The NBA center position has long been home to some of basketball’s most legendary figures, from Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s to Nikola Jokic in 2025. Known for their rebounding and defensive prowess in earlier eras, centers today are expected to stretch the floor, facilitate offenses, and guard multiple positions. This evolution reflects how the role has drastically transformed over time. Recently, an AI system released a ranking of the 10 greatest NBA centers ever, naming Nikola Jokic the fifth greatest—a surprising installment on this prestigious list.
Changing Expectations for NBA Centers Over Time
The role of the NBA center has evolved from primarily protecting the paint to a multifaceted position requiring both offensive and defensive versatility. Early centers focused on dominating the key with physicality, rebounding, and rim protection. By contrast, today’s centers are expected to possess a shooting range, ball-handling skills, and defensive agility that allows them to switch on guards and defend on the perimeter.
This progression demonstrates that centers can no longer succeed by just relying on size and traditional post-play; they must adapt their game to fit faster, more dynamic team strategies.
Patrick Ewing’s Impact and Career Challenges
Patrick Ewing, ranked tenth on the AI list, remains one of the iconic figures in New York Knicks history. Playing in an era dominated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Ewing’s career was marked by personal achievements despite limited team success. Over his tenure, Ewing appeared in 11 NBA All-Star games and earned one All-NBA First Team nod.
Michael Jordan once revealed he was close to joining the Knicks, suggesting the potential for a remarkable duo if that partnership had materialized. ChatGPT described Ewing as
“a defensive stalwart and consistent scorer”
who helped the Knicks consistently reach the playoffs in one of the NBA’s toughest periods.
George Mikan: The NBA’s First Superstar
George Mikan, ranked ninth, dominated professional basketball in the late 1940s and early 1950s, before the rise of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. Mikan captured five NBA/BAA titles and was the NBL’s Most Valuable Player in 1948. His dominance was so profound that the league modified rules such as widening the key to balance his influence.
The AI remarked on Mikan’s foundational role, calling him “the NBA’s first true superstar,” whose game laid the groundwork for future generations of centers despite the era’s limited statistical measures and athletic parity.
David Robinson’s Stellar Career with the Spurs
Nicknamed “The Admiral,” David Robinson was a central figure in the San Antonio Spurs’ history, earning a league MVP award in 1995 and leading the team to two championships in 1999 and 2003. Renowned for his defensive dominance, Robinson won Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and secured multiple All-Defensive First Team selections.
ChatGPT praised Robinson as
“a rare combination of strength, speed, and intelligence”
who excelled alongside Tim Duncan, though his role as the primary star fell short of deep playoff success.
Underrated Excellence of Moses Malone
Ranked seventh, Moses Malone was known for his relentless rebounding and inside scoring ability. As a three-time league MVP, he was instrumental in guiding the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983, earning Finals MVP honors. Across 12 All-Star appearances, Malone led the league in rebounding six seasons.
The AI highlighted his impact:
“One of the most relentless rebounders and inside scorers ever, Moses was the driving force behind the 1983 Sixers’ title”
and was pivotal in pushing the Houston Rockets to the 1981 Finals.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Unmatched Statistical Dominance
Wilt Chamberlain, placed sixth, remains one of basketball’s most physically dominant players. A four-time MVP and two-time NBA champion, Chamberlain’s career featured breathtaking achievements such as a 50-point-per-game season and a historic 100-point game. His dominance led to several NBA rule changes, including the widening of the paint and bans on certain inbound passes.
Despite his statistical marvels, ChatGPT noted his playoff record and clutch leadership “pale compared to his peers,” especially when compared to Bill Russell. Nonetheless, Chamberlain’s influence reshaped the NBA landscape.
Nikola Jokic: Redefining the Center Role
The highest-ranked active player in the top 10, Nikola Jokic earned the fifth spot for revolutionizing what it means to be a center. His uncanny vision, passing ability, and tempo control make him a unique offensive leader, effectively functioning as a point guard in a big man’s body. Jokic’s unassuming style masks a highly efficient game that anchors the Denver Nuggets’ offense.
According to ChatGPT, Jokic
“has already redefined what a center can be”
and is
“arguably the greatest passing big man in NBA history.”
His résumé includes two MVP titles, a Finals MVP, and a historically efficient 2023 championship run averaging 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. At just 30 years old as of 2025, his legacy is rapidly ascending.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Technical Mastery and Titles
Known as “The Dream,” Hakeem Olajuwon is celebrated for leading the Houston Rockets to consecutive championships in 1994 and 1995, garnering Finals MVP for both. His 1994 season remains one of the most impressive individual campaigns in NBA history, securing MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP honors.
ChatGPT highlighted Olajuwon’s refined skill set,
“elite footwork, defense, and shot creation,”
and noted his unique achievement as the only player with over 3,800 blocks and 2,000 steals. His 1995 playoff performance is particularly legendary for overcoming a slew of Hall of Fame opponents.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Physically Dominant Reign
Shaquille O’Neal, the third-ranked player on the list, is often cited as the most dominant athlete in NBA history. A three-time Finals MVP during the Lakers’ early 2000s three-peat and a fourth title winner with Miami, Shaq dominated with a blend of size, power, and surprising agility.
ChatGPT praised his peak years from 2000 to 2002 as
“arguably the most overwhelming stretch for any center in NBA history,”
though it also acknowledged his struggles with conditioning and free throw shooting.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Sustained Greatness and Scoring Record
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, placed second on this AI ranking, holds the record for the most MVP awards (six) in NBA history. Known for his unstoppable skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar was both a prolific scorer and a model of longevity, adapting from a primary scorer in Milwaukee to a veteran leader on the Showtime Lakers.
According to ChatGPT, his career is defined by “sustained greatness across two decades” and his ability to evolve, securing his place as one of the league’s most valuable and consistent players.
Bill Russell’s Defensive Leadership and Championship Legacy
At the top of the AI’s ranking sits Bill Russell, celebrated as the greatest center in NBA history. As the defensive core and emotional leader of the Boston Celtics dynasty, Russell secured 11 championships in 13 seasons, dominating his era through defense, rebounding, and clutch performances.
ChatGPT characterized Russell as
“the most decorated player in NBA history”
who “revolutionized team defense” and maintained unmatched consistency in critical moments, often prevailing in fierce matchups against Wilt Chamberlain. His legacy extends beyond statistics to the very fabric of winning basketball.
Why This AI Ranking Matters and What to Expect Next
This AI-generated all-time centers ranking shines a spotlight on how the perception of greatness continues to evolve in the NBA, especially with active players like Nikola Jokic ascending rapidly. The list offers a fresh lens on historic legends while emphasizing the modern skill set necessary to thrive as a center today.
By naming Jokic fifth, the AI underscores his transformation of the position, foreshadowing continued achievements as he extends Denver’s championship window. As the NBA progresses, the benchmark for what makes a center “great” will likely keep expanding, blending traditional dominance with innovative playing styles and strategic versatility.