NBA: Top 5 centers of all time

4. Hakeem Olajuwon; 1984-2001, Houson Rockets; 2001-2002, Toronto Raptors

Career Averages: 21.8 ppg; 11.1 rebounds; 2.5 assists; 3.1 blocks; 1,7 steals

The Dream is the greatest center to have ever played for the Rockets. He led them to back to back championships in 1994 and 1995.

Olajuwon is a 2 time NBA Champion, 1 time MVP and 12 time All-Star. He was versatile and earned the nickname “Dream” for his incredible footwork. Olajuwon perfected a set of fakes in the low post which began to be called the “Dream Shake”.

He’s the only player to have more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in one season. Olajuwon is also the only center to feature on the top 10 All-time steals leaders.

If I had to pick a center [for an all-time best team], I would take Olajuwon. That leaves out Shaq, Patrick Ewing. It leaves out Wilt Chamberlain. It leaves out a lot of people. And the reason I would take Olajuwon is very simple: he is so versatile because of what he can give you from that position. It’s not just his scoring, not just his rebounding or not just his blocked shots. People don’t realize he was in the top seven in steals. He always made great decisions on the court. For all facets of the game, I have to give it to him.

Know who said that? The greatest offensive player ever, Michael Jordan.