There is a common thread that stretches throughout NBA history. That thread is a simple logic. If the question is success in the NBA, the answer is size. Throughout NBA history, the Champions and decade-definers are larger-than-life anomalies. As a result, the Center position remains the most impossible to rank among all-time greats. Since its inception, the league has seen an era-defining big man at the helm. Whether it was the yesteryear greats like Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain, or modern-day bigs like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, the trend is visible at every turn of the NBA’s rich history. However, there are a few universal distinctions in that list. Like, the acceptance of Shaquille O’Neal as the most dominant force in NBA history.

But, does the Los Angeles Lakers legend also stand as the greatest Center of all time?

The Case for Shaquille O’Neal

While NBA history is rich with great big men, the case for Shaq is a unique one. Even as a rookie, there was no comparison to base on Diesel. Whether it be his subtlety at the rim or his ferocity, he was dominant in the paint.

Further, he was an explosively fast athlete making him a nightmare coverage. As a result, right from his Orlando Magic days, he became a bonafide threat. But, it was with the Los Angeles Lakers that he truly began his climb into the all-time conversation.

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Despite the Lakers franchise owning 10 titles when he came in, his duo with Kobe Bryant was responsible for the team’s first three-peat. During that run, O’Neal became the universal titleholder for the most dominant big man of all time. With averages of 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks in those 3 Finals, Shaquille became a personification for dominance.

From there on, his career did take a downturn. A far cry from his MVP days, Shaq wasn’t at his absolute best. However, he was still a key cog for the Miami Heat Championship in 2006, alongside Dwyane Wade. But, despite all of these accomplishments, there are many other names that need to be taken into consideration.

The great big men in NBA history

While names like Bill Russell with his 11 Championships and Wilt Chamberlain with his unparalleled statistical advantage do warrant mention, their place feels unfair due to the completely different nature of the sport during the 1950s and 60s.

During the 70s, the league was firmly in control of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (but more on that later). The ’80s saw the continuation of Kareem’s excellence. But, other names were emerging. Perhaps, the most underrated name in these discussions is Moses Malone. A rebounding machine, the 3x MVP was one-half of one of the most unstoppable teams of all time – the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983, with ‘Dr. J‘ Julius Erving.

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The next major names to join the list were the aforementioned Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. While Gilbert Arenas might undervalue him, Hakeem, at his peak was a one-man wrecking crew. Whether offense or defense, Olajuwon was capable of single-handedly carrying an entire team.  Arguably the greatest defender ever, he was also majestic with his footwork, a talent LeBron James and even Giannis Antetokounmpo are trying to inherit.

A 2x Champion and one of 3 players to win MVP and DPOY in the same season, the Nigerian’s peak was unmatched. While modern-day bigs play a completely different style, they could soon join these conversations. Nikola Jokic is already seen as a universal top-20 player. With his career barely entering his peak years, The Joker could make a big run for the top. However, his brand of basketball is far different than the usual candidates, with his mix of inside-and-outside scoring.

Further, his uncanny vision and basketball IQ make him a solo engine on offense. Due to the completeness of his game, in terms of jump shooting along with traditional big man skills, Nikola could make a unique case when his time is done. While the stone isn’t yet dry for Jokic, he has a Captain to defeat. That leaves us a man with two names to dissect.

Not Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the true GOAT

Lou Alcindor, as he was known when he first came into the league, began his GOAT case way before stepping into the NBA. While he would eventually win the most MVPs in NBA history at 6, his race began as a high-schooler.

Leading the team to a 71-game winning streak en route to a 79-2 record, he would duplicate that success in college. During his three years for the NCAA, Alcindor was responsible for a record of 88-2, with the two losses due to an eye injury to Lou and a “stall game”. A three-time National Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player, his legacy was ready before he took a step into the NBA.

When he did arrive, it was a career like any other. During his 20-year run at the top, he would become the all-time leading scorer. That was largely due to the single-most unstoppable shot in NBA history – “The Skyhook”. To this day, it has not been replicated. In his career, Jabbar would win 6 Championships, and 2 Finals MVPs. He was part of the Showtime Lakers alongside Magic Johnson, perhaps the greatest tandem in NBA history.

Due to his accolade-filled resume, it is unlikely that Kareem will be overtaken in the GOAT Center race. While others can point to singular bouts of spectacularness, The Captain is a pillar of consistency and brilliance that, like his signature shot, might not be duplicated.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.

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