Over the course of NBA history, there have been numerous centers to dominate the hardwood in one way or another. However, the position has transformed quite a bit over the years, and with each passing season, the definition of an NBA center continues to experience alterations.
While there have been tons of fantastic centers that have come through the NBA gates, compiling each of their skills into one massive “Perfect NBA Center Library” would be too much (and for the sake of this game, would be less compelling). With that being said, there are four NBA centers, who each possess certain qualities, that if meshed together would undoubtedly create the ultimate center.
1. Dwight Howard:
He may not have a championship ring on any of his fingers, but this 25-year old freak of nature is easily the most advanced athletic specimen to ever play center in the NBA. At 6-feet-11-inches with muscles that could inspire even the most sedentary human being to hit the gym regularly, Howard possesses the physical and athletic gifts that would create an ideal foundation for the perfect center.
His jet pack hops and chiseled body allow him to get to the basket at will (unfortunately, his lack of a dominating mindset and plethora of post moves prevents him from putting up Shaq-like numbers) and crush his defenders en route to the basket.
To go along with his physical gifts, Howard is one of the best post defenders in the game, and his three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards are a complete testament to that. So, add in the physical gifts and defensive talents of Dwight Howard to the perfect NBA center melting pot.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rymbrPq-XxA&feature=related
2. Shaquille O’Neal:
Based on how many times his name has already appeared in this article, you could have probably guessed that an element of Shaq Daddy’s game was going to be a key ingredient in constructing the player that is universally accepted as the perfect center.
Shaq’s size and physical tools are unearthly and probably won’t ever be paralleled by any future NBA player; however, that is not the aspect of his game we’re looking to use (although, the qualities we are using of his are largely related to his massive frame).
Instead, we want his dominant mentality. Even when he was pushing the mid 30’s, Shaq still wanted to crush his post defender at any chance he received. Unlike most players graced with his massive size (7-feet-1-inch), from an early age, Shaq always wanted to dominate down low.
It’s one thing to proclaim yourself as the “Most Dominant Ever” (which he did), but it’s another thing to put up 24 points, 28 rebounds, 15 blocks and shatter a backboard as a rookie. That mind-blowing stat line is just one of many that make the case for Shaq as the most dominant player to ever man the paint.
He took advantage of his inferior opponents and never shied away from other All-Star big men. Whether it was Michael Olowakandi or David Robinson in his prime, Shaquille O’Neal displayed dominance, and when creating the perfect NBA center, that is a vital element to include.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U97OlOFEdgM
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