Listing the only 4 big men to win NBA Finals MVP in the last 30 years

#2- Shaquille O'Neal, LA Lakers - 2001/2002

Memorial Service For Los Angeles Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss

Arguably the most dominant center in the history of the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal was one of the best players in the NBA in the late 90s and early 00s. O'Neal played an instrumental role in the LA Lakers' three-peat between 2000 and 2002, putting in some scintillating performances in the three Finals.

He won the NBA Finals MVP in all the three Finals, pipping his partner-in-crime Kobe Bryant to them. His last came against the Brooklyn Nets (then New Jersey Nets), in which he was his usual dominant self, putting up 36 points, 12 rebounds, and close to three blocks per game.

The other wins came against the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers in 2001 and 2000, respectively. Against Allen Iverson's 76ers, Shaquille O'Neal averaged 33 points,16 rebounds, and four assists, displaying the overall nature of his game.

He was far more dominant against the Pacers, registering a 38-point, 16-rebound stat line, helping his side to an NBA championship.

#1 - Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets - 1994/1995

Hakeem Olajuwon during the 2013 NBA Draft

Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets managed to take advantage of Michael Jordan's absence in the NBA in 1994 and 1995, winning back-to-back NBA championships. Olajuwon was the anchor of the team, leading his side in both offensive and defensive actions.

Olajuwon came up big against the Orlando Magic and Shaquille O'Neal in the Finals in 1995, completely outplaying his counterpart. Olajuwon averaged 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, sealing a successive NBA Finals win for his franchise.

Hakeem Olajuwon remains an influential figure in the league, with a plethora of young bigs looking up to the Houston Rockets legend.

Olajuwon was known for his footwork and efficient shooting in the paint. He was also a defensive maverick, blocking opposition players' shots with aplomb.

Since Olajuwon's win, only three more bigs have won the NBA Finals MVP, which shows the diminishing demand for the position in the league in recent years.