The modern NBA center has to be versatile—able to shoot, pass, defend the pick and roll, and maybe even bring the ball up once in a while. But let’s not act like today’s bigs invented the craft.
Plenty of centers from past eras had the tools to dominate in any timeline. These 15 former NBA big men would have no problem stepping into today’s game and making an impact.
15. Rik Smits
Smits had a soft shooting touch and a reliable midrange game that would stretch the floor nicely today. Plus, he was a solid rim protector with sneaky footwork.
14. Brad Miller
Miller could pass, shoot, and space the floor before stretch fives were even a thing. He’d fit right in as a modern-day glue guy with size.
13. Bill Laimbeer
Love him or hate him, Laimbeer had range and toughness. He’d be setting hard screens, talking trash, and draining pick-and-pop threes in today’s league.
12. Vlade Divac
One of the best passing bigs of his era, Divac would thrive in today’s high-post offenses. He saw the floor like a guard and had enough touch to score from outside the paint.
11. Arvydas Sabonis
Even a half-speed Sabonis in the NBA was brilliant—imagine a prime version in today’s spacing-heavy league. He’d be a walking triple-double waiting to happen.
10. Marcus Camby
Camby was long, athletic, and an elite shot blocker. He’d be a defensive anchor with switchable ability and just enough offense to stay on the floor.
9. Alonzo Mourning
Zo was built like a tank and played with relentless energy. His defense alone would earn him big minutes in the modern game.
8. Andrew Bynum
Before the wheels fell off, Bynum was skilled, strong, and super efficient around the basket. He had enough touch and feel to dominate in a more spaced-out league.
7. Jermaine O’Neal
O’Neal had the footwork, touch, and midrange game that would work beautifully today. Add in his shot-blocking and rebounding, and he’d be a solid modern big.
6. Jack Sikma
Sikma had range, finesse, and a legendary face-up game. His jumper alone would make him a weapon in any era.
Pau’s combo of passing, shooting, and post skills would make him a dream fit in today’s offenses. He was ahead of his time in terms of versatility.
4. Chris Webber
Webber could pass, shoot, and handle the ball better than most forwards today. As a small-ball five, he’d be an absolute matchup nightmare.
3. Patrick Ewing
Ewing had a killer midrange jumper and a polished post game. With today’s floor spacing, he’d have all the room in the world to cook.
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2. David Robinson
Robinson was athletic, agile, and dominant on both ends of the floor. His quickness and mobility would translate perfectly to today’s fast-paced game.
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1. Hakeem Olajuwon
The Dream had footwork that still makes highlight reels and defense that would anchor any team. In today’s league, he might be even more dominant than he was back then.
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