Perhaps the most impactful position in the history of the Boston Celtics, centers have been instrumental in winning most of the team’s NBA-record 17 banners. Some of the greatest to play the game have suited up for the Celtics at the 5 over the course of the organization’s storied past.
Scholars of the team’s history are already aware of the names mentioned in the latest edition of HoopsHype’s 20 greatest centers list. A number of the all-time great Boston big men made the cut for H/H’s list.
Let’s dive into which former Celtics made the list.
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No. 18 - Artis Gilmore
“Although the majority of his impact was felt in the ABA, where he even won an MVP award, Artis Gilmore’s greatness was still felt in the NBA, where he spent 12 seasons and established himself as one of the deadliest low-post scorers around,” relates HoopsHype.
“Gilmore led the league in field-goal percentage four years in a row and was one of the toughest covers for opposing bigs on a nightly basis.”
No. 17 - Bill Walton
“Had injuries not cut down his prime, Bill Walton would surely have ranked higher on this list and made our HoopsHype76 list,” offers HoopsHype.
“Unfortunately, that was not the case, but Walton still goes down as one of the best centers in league history thanks to his energy, ability to run the floor, score in the post, create for others and defend.”
No. 16 - Dave Cowens
“Florida State legend Dave Cowens is one of just two players ever to win league MVP in a season they weren’t voted 1st Team All-NBA along with another Celtics legend, Bill Russell,” suggests H/H.
“He was a bundle of energy in his prime, one who was a monster rebounder, averaging 15.2 rebounds over his eight-year prime.”
No. 13 - Robert Parish
“The starting center on those legendary Celtics teams of the 1980s, Robert Parish was a great complement to the likes of Bird and McHale, willing to do all of the dirty work down low while still providing a solid scoring punch in the paint,” recalls H/H.
“Parish ranks in the Top 10 in both career rebounds and blocks.”
No. 10 - Bob McAdoo
While he was only with Boston for one season, McAdoo qualifies as a Celtic center.
“A monster-scoring big man who led the league in scoring three consecutive seasons, including once at 34.5 points per game, Bob McAdoo had a pristine mid-range jumper and a plethora of post moves to torment opponents with,” suggests H/H.
No. 4 - Shaquille O'Neal
“The most dominant physical specimen in the NBA since the days of Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal was an absolute freak with his blend of size, strength, and unreal explosiveness,” writes H/H.
“O’Neal wanting to be a star off the court probably took away a bit of impact on the court, but he was devastating throughout his career regardless, even despite being a porous free-throw shooter.”
No. 2 - Bill Russell
“Bill Russell’s record for most NBA titles will never be beaten, as no one has come, or will come close to his 11 career championships,” claims HoopsHype.
“Russell may not have had the longest career, but, boy, was that run successful.”
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