When we talk about the best scoring centers in NBA history, it’s impossible not to mention Wilt Chamberlain. Here's a guy who averaged an astonishing 50.4 points per game during the 1961-62 season. Fifty points per game! The man's scoring ability was otherworldly, a sheer dominance that still echoes through the halls of NBA history. Chamberlain’s record of scoring 100 points in a single game is a milestone that's yet to be surpassed, a testament to his unparalleled scoring prowess on the court.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar comes to mind as well. He didn’t just retire as the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, but he did it using arguably the most unstoppable shot in basketball history — the skyhook. A six-time NBA champion and six-time league MVP, Abdul-Jabbar's scoring arsenal was deep and versatile. During the 1971-72 season, he averaged 34.8 points per game, displaying his consistent ability to dominate offensively. His durability and longevity allowed him to play until he was 42, sustaining a high level of performance that very few could match.
We cannot overlook Shaquille O’Neal when talking about scoring centers. Known for his sheer physicality and brute strength, Shaq carved out a career that included four NBA Championships and three Finals MVP awards. During the 1999-2000 season, O’Neal averaged 29.7 points per game, a key factor in the Lakers' success that year. His ability to control the paint, coupled with his scoring capabilities, made him virtually unguardable. Analysts and fans often talk about how he changed the game, forcing teams to adapt to his presence on the court.
Hakeem Olajuwon also deserves mention for his scoring ability and footwork, which was beyond extraordinary. Olajuwon wasn't just a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP; he also scored at will against some of the toughest defenses. During the 1994-95 season, he averaged 27.8 points per game. His "Dream Shake" left defenders bewildered and has been studied by countless players aiming to perfect their post-game. When you look at his career totals, with over 26,000 points scored, it's clear how impactful he was on the offensive end.
David Robinson, "The Admiral," is another center whose scoring ability cannot be ignored. He once scored 71 points in a single game, securing the 1994 NBA scoring title with an average of 29.8 points per game. Robinson’s combination of strength, agility, and skill allowed him to be a potent scorer throughout his career. Besides his individual accolades, including two NBA championships and a league MVP award, Robinson’s impact went beyond the stat sheet; he was a cornerstone for the Spurs, leading them to numerous playoff appearances.
Patrick Ewing, the New York Knicks legend, also had a scoring touch that's often overlooked. Ewing averaged 28.6 points per game during the 1989-90 season, demonstrating his offensive versatility. Whether it was through his mid-range jumpers or his powerful post moves, Ewing was a consistent scoring threat. His career total of over 24,000 points is a testament to his scoring consistency and ability to perform at a high level throughout his career.
Moses Malone, who played in both the ABA and NBA, brought a remarkable scoring touch to the center position. In the 1981-82 season, Malone averaged a phenomenal 31.1 points per game. With his tenacity and ability to score both inside and outside, he notched over 27,000 points in his career. Malone's impact was felt heavily during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he won an NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honors.
Today's game also has its share of scoring centers. Joel Embiid, for example, averaged 30.6 points per game during the 2021-22 season. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and dominate the paint with his post moves makes him one of the most formidable offensive threats in the league today. Embiid has shown that he can carry a team's offensive load, evidenced by the 76ers' success when he’s healthy and on the court.
The evolution of centers over the decades showcases not just their scoring abilities but also their versatility and adaptation to different playing styles. From the dominance of Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the modern-day brilliance of Joel Embiid, the role of the scoring center remains crucial. These players have not only etched their names in the history books but also redefined what it means to be a dominant force on the court. For more insights into basketball and sports, check out arena plus. They have a plethora of articles and analyses for basketball enthusiasts.