The Best NBA Centers of the '90s
- 1Age: 61
A dominant force in basketball during the 90s, Hakeem Olajuwon brought a level of grace and finesse to the center position that was truly unparalleled. Known for his extraordinary footwork and impeccable timing on both offense and defense, "The Dream" was an unstoppable scoring machine who could also shut down his opponents with ease. His impact on the game continues to be felt today, as numerous players strive to emulate his unique skill set.
- 2Age: 58
Known as "The Admiral" due to his time spent in the U.S. Naval Academy, David Robinson was the epitome of a disciplined, team-oriented superstar. A tireless worker with unmatched athleticism, Robinson was an absolute terror in the paint, using his freakish speed and leaping ability to block shots, grab rebounds, and finish plays above the rim. As the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, he embodied what it meant to lead by example and set the standard for the modern NBA big man.
- 3Age: 52
A physical specimen unlike any the NBA had ever seen, Shaquille O'Neal was a veritable freight train on the court, bulldozing his way through defenders with a combination of brute strength and surprising agility. With a magnetic personality that endeared him to fans and teammates alike, Shaq ushered in a new era of the dominant center who ruled the paint while also possessing a captivating star quality. As one of the most dominant players in the history of the league, his stylish play and larger-than-life persona left a lasting impact on the sport.
- 4Age: 61
Possessing a diverse skill set that allowed him to score from anywhere on the court, Patrick Ewing was a force to be reckoned with during the 90s. His face-up jumper and low-post scoring abilities helped redefine the center position, while his defensive prowess made him one of the league's premier shot-blockers and rebounders. Ewing's fierce determination and unyielding work ethic inspired countless athletes to follow in his footsteps.
- 5Age: 54
With an intensity that reverberated throughout a stadium, Alonzo Mourning was one of the most tenacious competitors to ever step foot on an NBA court. A relentless shot-blocker and exceptional rebounder, Mourning's defensive presence was the backbone of his teams, setting an uncompromising tone on the defensive end. Though injury ultimately cut his career short, his ferocity and commitment to the game left a lasting impact on those who shared the court with him.
- 6Age: 57
Dikembe Mutombo was a defensive juggernaut who struck fear into the hearts of opponents daring enough to venture into the paint. His towering presence and trademark finger wag upon blocking a shot became synonymous with the imposing force he was on the court. As one of the all-time great shot-blockers and rebounders, Mutombo's influence on the game can still be felt by future generations of players.
- 7Age: 48
Arguably the greatest power forward of all time, Tim Duncan earned his nickname "The Big Fundamental" for the way he dominated opponents with quiet efficiency and textbook technique. A master of positioning and footwork, Duncan was the epitome of consistency and longevity, anchoring the San Antonio Spurs for nearly two decades. With five championships to his name, his leadership and unwavering approach to the game set the standard for greatness at the power forward position.
- 8Age: 56
With a keen basketball IQ and an uncanny ability to find the open man, Vlade Divac set the stage for the modern-day skilled big man. His superb passing ability from the low post, along with his deft touch around the basket, made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. As one of the first European players to make a significant impact in the NBA, Divac's lasting influence can be seen in the many skilled big men from overseas who have followed in his footsteps.
- 9Age: 59
A legend in European basketball before arriving in the NBA, Arvydas Sabonis revolutionized the center position with his incredible skill set. Possessing extraordinary passing abilities and a deadly outside shot, Sabonis defied expectations and transitioned seamlessly into the league, proving that a big man could also be a playmaker. His unique game paved the way for future international stars and changed the way the NBA viewed the potential of European prospects.
- 10Age: 57
Known as "The Dunkin' Dutchman," Rik Smits was a versatile scorer who could stretch the floor with his outside shooting and score effectively in the paint. Standing at 7'4", Smits was an imposing presence on both ends of the court, using his height and surprising agility to his advantage. With his smooth offensive game and undeniable impact on the Indiana Pacers, Rik Smits remains a fan favorite to this day.
- 11Age: 58
A skilled scorer with a soft touch around the rim, Brad Daugherty was a key component of the Cleveland Cavaliers' success during the late 80s and early 90s. His ability to operate in the post and find open teammates with his adept passing made him a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. While injuries ultimately derailed his career prematurely, Daugherty remains a revered figure in the annals of Cavaliers history.
- 12Age: 69
One of the most dominant rebounders in NBA history, Moses Malone was a force on both the offensive and defensive glass. His relentless pursuit of missed shots and physical style of play earned him the nickname "Chairman of the Boards." As the precursor to many of the great centers of the 90s, Malone's unyielding approach on the hardwood served as a blueprint for the big men who would follow in his footsteps.
- 13Age: 70
As an integral part of the Boston Celtics' storied "Big Three," Robert Parish was the quiet and steady force that kept the team anchored throughout their many successes during the 80s. Renowned for his stoic demeanor and consistency on both ends of the court, Parish was a defensive stalwart and a reliable scoring option in the paint. His remarkable dependability on the court played a crucial role in the Celtics' continued prominence during the decade.
- 14Age: 49
A ferocious competitor who overcame the odds as an undrafted player, Ben Wallace carved out a niche as one of the league's most intimidating defenders during the late 90s and early 2000s. Possessing a relentless motor and uncanny shot-blocking ability, Wallace quickly became the backbone of the Detroit Pistons' defense, setting the tone for their hard-nosed and gritty style of play. Though undersized for a center, Wallace's tenacity and intensity left an indelible mark on the sport.
- 15Age: 61
With a chiseled physique and imposing presence in the paint, Kevin Willis utilized his physical gifts to become a force on the boards and a tough, gritty interior defender. His long career spanned across multiple generations of NBA talent, leaving an impressive legacy of hard work, resilience, and dedication to the game. Kevin Willis truly embodied the "old school" mentality and work ethic that has become increasingly rare in today's sports landscape.
- 16Age: 62
Known for his sweet shooting stroke and versatility on the offensive end, Sam Perkins could stretch the floor like few centers before him. His ability to knock down threes opened up driving lanes for his teammates and created matchup problems for opposing defenses, making him a valuable commodity during his stints with several franchises. Perkins' unique skill set helped to pave the way for the sharp-shooting big men who populate the modern NBA landscape.
- 17Dec. at 47 (1962-2010)
Standing at an astounding 7'7", Manute Bol was one of the tallest and most recognizable players in NBA history. His incredible wingspan and shot-blocking prowess made him a constant presence on the defensive end, altering opponents' shots and deterring many from even attempting to score in the paint. While his offensive skills were limited, Bol's unmistakable impact on the game remains a testament to the value of elite rim protection.
- 18Age: 67
Affectionately known as "Chocolate Thunder," Darryl Dawkins brought an unprecedented level of swagger and showmanship to the hardwood during his playing days. His thunderous dunks, often accompanied by colorful nicknames, became the stuff of legend, leaving fans in awe of his raw power and athleticism. Dawkins' larger-than-life personality and electrifying style of play endeared him to many, leaving a lasting imprint on the league and popular culture alike.
- 19Age: 63
A towering figure with an array of basketball skills that belied his size, Ralph Sampson was a force to be reckoned with during his prime. With a unique blend of speed, agility, and touch around the rim, he posed matchup problems for virtually every opponent that tried to contain him. Though injuries ultimately cut his career short, Sampson's impact on the game remains evident in the many versatile big men who have followed in his footsteps.
- 20
Kevin Duckworth
Dec. at 44 (1964-2008)A key contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers during their successful runs in the early 90s, Kevin Duckworth brought a blend of size, strength, and scoring ability to the center position. His soft touch around the rim and dominance on the boards made him a crucial cog in the Blazers' machine, helping propel them to multiple deep playoff runs. Although his career was ultimately hampered by injuries, Duckworth's impact on the franchise remains a treasured part of their history.
- 21Age: 57
A versatile forward with the ability to score and defend multiple positions, Cliff Robinson was a valuable contributor for numerous teams throughout his lengthy career. His deft shooting touch and athleticism made him an offensive threat both inside and outside the paint, while his defensive intensity and commitment to winning endeared him to coaches and teammates alike. Robinson's enduring impact on the game can be seen in the many multi-dimensional forwards who now populate the NBA landscape.
- 22
Elden Campbell
Age: 55Elden Campbell was an imposing presence in the paint, utilizing his size and strength to bully opponents on the block and secure rebounds. His hard-nosed, blue-collar approach to the game made him a fan favorite and a valuable contributor on multiple teams throughout his career. Campbell's dedication to team success and willingness to do the dirty work left a lasting impression on those who played with or against him.
- 23Age: 49
With a soft touch around the rim and an ability to score both inside and out, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas was an offensive force during his time in the NBA. His imposing size made him a formidable shot-blocker and rebounder, while his excellent court vision allowed him to facilitate plays from the high post. Facing numerous injuries throughout his career but always displaying resilience, Ilgauskas remains one of the most beloved players in Cleveland Cavaliers history.
- 24Age: 72
Though his prime came in the 70s, Bob McAdoo continued to contribute significantly into the 80s as a skilled offensive weapon and floor spacer for multiple teams. His shooting touch and ability to play both inside and out made him a difficult cover for opposing defenses, while his passing and basketball IQ allowed him to make an impact in various roles. As one of the early pioneers of the modern stretch big man, McAdoo's influence can be seen in the versatile players of today.
- 25Age: 55
Hailing from Australia, Luc Longley became the first Aussie to carve out a significant role in the NBA, serving as the starting center for the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat. His combination of size and skill made him a reliable option on both ends of the floor, while his trademark toughness endeared him to fans, teammates, and coaches alike. Longley's success in the league paved the way for future Australian players and helped to further globalize the NBA.
- 26Age: 66
As the starting center for the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls dynasty, Bill Cartwright provided stability and consistency in the paint. His rugged pick-and-roll defense and ability to finish plays around the rim made him a valuable contributor on some of the greatest teams in NBA history. While his contributions may not have shown up in the stat sheet, Cartwright's steady presence helped to anchor the Bulls' success throughout their championship runs of the 90s.
- 27Age: 59
A hardworking and energetic big man, Olden Polynice was known for his relentless pursuit of rebounds and dogged determination in the paint. His physical style of play and willingness to sacrifice his body for the team made him a valuable asset on several franchises throughout his career. As the consummate role player, Polynice's contributions often went beyond the box score, endearing him to teammates and coaching staffs around the league.
- 28Age: 52
Standing at an imposing 7'6", Shawn Bradley was one of the tallest players to ever grace an NBA court. His incredible wingspan and shot-blocking prowess made him a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end, while his scoring ability provided a reliable option in the paint. Despite often being the target of posterizing dunks, Bradley's unique physical attributes and defensive instincts left an indelible mark on the league.
- 29Age: 68
With a nickname derived from his impressive height and reach, Tree Rollins was a shot-blocking force throughout his lengthy career. His relentless pursuit of the ball and determination to protect the rim made him one of the premier defensive anchors of his era. As a player who fully embraced the role of defensive enforcer, Rollins left a lasting legacy of toughness and tenacity on both the court and the league as a whole.
- 30Age: 61
Best known for his tenure with the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat, Bill Wennington provided a reliable scoring presence off the bench and valuable minutes in the paint. With a soft shooting touch and ability to space the floor, he offered a change of pace as a reserve center during a successful run for the Bulls. Though his role was limited, Wennington's contributions were an important cog in the well-oiled machine that propelled the Bulls to multiple championships.
