were evident throughout his career. He remains a pivotal figure in the Spurs’ franchise history and an embodiment of what a scoring center should be.
In more recent years, the conversation about great scoring centers includes Dwight Howard. Although primarily known for his defensive capabilities, Howard has accumulated over 19,000 points so far. His career, spanning multiple teams, demonstrates his adaptability and skill in contributing significant points no matter where he plays. As the NBA evolves, it’s fascinating to see how current players might develop and which might rise to join this celebrated group of legendary scoring centers.
If you love basketball and enjoy witnessing greatness on the court, you can’t ignore the incredible talent and scoring capabilities of these centers. For more insights and highlights on basketball legends, visit arena plus.