The 10 Best Post Players In NBA History

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Best Post Players in NBA History: Dominant Forces in the Paint

Post players have been the backbone of many successful NBA teams, using their size, strength, and skill to control the paint, score efficiently, and anchor their teams on both ends of the court. From the league’s early days to the modern era, these athletes have played a crucial role in shaping the game and leading their teams to victory.

There was a time in the NBA when having the best big man almost guaranteed a team a championship. Although the game has evolved, the impact of dominant post players remains undeniable. Throughout NBA history, some players have battled each other head-to-head, while others have played against each other in uneven peaks of their prime.

The argument over who’s the best center is one of the most intriguing in all of sports. Since it’s impossible to compare primes, we here at Sortie Sports will take a shot at ranking the 10 best post players in NBA history.

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#10: Karl Malone (1985-2004)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
• Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

Karl Malone, known as “The Mailman,” was one of the most dominant power forwards in NBA history. Playing primarily for the Utah Jazz, Malone was renowned for his scoring ability, physicality, and durability. He is the third all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 36,928 points.

Malone was a 14-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA MVP (1997, 1999), and an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection. He also made the NBA All-Defensive First Team twice, showcasing his prowess on both ends of the court. Malone’s consistency and excellence helped lead the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances.

Accolades:

• 14× NBA All-Star
• 2× NBA MVP (1997, 1999)
• 11× All-NBA First Team
• 2× All-Defensive First Team
• Third all-time leading scorer (36,928 points)

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#9: Patrick Ewing (1985-2002)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 240 lbs
• Teams: New York Knicks, Seattle SuperSonics, Orlando Magic

Patrick Ewing was a dominant force in the paint for the New York Knicks, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Ewing was an 11-time NBA All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA Team selection, and a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He scored over 24,000 points and grabbed over 11,000 rebounds in his career, solidifying his place as one of the best centers of his era.

Accolades:

• 11× NBA All-Star
• 7× All-NBA Team
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Team
• Scored over 24,000 points and grabbed 11,000 rebounds

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#8: Moses Malone (1974-1995)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 260 lbs
• Teams: Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs

Moses Malone was a relentless rebounder and scorer, known for his tenacity and work ethic. He won three NBA MVP awards (1979 with the Houston Rockets, 1982 and 1983 with the Philadelphia 76ers) and led the 76ers to an NBA championship in 1983.

Malone was a 12-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time All-NBA Team selection. He scored over 27,000 points and grabbed over 16,000 rebounds in his career, making him one of the most productive post players in NBA history.

Accolades:

• 3× NBA MVP (1979, 1982, 1983)
• 12× NBA All-Star
• 8× All-NBA Team
• NBA Champion (1983)
• Scored over 27,000 points and grabbed 16,000 rebounds

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#7: David Robinson (1989-2003)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 235 lbs
• Teams: San Antonio Spurs

David Robinson, also known as “The Admiral,” was a dominant center for the San Antonio Spurs. He was known for his athleticism, scoring, and defensive prowess. Robinson won two NBA championships with the Spurs and was named NBA MVP in 1995.

Robinson was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a four-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He scored over 20,000 points and grabbed over 10,000 rebounds in his career.

Accolades:

• 2× NBA Champion (1999, 2003)
• NBA MVP (1995)
• 10× NBA All-Star
• 4× All-NBA First Team
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year

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#6: Bill Russell (1956-1969)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 220 lbs
• Teams: Boston Celtics

Bill Russell was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ dynasty, leading the team to an unprecedented 11 NBA championships during his career, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966.

Known for his exceptional defense and rebounding, Russell was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time NBA All-Star. Although the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award was not established until 1983, Russell’s defensive prowess would have undoubtedly earned him multiple DPOY honors if it had existed during his playing days.

Accolades:

• 11× NBA Champion
• 5× NBA MVP
• 12× NBA All-Star
• Named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team

 

#5: Tim Duncan (1997-2016)

• Position: Power Forward/Center
• Height/Weight: 6’11”, 250 lbs
• Teams: San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” was the leader of the San Antonio Spurs’ success. Duncan was a model of consistency and excellence throughout his career, leading the Spurs to five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014). He was named NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003, 2005).

Duncan was a two-time NBA MVP (2002, 2003) and a 15-time NBA All-Star. He also made 15 All-NBA Teams and 15 All-Defensive Teams, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court.

Duncan averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game over his career. In the playoffs, he often faced and defeated other elite big men, including Shaquille O’Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett. His ability to perform at a high level in crucial moments solidified his status as one of the greatest post players of all time.

Accolades:

• 5× NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
• 2× NBA MVP (2002, 2003)
• 15× NBA All-Star
• 15× All-NBA Team
• 15× All-Defensive Team

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#4: Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 255 lbs
• Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors

Hakeem Olajuwon, known as “The Dream,” was renowned for his incredible footwork, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. He led the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP both times.

Olajuwon was a 12-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and the 1994 NBA MVP. He is the all-time leader in blocked shots with 3,830. Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game over his career.

During his championship runs, he defeated several top big men, including Patrick Ewing in the 1994 NBA Finals and Shaquille O’Neal in the 1995 NBA Finals, when O’Neal was in his second year. He also outplayed David Robinson in the 1995 Western Conference Finals, the same year Robinson won MVP.

Accolades:

• 2× NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
• NBA MVP (1994)
• 12× NBA All-Star
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
• All-time leader in blocked shots (3,830)

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#3: Shaquille O’Neal (1992-2011)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 325 lbs
• Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant forces in NBA history, using his size and strength to overpower opponents. He won four NBA championships, three with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002) and one with the Miami Heat (2006).

O’Neal was a three-time NBA Finals MVP and the 2000 NBA MVP. He was a 15-time NBA All-Star, a 14-time All-NBA Team member, and a three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.

O’Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game over his career. In the playoffs, he faced and defeated numerous elite big men, including Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Dikembe Mutombo. His sheer dominance in the paint made him an unstoppable force and one of the greatest post players of all time.

Accolades:

• 4× NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP
• NBA MVP (2000)
• 15× NBA All-Star
• 14× All-NBA Team
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Team

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#2: Wilt Chamberlain (1959-1973)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 275 lbs

• Teams: Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers

Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant and prolific players in NBA history. He holds numerous records, including the highest points per game average for a season (50.4) and the most points in a single game (100).

Chamberlain won two NBA championships (1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers), was a four-time NBA MVP, and a 13-time NBA All-Star. He also led the league in scoring seven times and rebounding 11 times.

Chamberlain averaged 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game over his career. He also led the league in assists in 1968. Beyond his scoring feats, he holds records for most rebounds in a single game (55) and most consecutive field goals made (35).

Although he ended up on the short end of the stick in his battles against Bill Russell (0-2 in the Finals), Wilt’s unparalleled athleticism and ability to dominate in an era filled with formidable opponents cement his ranking as 2nd on this list. His numerous records and championships highlight his extraordinary impact on the game.

Accolades:

• 2× NBA Champion (1967, 1972)
• 4× NBA MVP
• 13× NBA All-Star
• 7× NBA Scoring Champion
• 11× NBA Rebounding Champion

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#1: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-1989)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’2″, 225 lbs
• Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s all-time scoring record from 1984 until 2023, when LeBron James surpassed him. With 38,387 points, Abdul-Jabbar is currently second on the all-time scoring list. His skyhook shot, nearly impossible to defend, was a key factor in his prolific career.

He won six NBA championships—five with the Los Angeles Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and one with the Milwaukee Bucks (1971)—and was named NBA Finals MVP twice.

Abdul-Jabbar earned six NBA MVP awards and was selected to 19 NBA All-Star Games. He also made 15 All-NBA Teams and 11 All-Defensive Teams, highlighting his impact on both offense and defense. Over his career, he averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game.

In the playoffs, Abdul-Jabbar faced and defeated several of the game’s greatest big men, including Wilt Chamberlain and Moses Malone. His first championship came with the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside Oscar Robertson.

Accolades:

• 6× NBA Champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP
• 6× NBA MVP
• 19× NBA All-Star
• 15× All-NBA Team
• 11× All-Defensive Team
• All-time leading scorer until 2023