Who is the greatest offensive center to play the game?

[Nick Young]

shaq by far

[PHILA]

And Wilt was scoring at one/third of what he was at his peak at this time. Kareem was at his peak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STrKonJGP-U

I don't know, based on video footage '74 may have been his Bucks peak. What player peaks in their 2nd year? With the Lakers perhaps '76, '77, or '80. But Wilt after his knee injury was not as ideal a defensive man vs. KAJ mainly due his lost mobility. A mid-60's Wilt vs. mid 70's KAJ would be a dream matchup.

[PHILA]

Sports Illustrated - January 21, 1974

The main reason for the Bucks' success has been, of course, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is nothing less than the best pro player. Never selfish in the past, Abdul-Jabbar has become even more generous this season, shooting less, scoring fewer points (25.5 ppg, down from 30.2 in 1972-73) and passing off more frequently to cutting teammates from his high vantage point in the low post. When he does fire, he has a wider array of shots at his command. The conventional defense against Abdul-Jabbar has been to block him from curling from the left side of the lane into the middle for his deadly sky hook, thereby forcing him to take turnaround jumpers or to abandon the left post for the right, from which he shoots the hook with less accuracy. In the game at Chicago, the obsolescence of that thinking was clear. Of his nine baskets, Abdul-Jabbar made only one from the left, and that a jumper. He also has added flexibility to his defensive game, wandering farther and more fervently afield to help the Bucks cut their defensive average by almost a point per game. That is no mean feat since Milwaukee was second in the league last season, allowing an average of 99 points.

[jlauber]

McAdoo should be somewhere on these lists.

The man had three straight seasons, in Kareem's prime, in which he finished ahead of him in the scoring race. He had 20+ ft. range and was basically unstoppable in his prime. How many other centers' had three straight 30+ ppg seasons, and in leagues' that averaged 105, 103, and 106 ppg?

[D.J.]

Wilt was the most dominant, but wasn't the most skilled. Kareem was the most skilled. He had a ton of moves in the paint, an unblockable hook shot, and still a good foul shooter. Hakeem was the smoothest and had the most moves in the paint, but he didn't dominate like the others.

[G-train]

I can't see how this is anyone but Wilt Chamberlain.

[Suckafree]

This is basically and A) B) C) or D) question in which nobody is ever going to come to an agreement.

Great question nontheless, personally I'd go with kareem

[ShaqAttack3234]

And Wilt was scoring at one/third of what he was at his peak at this time. Kareem was at his peak.

Kareem himself said that both 1976(at the time) and then 1977 were the best years of his career, and others were also saying that Kareem was better than ever in 1977. And I can see how Kareem was a more complete player in 1977 than the early 70's.

And Wilt not being at his peak offensively made him able to focus more on defense and defending Kareem, so I'm not sure that 60's Wilt would've done a better job than '72 Wilt did.

Sports Illustrated - January 21, 1974

The main reason for the Bucks' success has been, of course, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is nothing less than the best pro player. Never selfish in the past, Abdul-Jabbar has become even more generous this season, shooting less, scoring fewer points (25.5 ppg, down from 30.2 in 1972-73) and passing off more frequently to cutting teammates from his high vantage point in the low post. When he does fire, he has a wider array of shots at his command. The conventional defense against Abdul-Jabbar has been to block him from curling from the left side of the lane into the middle for his deadly sky hook, thereby forcing him to take turnaround jumpers or to abandon the left post for the right, from which he shoots the hook with less accuracy. In the game at Chicago, the obsolescence of that thinking was clear. Of his nine baskets, Abdul-Jabbar made only one from the left, and that a jumper. He also has added flexibility to his defensive game, wandering farther and more fervently afield to help the Bucks cut their defensive average by almost a point per game. That is no mean feat since Milwaukee was second in the league last season, allowing an average of 99 points.

Great article. I'd agree that '74 was his best season with Milwaukee. It seems like he was still becoming a better player until peaking in '77.

[RRR3]

I can't see how this is anyone but Wilt Chamberlain.

ISH doesn't like Chamberlain very much.

[Round Mound]

Shaq

If only he Could Shoot FTs. Still the Most Efficient and Difficult to Stop

[G-train]

Wilt averaged 50ppg in one season and led the league in assists in another.
No further analysis required.

[RRR3]

Wilt averaged 50ppg in one season and led the league in assists in another.
No further analysis required.

But...but...but...he was a choking statpadder! Just like...LeBrick James!!!!

[D.J.]

Shaq

If only he Could Shoot FTs. Still the Most Efficient and Difficult to Stop

Kareem did everything Shaq did, plus he made his free throws.

[oolalaa]

Kareem had the sky hook and Shaq had the power.

Hakeem had the low post moves and Wilt was a tower.

Walton was so silky smooth and drob was a coward.

Ewing had his mid range J and Russell tried his best but said screw this i'm taking a shower.

[RRR3]

Kareem had the sky hook and Shaq had the power.

Hakeem had the low post moves and Wilt was a tower.

Walton was so silky smooth and drob was a coward.

Ewing had his mid range J and Russell tried his best but said screw this i'm taking a shower.

David Robinson went to the Naval academy though, he's probably tougher than you think.