Los Angeles Lakers legend and current NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal has never shied away from sharing his opinions, especially when it comes to the game he once dominated. Known for his blunt takes and larger-than-life presence, Shaq recently stirred conversation across the basketball world with a new list — his personal ranking of the top 10 centers in NBA history.
The Hall of Famer posted the list on Instagram accompanied by a simple caption: “Thank you.” But the list itself opened the door for heated reactions and passionate debate. Here’s how O’Neal ranked his top 10:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Bill Russell
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- David Robinson
- Nikola Jokic
- Moses Malone
- Patrick Ewing
- George Mikan
The biggest criticism from fans and pundits alike centered on the placement of Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets star lands in seventh, behind David Robinson, despite Jokic’s recent dominance, including two MVP awards and one NBA title. Critics argued that Jokic deserves to be higher, especially considering his impact in the modern era. However, some believe his current résumé still lacks the sustained postseason success needed to break into the top five.
At the top of Shaq’s list is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — a six-time NBA champion, six-time MVP, and the league’s all-time scoring leader until LeBron James overtook him in 2023. Kareem’s iconic skyhook and two-decade-long dominance make him a near-unanimous pick for the No. 1 spot among basketball historians and players alike.
Where Shaq ranks himself
O’Neal confidently placed himself at No. 2, and few could argue. With four NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, and one of the most overpowering physical presences the league has ever seen, Shaq’s peak remains one of the most dominant stretches in NBA history.
Wilt Chamberlain comes in at No. 3. Known for mind-blowing stat lines — including his legendary 100-point game — Chamberlain’s legacy is complicated by his relative lack of championships. Even Shaq recently acknowledged that Wilt’s two NBA titles weren’t enough to vault him into the GOAT conversation, despite his incredible numbers.
Bill Russell, the ultimate winner with 11 NBA championships to his name, slots in at No. 4. Hakeem Olajuwon, revered for his elegant footwork, elite defense, and back-to-back titles in the mid-1990s, rounds out the top five. Shaq has long credited “The Dream” for humbling him in the 1995 NBA Finals, a moment that left a lasting impression.
Moses Malone, a three-time MVP and one of the game’s greatest rebounders, comes in at No. 8. Patrick Ewing, a Hall of Famer and New York Knicks icon, ranks ninth. George Mikan — the league’s first true big man and a pioneer of the post game in the 1950s — completes the list at No. 10. While lists like this are always subjective, Shaq’s take adds another layer to the never-ending debate over NBA greatness — and reinforces just how deep and rich the center position has been throughout the league’s history.