The W
June 7, 2009 - birthdaybritney.jpg
Views: 178995361
Main | FAQ | Search: Y! / G | Calendar | Color chart | Log in for more!
28.3.24 0645
The W - Basketball - Top five centers of modern era
This thread has 45 referrals leading to it
Register and log in to post!
Pages: 1(1541 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
User
Post (14 total)
albert44
Italian








Since: 12.2.02
From: houston , TX

Since last post: 6841 days
Last activity: 6573 days
#1 Posted on
Ive always felt that Ewing was an overrated center.
With his retirement, i thought to myself where he ranks
as far as centers go that i have actually seen play. (I'd probably have him as sixth)
My top five centers would be

1)Hakeem -the second greatest player ive ever seen.
Hey if you dont believe me go ask Shaq or Robinson.
They'll tell ya. Here in Houston, they still talk of what Dream did to Robinson in the 95 playoffs. That MVP ceremony
sealed the Spurs'fate that year, me thinks.
2)Shaq- its like watching a high school kid playing basketball with a bunch of middleschoolers.
3)Duncan- Olajuwon part deux. He's that freakin good.
Intresting to see the effect on his game when he starts having to defend opposing centers as opposed to power forwards.
4)Robinson- if not for Duncan, Robinson would have been
yet another great player with no ring. Great defensive center.
5)Mourning- his run might be over. Sucks for Miami. Has he
ever played with a great player by his side? The only person i can think of is Tim Hardaway.




albert44
Promote this thread!
redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3923 days
Last activity: 3923 days
#2 Posted on

    Originally posted by albert44
    Ive always felt that Ewing was an overrated center.
    With his retirement, i thought to myself where he ranks
    as far as centers go that i have actually seen play. (I'd probably have him as sixth)
    My top five centers would be

    1)Hakeem -the second greatest player ive ever seen.
    Hey if you dont believe me go ask Shaq or Robinson.
    They'll tell ya. Here in Houston, they still talk of what Dream did to Robinson in the 95 playoffs. That MVP ceremony
    sealed the Spurs'fate that year, me thinks.
    2)Shaq- its like watching a high school kid playing basketball with a bunch of middleschoolers.
    3)Duncan- Olajuwon part deux. He's that freakin good.
    Intresting to see the effect on his game when he starts having to defend opposing centers as opposed to power forwards.
    4)Robinson- if not for Duncan, Robinson would have been
    yet another great player with no ring. Great defensive center.
    5)Mourning- his run might be over. Sucks for Miami. Has he
    ever played with a great player by his side? The only person i can think of is Tim Hardaway.




Key question in this is what is the modern era? Because if the Modern Era begins with Bird/Magic, that means Kareem, Moses, and The Chief would all be eligible, and would be in the top 5 ahead of Duncan, Robinson, and Mourning.



Thank you Mr. Wanz for the check, now you get an AWA World Title Reign. But be careful, my boy Greg is a heat machine.
haz
Landjager








Since: 2.1.02
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

Since last post: 3515 days
Last activity: 2179 days
#3 Posted on
Definition of modern era????

I think of it as my era, since I am only in my 30's...

1> Kareem (retired 1989)
2> Moses Malone (retired 1995)
3> Shaq
4> Hakeem
5> Robert Parish (retired 1997)

the next group...

Ewing
Robinson
Mourning
Mutombo

At this point, I wouldn't put Duncan in this list. Let's see him do it for a few more years... Also, isn't he a PF??



(edited by haz on 20.9.02 1523)


----------
And the real wonder of the world is that we don't jump too
----------
chuckc14
Summer sausage








Since: 2.1.02
From: Nashville

Since last post: 6623 days
Last activity: 5011 days
#4 Posted on

    Originally posted by haz


    1> Kareem (retired 1989)
    2> Moses Malone (retired 1995)
    3> Shaq
    4> Hakeem
    5> Robert Parish (retired 1997)



You've got the same top five as me, but as much as I hate to say it, I think Shaq deserves to move up two spots on that list. Kareem could no doubt score, but in the 'era'(I'm assuming '80's on) in question, Kareem was only pulling down about 6 or 7 boards a game, and was sometimes a complete liability on defense. He was a dominant rebounder in the 70's, but we did see him begin to deteriorate in some facets of the game once the 80's came along. Other than that, your list would match mine exactly

1. Shaq (God it pains me to say that)
2. Kareem (had the first ever un-defensable shot)
3. Moses (If he would have had the 3 extra inches that Shaq had, he would have been number 1)
4. Hakeem (the most graceful center ever)
5. Parish (the recipient of many easy shots via Bird, but still a great one)




Comic Book Guy: "Last night's 'Itchy & Scratchy' was, without a doubt, the worst episode ever. Rest assured that I was on the Internet within minutes, registering my disgust throughout the world."
Tom Dean
Bockwurst








Since: 30.8.02
From: New York, NY

Since last post: 6750 days
Last activity: 6119 days
#5 Posted on
C'mon, Ewing is at least better than Mourning!!



Three Faces of Dean: Teenage Riot, T.R., and now this guy

"How YOU Doin'?"
- me, weekly (or so) at [slash]

"History is being make-ed... someone is going to get their head completely shaved off"
- David McLane, PPV opening promo

You see this? You see how my body's glowing like that? Yeah... a lot of people can't do that. Come get some of this glowing. Oh, okay, you. You want some. You want some of the glowing. Look, man... your soul... I'm going to totally floss with it and chew on your spirit. I read that somewhere. But I'll do it.

NickBockwinkelFan
Frankfurter








Since: 10.4.02
From: New York City, NY

Since last post: 4366 days
Last activity: 3132 days
#6 Posted on
If the modern era is being defined by post-1980:

1) Shaq
2) Moses
3) Kareem (judged by post-1980 play)
4) Hakeem
5) Artis Gilmore





Bears 14 Falcons 13
Michael Vick talking pre-game smack = 12 tackles, 2 sacks and a victory for Urlacher and the Bears




"Well, you can't involve friendship with business. It has to be one or the other. It's either business or friendship, or hit the bricks!"
--Life Lessons from "The Tao of Bobby the Brain Heenan" Uncensored 2000 preview


redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3923 days
Last activity: 3923 days
#7 Posted on

    Originally posted by NickBockwinkelFan
    If the modern era is being defined by post-1980:

    1) Shaq
    2) Moses
    3) Kareem (judged by post-1980 play)
    4) Hakeem
    5) Artis Gilmore









If it was post '75, I'd leave Gilmore in their. But post '80, Parish was far more consistent. By the late 80's, Artis was a 5 minute a night back-up for Chief.



Thank you Mr. Wanz for the check, now you get an AWA World Title Reign. But be careful, my boy Greg is a heat machine.
ekedolphin
Scrapple








Since: 12.1.02
From: Indianapolis, IN; now residing in Suffolk, VA

Since last post: 490 days
Last activity: 14 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.52
My top 5 of the “modern era”, assuming since 1990:

1. Hakeem Olajuwon

One of the best centers ever to play the game, probably behind only Russell and Chamberlain. He has excellent athletic ability and is capable of lighting it up on any given night. Having said that, he needs to retire, NOW. He's become irrelevant since his last year in Houston.

2. Shaquille O'Neal

As much as I don't like to admit it, the man is becoming a great center. Still can't shoot worth a damn, but he's unstoppable in the post. He's great at passing out of the double-team when he needs to, leaving guys like Robert Horry open for easy threes.

3. Tim Duncan

A graceful player, a guy who came into the NBA and was immediately ready. He led the Spurs to the NBA Championship less than three years into his career. But since then, they've been the bitches of the Lakers.

4. David Robinson

Put up big numbers for the Spurs and made them a “name” team for the first time since the days of “The Iceman” George Gervin. A very gracious and kind individual. Once scored 71 points in the final game of the season to eke out a scoring title over Shaquille. But he was torched by Hakeem in the (I think it was) '95 Playoffs, and he has a reputation of being a “soft” player. I don't think the reputation is all that fair, but it wouldn't exist if there wasn't some truth to that.

5. Dikembe Mutombo

Can't really score worth a damn, but he can block shots into the twentieth row. Back when he was allowed to do it, I loved it when he'd wag his fingers at opposing players after blocking the shit out of them.

In my second tier, I would include Rik Smits, Alonzo Mourning, Vlade Divac, Marcus Camby and Patrick Ewing. (THERE! I gave Ewing a little bit of credit, OK? But I still listed him below nine other centers for the '90s.)



“Now put that thing back where it came from or so help me-- Oh, hey! We're rehearsing a scene from the upcoming company play called Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me.”
--Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc.

Two-Time, Two-Time Randomly Selected Weiner of the Day, 5/27/02 and 7/3/02

NickBockwinkelFan
Frankfurter








Since: 10.4.02
From: New York City, NY

Since last post: 4366 days
Last activity: 3132 days
#9 Posted on
    Posted by Red Sox Nation: If it was post '75, I'd leave Gilmore in their. But post '80, Parish was far more consistent. By the late 80's, Artis was a 5 minute a night back-up for Chief.


The final eight seasons (1980-1988) of Artis Gilmore's career are virtually identical to that of Robert Parrish's prime (with the exception of Artis' last year backing up the Chief).

1980-1981
Artis: 1469 pts (17.9 ppg) 828 rebs
Chief: 1552 pts (18.9 ppg) 777 rebs

1981-1982
Artis: 1517 pts (18.5 ppg) 835 rebs
Chief: 1590 pts (19.9 ppg) 886 rebs

1982-1983
Artis: 1479 pts (18.1 ppg) 984 rebs
Chief: 1509 pts (19.3 ppg) 827 rebs

1983-1984
Artis: 982 pts (15.3 ppg) 662 rebs
Chief: 1520 pts (19.0 ppg) 857 rebs

1984-1985
Artis: 1548 pts (19.1 ppg) 846 rebs
Chief: 1394 pts (17.6 ppg) 840 rebs

1985-1986
Artis: 1184 pts (16.7 ppg) 600 rebs
Chief: 1305 pts (16.1 ppg) 770 rebs

1986-1987
Artis: 934 pts (11.4 ppg) 579 rebs
Chief: 1061 pts (14.3 ppg) 628 rebs

1987-1988
Artis Gilmore's final season, backing up the Chief in Boston

Artis Gilmore Career Statistics
Points: 24,941 (18.1 ppg)
Rebounds: 16,330
College Highlights:
Averaged at least 20 ppg and 20 rpg for NCAA Career (1 of 7 players to do so)
Led Jacksonville Dolphins to 1971 NCAA Championship Game (27-2 record)
Set NCAA Career Rebounding Record 22.7 rpg
Led nation in rebounding as a junior and senior

ABA Highlights:
9362 Points (22.3 ppg)
7169 Rebounds (17.1 rpg)
750 Blocks
1975 ABA Champion Kentucky Colonels
Led ABA in rebounding 4 times
Led ABA in FG% 2 times
5 time All-ABA First Team
4 time All-ABA Defensive Team
MVP & Rookie-of-the-Year in the same season (only Wilt and Wes have also done it)

NBA Highlights:
6 time NBA All-Star
1747 Blocks
One of only 22 players to score over 20,000 points in his pro career
Led NBA in FG% 4 times
All-Time NBA FG% leader--.599
Played 670 consecutive games



(edited by NickBockwinkelFan on 21.9.02 1824)

Bears 14 Falcons 13
Michael Vick talking pre-game smack = 12 tackles, 2 sacks and a victory for Urlacher and the Bears




"Well, you can't involve friendship with business. It has to be one or the other. It's either business or friendship, or hit the bricks!"
--Life Lessons from "The Tao of Bobby the Brain Heenan" Uncensored 2000 preview


redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3923 days
Last activity: 3923 days
#10 Posted on
    Originally posted by NickBockwinkelFan
      Posted by Red Sox Nation: If it was post '75, I'd leave Gilmore in their. But post '80, Parish was far more consistent. By the late 80's, Artis was a 5 minute a night back-up for Chief.


    The final eight seasons (1980-1988) of Artis Gilmore's career are virtually identical to that of Robert Parrish's prime (with the exception of Artis' last year backing up the Chief).

    1980-1981
    Artis: 1469 pts (17.9 ppg) 828 rebs
    Chief: 1552 pts (18.9 ppg) 777 rebs

    1981-1982
    Artis: 1517 pts (18.5 ppg) 835 rebs
    Chief: 1590 pts (19.9 ppg) 886 rebs

    1982-1983
    Artis: 1479 pts (18.1 ppg) 984 rebs
    Chief: 1509 pts (19.3 ppg) 827 rebs

    1983-1984
    Artis: 982 pts (15.3 ppg) 662 rebs
    Chief: 1520 pts (19.0 ppg) 857 rebs

    1984-1985
    Artis: 1548 pts (19.1 ppg) 846 rebs
    Chief: 1394 pts (17.6 ppg) 840 rebs

    1985-1986
    Artis: 1184 pts (16.7 ppg) 600 rebs
    Chief: 1305 pts (16.1 ppg) 770 rebs

    1986-1987
    Artis: 934 pts (11.4 ppg) 579 rebs
    Chief: 1061 pts (14.3 ppg) 628 rebs

    1987-1988
    Artis Gilmore's final season, backing up the Chief in Boston

    Artis Gilmore Career Statistics
    Points: 24,941 (18.1 ppg)
    Rebounds: 16,330
    College Highlights:
    Averaged at least 20 ppg and 20 rpg for NCAA Career (1 of 7 players to do so)
    Led Jacksonville Dolphins to 1971 NCAA Championship Game (27-2 record)
    Set NCAA Career Rebounding Record 22.7 rpg
    Led nation in rebounding as a junior and senior

    ABA Highlights:
    9362 Points (22.3 ppg)
    7169 Rebounds (17.1 rpg)
    750 Blocks
    1975 ABA Champion Kentucky Colonels
    Led ABA in rebounding 4 times
    Led ABA in FG% 2 times
    5 time All-ABA First Team
    4 time All-ABA Defensive Team
    MVP & Rookie-of-the-Year in the same season (only Wilt and Wes have also done it)

    NBA Highlights:
    6 time NBA All-Star
    1747 Blocks
    One of only 22 players to score over 20,000 points in his pro career
    Led NBA in FG% 4 times
    All-Time NBA FG% leader--.599
    Played 670 consecutive games



    (edited by NickBockwinkelFan on 21.9.02 1824)




It wasn't a shot at Artis, because I believe he is slightly below Parish (but way above Ewing). The ABA numbers show why I said if '75 was the starting point I'd have him ahead of Parish, but Parish was equal or better after '80, and his numbers were good through '93. Also, Parish did have great college numbers, but because of the Centenary problems with the NCAA his numbers were never allowed and the school not allowed any NCAA appearances.

(edited by redsoxnation on 21.9.02 2234)


Thank you Mr. Wanz for the check, now you get an AWA World Title Reign. But be careful, my boy Greg is a heat machine.
Quezzy
Scrapple








Since: 6.1.02
From: Pittsburgh, PA

Since last post: 1908 days
Last activity: 1907 days
#11 Posted on
Ewing has to be atleast ahead of Mourning. Ewing was better than Mourning and did it for more year. Mourning never played with another great player, that's true, but neither did Ewing, but Ewing somehow took them to the East Finals several times and do the finals once while Mourning hasn't taken anybody anywhere.

And Shaq is overrated. If "modern era" is the guys listed in the original post then ok I can see him being #2 behind Hakeem, but I saw on ESPN the other day that they had him #3 all time because he's "the most dominant center ever". That's true, I don't argue that for one second. But there is also less competition now than ever. As a matter of fact i'd say that the talent (or lack of talent) at the center position throughout the entire league is the weakest that any position has been at any time.



Lance's Response:

THAT IS AWESOME!
redsoxnation
Scrapple








Since: 24.7.02

Since last post: 3923 days
Last activity: 3923 days
#12 Posted on

    Originally posted by Quezzy
    Ewing has to be atleast ahead of Mourning. Ewing was better than Mourning and did it for more year. Mourning never played with another great player, that's true, but neither did Ewing, but Ewing somehow took them to the East Finals several times and do the finals once while Mourning hasn't taken anybody anywhere.

    And Shaq is overrated. If "modern era" is the guys listed in the original post then ok I can see him being #2 behind Hakeem, but I saw on ESPN the other day that they had him #3 all time because he's "the most dominant center ever". That's true, I don't argue that for one second. But there is also less competition now than ever. As a matter of fact i'd say that the talent (or lack of talent) at the center position throughout the entire league is the weakest that any position has been at any time.





Chamberlain was a more dominant center than Shaq.



Thank you Mr. Wanz for the check, now you get an AWA World Title Reign. But be careful, my boy Greg is a heat machine.
DJ FrostyFreeze
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Hawthorne, CA

Since last post: 137 days
Last activity: 137 days
#13 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.95
But could Chamberlain ever dominate Shaq? I dont think so.



NOW you've done it
Take a picture, write it down.
JayJayDean
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Seattle, WA

Since last post: 2984 days
Last activity: 2562 days
#14 Posted on
Plus, it's not like Shaq didn't dominate Hakeem, 'Zo, Ewing, and especially Robinson when they went head-to-head. The guy has been in the league since '92, so those guys were all in their primes when Shaq was 20 and he still got his 25 and 10 on them.

If you could make five equal teams and change only the centers to put those guys in and out I'd think they would finish in this order.

1. Shaq
2. Hakeem
3. Robinson
4. Mourning
5. Ewing
Pages: 1Thread ahead: Bob Huggins in Critical Condition
Next thread: Jordan's New Look Wizards
Previous thread: Cavs-Raptors Deal
(1541 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
1: I'll eat all the crow in the world when it's time, but not yet. Slow down 2: Please tell me you're not considering this Laker board of yours as a source of reputable information.
The W - Basketball - Top five centers of modern eraRegister and log in to post!

The W™ message board

ZimBoard
©2001-2024 Brothers Zim

This old hunk of junk rendered your page in 0.164 seconds.