The Best NBA Centers of the 1980s

Updated October 13, 2018 4.3k votes 797 voters 19.9k views23 items

List RulesVote up the best NBA centers that played in the 1980s based on their performances during that decade.

In the NBA, the greatest NBA centers from the 80s were the missing piece of the puzzle on any team. The "big man" is normally the tallest man on the team, with a lot of strength and body mass. It's a necessary component for a successful team, so naturally, the greatest NBA centers from the 80s makes for a great list to look through! Vote for your favorites among the best 80s NBA centers and vote down the ones you don't think are among the best NBA centers!

When discussing the top 1980s NBA centers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has got to be in the conversation. Patrick Ewing and Hakeem "The Dream" are also considered some of the best NBA Centers of the 1980s.

So take a look at this best NBA centers 80s and vote for your favorites!

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1
340
107
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks
2
289
83
Moses Malone
Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks
3
351
114
Hakeem Olajuwon
Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
4
209
88
Patrick Ewing
Orlando Magic, Seattle Supersonics
5
108
39
Robert Parish
Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets
6
128
87
Artis Gilmore
Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls
7
112
90
Ralph Sampson
Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings
8
100
78
Bill Laimbeer
Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons
The first center to incorporate the three into his game.
9
83
62
Jack Sikma
Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks
This discussion is about the best centers of the 80s. During that decade Sikma was named to play in 6 All Star Games and posted one of the highest defensive rebounding percentages in the league. While not a great shot blocker he played solid man to man D and he was adept at sliding over to close off passing and driving lanes. He was an outstanding passer with both the outlets and from both the high and low posts in a set offense. He was a clutch shooter who could score from both the low and midrange areas and his free throw shooting was superb. Unseld, Lanier, Lacy, Gilmore, McAdoo and Walton were all fine centers in their primes but their primes were in the 70s. Rollins and Jones were both better shot blockers than Sikma, but they lagged behind him as rebounders, passers and scorers. Duckworth and Divacs had their moments but they never played up to Sikma's level.
10
91
79
Bob Lanier
Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons
11
86
66
Bob McAdoo
Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets
12
81
76
Brad Daugherty
Cleveland Cavaliers
13
52
36
Mark Eaton
Utah Jazz