Top 10 Centers of All-Time

10. Willis Reed
9. Patrick Ewing
8. George Mikan
7. David Robinson
6. Moses Malone
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
4. Shaquille O'Neal
3. Bill Russell
2. Wilt Chamberlain
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar



10. Willis Reed:

Regular Season:

PPG: 18.7

RPG: 12.9

APG: 1.8

SPG: 0.6

BPG: 1.1

FG%: 47.6%

FT%: 74.7%

Playoffs:

PPG: 17.4

RPG: 10.3

APG: 1.9

SPG: 0.2

FG%: 47.4%

FT%: 76.5%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 7

NBA Rookie of the Year (1965)

NBA All-Star Game MVP (1970)

NBA MVP (1970)

Top 2 in MVP Voting: 2 times (1969, 1970)

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 3 times (1969, 1970, 1971)

NBA Finals MVP (1970, 1973)

NBA Champion: (1970, 1973)

9. Patrick Ewing:

Regular Season:

PPG: 21.0

RPG: 9.8

APG: 1.9

SPG: 1.0

BPG: 2.4

FG%: 50.4%

FT%: 74.0%

Playoffs:

PPG: 20.2

RPG: 10.3

APG: 2.0

SPG: 0.9

BPG: 2.2

FG%: 46.9%

FT%: 71.8%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 11

NBA Rookie of they Year (1986)

All-NBA 1st Teams: 1

All-NBA 2nd Teams: 6

All-Defensive Teams: 3

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('89, '90, '92, '93, '94, '95)

Top 10 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('89, '90, '92, '93, '94, '95, '97)

Hall of Fame: Class of 2008

8. George Mikan:

Regular Season:

PPG: 23.1

RPG: 13.4

APG: 2.8

FG%: 40.4%

FT%: 78.2%

Playoffs:

PPG: 24.0

RPG: 13.9

APG: 2.2

FG%: 40.4%

FT%: 78.6%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 4

All-NBA 1st Teams: 5

All-BAA 1st Teams: 1

NBA All-Star Game MVP: (1953)

BAA Championships: 1

NBA Championships: 4

3-time Scoring Champion: (1949, 1950, 1951)

Hall of Fame: Class of 1959

7. David Robinson:

Regular Season:
Games: 987
PPG: 21.1
RPG: 10.6
APG: 2.5
SPG: 1.4
BPG: 3.0
FG%: 51.8%
FT%: 73.6%

Playoffs:
Games: 123
PPG: 18.1
RPG: 10.6
APG: 2.3
SPG: 1.2
BPG: 2.5
FG%: 47.9%
FT%: 70.8%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 10
NBA Rookie of the Year (1990)
NBA MVP Awards: 1 (1995)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 3 times ('94, '95, '96)
Top 3-5 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('91, '92, '94, '95, '96)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('90-'96, '98, 2001)
League Leader in Rebounding: (1991)
League Leader in Blocks: (1992)
Defensive Player of the Year: (1992)
League Leader in Scoring: (1994)
NBA Championships: 2 (1999, 2003)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 4
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 2
All-NBA 3rd Teams: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 4
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 4
Hall of Fame: Class of 2009

6. Moses Malone:

Regular Season:
Games: 1,455
PPG: 20.3
RPG: 12.3
APG: 1.3
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 1.3
FG%: 49.5%
FT%: 76.0%

Playoffs:
Games: 100
PPG: 22.1
RPG: 14.0
APG: 1.5
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 1.6
FG%: 48.7%
FT%: 75.6%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 3 (1979, '82, '83)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('79, '81, '82, '83, '85)
NBA Finals MVP: 1 (1983)
NBA Championships: 1 (1983)
7th All-Time in Points: (29,580)
3rd All-Time in Rebounds: (17,834)
1st All-Time in Offensive Rebounds: (7,382)
5th All-Time in Games Played: (1,455)
6x Leader in Rebounding: ('79, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 4
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 1
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 1
Hall of Fame: Class of 2001

5. Hakeem Olajuwon:

Regular Season:
Games: 1,238
PPG: 21.8
RPG: 11.1
APG: 2.5
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 3.1
FG%: 51.2%
FT%: 71.2%

Playoffs:
Games: 145
PPG: 25.9
RPG: 11.2
APG: 3.2
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 3.3
FG% 52.8%
FT%: 71.9%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 1 (1994)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 2 times (1993, 1994)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 2 times ('93, '94)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('86, '89, '93, '94, '95, '96)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 10 times ('86, '87, '88, '89, '90, '93, '94, '95, '96, '97)
NBA Finals MVP Awards: 2 (1994, 1995)
NBA Championships: 2 (1994, 1995)
Defensive Player of the Year Awards: 2 (1993, 1994)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 6
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 3
All-NBA 3rd Teams: 3
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 5
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 4
2x League Leader in Rebounds: ('90, '91)
3x League Leader in Blocks: ('90, '91, '93)
NBA All-Time Leader in Blocks: (3,830)
Top 10 All-Time in Steals: (2,162)
11th All-Time in Total Points: (26,946)
13th All-Time in Rebounds: (13,748)
Hall of Fame: Class of 2008

4. Shaquille O'Neal:

Regular Season:

Games: 1,207

PPG: 23.7

RPG: 10.9

APG: 2.5

SPG: 0.6

BPG: 2.3

FG%: 58.2%

FT%: 52.7%

Playoffs:

Games: 216

PPG: 24.3

RPG: 11.6

APG: 2.7

SPG: 0.5

BPG: 2.1

FG%: 56.3%

FT%: 50.4%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 15

Rookie of the Year (1993)

NBA MVP Awards: 1 (2000)

Top 2 in MVP Voting: 3 times ('95, 2000, '05)

Top 3 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('95, '00, '01, '02, '05)

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 8 times ('94, '95, '98, '00, '01, '02, '03, '05)

Top 10 in MVP Voting: 13 times ('93-'05)

NBA Finals MVP Awards: 3 (2000-2002)

NBA Championships: 4 (2000-2002, 2006)

3x All-Star Game MVP: (2000, 2004, 2009)

All-NBA 1st Teams: 8

All-NBA 2nd Teams: 1

All-NBA 3rd Teams: 4

2x Leader in Scoring: (1995, 2000)

Hall of Fame: Class of 2016

3. Bill Russell:

Regular Season:
Games: 963
PPG: 15.1
RPG: 22.5
APG: 4.3
FG%: 44%
FT%: 56.1%

Playoffs:
Games: 165
PPG: 16.2
RPG: 24.9
APG: 4.7
FG%: 43%
FT%: 60.3%'

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 5 (1958, '61, '62, '63, '65)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('58-'63, '65)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('58-'65, '67)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 11 times ('58-'67, '69)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 12 times ('57-'67, '69)
NBA Championships: 11
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 3
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 8
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 1
League Leader in Rebounding: 5 times
2nd All-Time in Total Rebounds (21,620)
2nd All-Time in Rebounds Per Game (22.5)
Hall of Fame: Class of 1975

2. Wilt Chamberlain:

Regular Season:
Games: 1,045
PPG: 30.1
RPG: 22.9
APG: 4.4
FG%: 54%
FT%: 51%

Playoffs:
Games: 160
PPG: 22.5
RPG: 24.5
APG: 4.2
FG%: 52.2%
FT%: 46.5%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 13
Rookie of the Year: (1960)
NBA All-Star Game MVP: (1960)
MVP Awards: 4 (1960, '66-'68)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('60, '62, '64, '66, '67, '68)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('60, '62, '64, '66, '67, '68, '72)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 10 times ('60, '61, '62, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '72, '73)
NBA Championships: 2 (1967, '72)
Finals MVP Awards: 1 (1972)
5th All-Time Leader in Scoring: (31,419)
1st All-Time in Rebounding: (23,924)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 7
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 3
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 2
Scoring Titles: 7 ('60-'66)
League Leader in Field Goal Percentage: 9 times ('61, '63, '65-'69, '72, '73)
Rebounding Titles: 11 ('60-'63, '66-'73)
Highest Scoring Average for a Rookie: (37.6 ppg- 1960)
Most Points for a Rookie: (2,707- 1960)
Highest Scoring Average in a Season: (50.4 ppg- 1962)
Most Points in a Single Game: (100- vs. Knicks 3/2/1962)
Most Points in a Season (4,029- 1962)
Most Rebounds in a Single Game (55)
Hall of Fame: Class of 1979

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:

Regular Season:
Games: 1,560
PPG: 24.6
RPG: 11.2
APG: 3.6
SPG: 0.9
BPG: 2.7
FG%: 56%
FT%: 72%


Playoffs:
Games: 237
PPG: 24.3
RPG: 10.5
APG: 3.2
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 2.4
FG%: 53.3 %
FT%: 74.0%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 19
Rookie of the Year (1970)
MVP Awards: 6 (1971, '72, '74, '76, '77, '80)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('71, '72, '73, '74, '76, '77, '80)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '76, '77, '80, '81)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 15 times ('70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '84, '85, '86)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 17 times ('70-'86)
NBA Championships: 6 (1971, '80, '82, '85, '87, '88)
Finals MVP Awards: 2 ('71, '85)
NBA All-Time Leading Scorer: (38,387)
4th All-Time in Rebounds: (17,440)
1st All-Time in Minutes (57,446)
2nd All-Time in Games Played (1,560)
Career-High Scoring Average: 34.8 (1972)
2x Leader in Scoring: ('71, '72)
Rebounding Leader: 1
Blocks Leader: 4
All-NBA 1st Teams: 10
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 5
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 5
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 6
Hall of Fame: Class of 1995

NBA Monarchy of Greatness: All-Time Greats (Part II)

As we continue our story, the Motor City Barbarians rumble through the NBA's courtside for two straight years, annihilating anyone who opposed them. However, no matter how many times they would knock down this next Great figure, he would still come back, stronger, wiser and more resolved. Finally, things would change in 1991...

VIII- 1988-93 & 1996: His Royal Airness Lord Michael of Chicago (Chicago Skywalker)
Challengers: Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing

Soaring above his Kingdom like no other King before or since, this young Skywalker defied the traditional way to rule the Basketball Universe with his variety of Aerial Attacks against all comers. His Airness' first reign was a March through the NBA that showed no mercy. First, His Airness along with Elder Philip and Pippen the Versatile conquered the Motor City Barbarians and sent them home like dogs with tails between their legs. On his Path to the Promise, Lord Michael dethroned Earvin the Great Magician once and for all to take his rightful place in the Basketball Castle. Lord Michael would also torch the likes of Sir Clyde of Portland and Sir Charles of Phoenix while capturing numerous MVP and Scoring Crowns to add to his illustrious Trophy Case of Greatness. Lord Michael of Chicago dominated with Jedi like athleticism and efficiency, something that amazed the Basketball Kingdom. His Army was Bullish as the Windy City Kingdom ran roughshod across the Basketball Countryside, conquering villages big and small. It would seem like the Windy City Reign would last forever, but suddenly His Airness abruptly relinquished his Crown in 1993 to explore the far away lands of Major League Baseball. The throne was vacant until...

IX- 1994-96: Prince Hakeem of Houston "The Dream King"

Challengers: Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone

At just the age of 23, young Prince Hakeem (Akeem at the time) would show that he was destined for greatness right away. The silent assassin would lead his Rocket Army into battle against the Celts Emerald Kingdom, but Larry the Legendary and his knights were at the peak of their powers as they obliterated the young Nigerian Warrior and his troops. As Prince Hakeem recharged in the lowlands of Texas, he witnessed his contemporary Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago supplant him as the heir apparent to Magic and Bird. However, the Chicago Skywalker would explore new lands after conquering the Land of Basketball for the third straight year. Without making a sound, Prince Hakeem would seize the Basketball Throne as his Dream became a reality. Prince Hakeem the Dream King conquered International rival St. Patrick Ewing of Jamaica as the Rockets of Houston defeated the Knicks of Yorkshire. This was Hakeem's revenge for their encounter in the Land of the NCAA in 1984. Along the way, the Dream King would capture the NBA MVP and second straight Defensive Player of the Year while winning his first Finals MVP Award. The Dream King finally brought the Basketball Crown to the Land of Houston, Texas. The Rockets of Houston would refuel after a slow start by reuniting Prince Hakeem with his fellow College soldier Clyde the Glide Drexler from their Phi Slamma Jamma days. The Dream King would conquer the likes of Sir Charles of Phoenix, Sir Karl Malone and Sir John Stockton of Utah and MVP David the Admiral of San Antonio on his way to another Battle in the Finals. In the Finals, Prince Hakeem would conquer Shaquilla The Hun of Orlando as the Rocket Army would conquer the Magic Army of Orlando. The Dream King would rule with his mighty sword over the Basketball World for two full Seasons...

1996-'98: Return of the Ruler

The Dream King would descend just as fast as he had risen, because the Ruler returned to reclaim his Throne. Michael rejoined Zenmaster Phillip and Pippen the Versatile en route to winning another three straight Championships, becoming the first King since Emperor William of Boston to win in his final battle. 

X- 1999-2005: Shaquilla The Hun "His Royal Dominance"

Challengers: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Karl Malone

Rising from the Mongol Swamps of Louisiana, this great 7'1" force could move many mountains (including Mt. Mutombo and others) along with backboards. Shaquilla The Hun traveled from the Magic Land of Orlando to the Western City of Angels known as Los Angeles to revive the Great Western Dynasty. With a power that could not be matched, Shaquilla was both the Irresistable Force and the Immovable Object. This was a King of Epic Proportions, the kind that the Basketball Universe had not seen since the likes of King Wilt and Kareem the Wise. With his young Warrior sidekick Prince Kobe by his side, Shaquilla the Hun would lead the Lakers of Los Angeles to three straight Championships. His dominance in battle was reminiscent of Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago during his early reign from 1991-1993. Although Shaquilla's reign was magnificent, it was cut short. Perhaps due to injuries and the inner conflict between him and his successor. Their in-fighting led to a fracture in the Western Dynasty as Shaquilla The Hun would relinquish his throne as the Southwestern Dynasty was born...

XI- 2003-2008: Kaiser Duncan The Fundamental

Challengers: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady

Known by many as Timmy the Fundamental, this quiet and selfless King's attitude and devotion to Country led to his army's machine like annihilation of what seemed to be more high powered adversaries. Kaiser Duncan's Greatest and Most reliable weapon was his deadly bank shot, which helped him conquer even the greatest of foes. While showing undying loyalty to the land of San Antonio, many still believe the Southwestern Reign in San Antonio to be greatest of them all. Kaiser Duncan and his soldiers fought with precision, defense and fundamentals as they functioned like a well-oiled machine ready to destroy. Though his reign lacked the pomp and circumstance of his predecessors, few since Kareem the Wise could match King Duncan's discipline and ability to see the greater picture. The Spurs of San Antonio would become one of the most respected Dynasties in the Land of Basketball. 

XII- 2006-2011: Caesar Kobe

Challengers: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard

As Shaquilla The Hun led the Great Western Dynasty in the early 2000's, there was an ambitious young prince that battled by his side. This prince was known as Caesar Kobe of Los Angeles. Young Kobe was a prince that had a ruthless approach to winning, while also dividing other troops. Caesar Kobe pulled the ultimate betrayal among warriors in 2004 when he orchestrated a coup to have Shaquilla The Hun removed from his throne in the Great Western Dynasty. After a year of Exile from the land of the Playoffs (The Year of the Eagle), Caesar Kobe reemerged as the Black Mamba and sunk his teeth into his true greatness for the next five seasons restoring power to the Great Western Dynasty in 2009 and 2010. During this Era, there was a younger King that fought for Caesar Kobe's throne as the Land of Basketball would never be the same...

XIII- 2006-Present: King James The Chose One "The Decider"

Challengers: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry

The Current King is unlike many others. His talents are never to be denied, but his motives have often left others wondering. King James made his arrival in 2003, as he would take the Basketball Land by storm. He was a force to be reckoned with, shades of Lord Michael of Chicago, Larry the Legendary and Earvin the Magician. During his initial reign in Cleveland, King James led his army to battle against the Great Southwestern Dynasty, where they would fall to the machine led by Kaiser Duncan, along with Sir Ginobili of Spain and Sir Parker of France. Young LeBron would also win back to back MVP Crowns. After carrying his army as far as he could for seven grueling seasons, King James left his Homeland of Cleveland for the South Beach Kingdom with a Decision that rocked the Basketball World to its very core. Many viewed him as a vagabond with no desire to take over the throne or have any stability. After being humbled in defeat by the Maverick Army of Dallas, King James reasserted himself to claim his rightful place on the Basketball Throne with two successful reigns in the Land of South Beach. When the South Beach Kingdom began to crumble, King James returned to his Homeland of Cleveland to lead the lowly Cavalier Army to the Mountaintop as they conquered the Golden Armored Warriors to claim their first Crown. King James led the Land of Cleveland to the Promise Land as he cemented his place among the Greatest Kings in the History of Basketball Land. 

Greatest Finals MVP Performances in NBA History

This list is Specifically for Players that have won Finals MVP:

1. Michael Jordan (1993)
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Result: Bulls over Suns, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 41.0
RPG: 8.5
APG: 6.3
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.7
FG%: 51%
FT%: 69.4%
3PT%: 40%

2. Shaquille O'Neal (2000)
Opponent: Indiana Pacers
Result: Lakers over Pacers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 38.0
RPG: 16.7
APG: 2.3
BPG: 2.7
SPG: 1.0
FG%: 61.1%
FT%: 38.7%

3. Shaquille O'Neal (2002)
Opponent: New Jersey Nets
Result: Lakers over Nets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 36.3
RPG: 12.3
APG: 3.8
SPG: 0.5
BPG: 2.8
FG%: 59.5%%
FT%: 66.2%

4. Magic Johnson (1987)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Lakers over Celtics, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 26.2
RPG: 8.0
APG: 13.0
SPG: 2.3
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 54.1%
FT%: 96%
3PT%: 50%

5. Shaquille O'Neal (2001)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 33.0
RPG: 15.8
APG: 4.8
SPG: 0.4
BPG: 3.4
FG%: 57%
FT%: 51%

6. Michael Jordan (1991)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Bulls over Lakers 4-1
Finals Stats:
PPG: 31.2
RPG: 6.6
APG: 11.4
SPG: 2.8
BPG: 1.4
FG%: 55%
FT%: 85%
3PT%: 50%

7. LeBron James (2016)
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
Result: Cavaliers over Warriors, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 29.7
RPG: 11.3
APG: 8.9
BPG: 2.3
SPG: 2.6
FG%: 49.4%
FT%: 72.1%
3PT% 37.1%

8. Jerry West (1969)
Opponent: Boston Celtics
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 37.9
RPG: 4.7
APG: 7.4
FG%: 49%
FT%: 84%

9. Magic Johnson (1980)
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
Result: Lakers over Sixers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 11.2
APG: 8.7
BPG: 0.3
SPG: 2.7
FG%: 57.3%
FT%: 87.5%

10. Michael Jordan (1992)
Opponent: Portland Trailblazers
Result: Bulls over Blazers, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 35.8
RPG: 4.8
APG: 6.5
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.3
FG%: 52.6%
FT%: 89.1%
3PT%: 43%

11. Dwyane Wade (2006)
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
Result: Heat over Mavericks, 4-2
Finals Stats:
PPG: 34.7
RPG: 7.8
APG: 3.8
SPG: 2.7
BPG: 1.0
FG%: 46.8%
FT%: 77.3%
3PT%: 27.3%

12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971)
Opponent: Baltimore Bullets
Result: Bucks over Bullets, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.0
RPG: 18.5
APG: 2.8
FG%: 60.5%
FT%: 76.2%

13. Larry Bird (1984)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Celtics over Lakers, 4-3
Finals Stats:
PPG: 27.4
RPG: 14.0
APG: 3.6
SPG: 2.1
BPG: 1.1
FG%: 48.4%
FT%: 84.2%
3PT%: 66.7%

14. Hakeem Olajuwon (1995)
Opponent: Orlando Magic
Result: Rockets over Magic, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 32.8
RPG: 11.5
APG: 5.5
BPG: 2.0
SPG: 2.0
FG%: 48.3%
FT%: 69.2%
3PT%: 1.000%

15. Moses Malone (1983)
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Sixers over Lakers, 4-0
Finals Stats:
PPG: 25.8
RPG: 18.0
APG: 2.0
BPG: 1.5
SPG: 1.5
FG%: 50.7%
FT%: 66.0%

Honorable Mention: Tim Duncan (2003), Kobe Bryant (2009), LeBron James (2012), Larry Bird (1986), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985)

What could have been: The Mid-90's Orlando Magic

Recently, I came across the "ESPN 30 for 30" Documentary of the Orlando Magic from the mid-90's. Appropriately, that Magic team is known as the "Lost Dynasty" because they were the best team of that era to not win a championship. It was a fun and exciting time to be an NBA fan in general, and that squad personified it. They were a cultural phenomenon with the style of their uniforms. Next to Michael Jordan, Penny and Shaq were the most marketable stars in the league at this time. Shaq and Penny were fan favorites in the NBA Jam video games. Penny had his alter-ego Lil' Penny (voiced by Chris Rock). The Magic had all of the pieces in place to take the place of the Jordan-led Bulls as the next NBA Juggernaut. The tag-team of Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway were extremely promising. Penny was a 6'7" Point Guard that was labeled as Magic Johnson 2.0. People thought that he could even surpass Magic in some ways. Yes, Penny was that good. On the other hand, you have Shaq, who was a 7'1" Demolition Machine. O'Neal was poised to become the Greatest Center of All-Time as he was heavily compared to the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shaq would go on to become the closest thing to Wilt in the Modern Era, so all was not lost. Since Shaq's retirement, there has not been a Center that has come remotely close to achieving what he has achieved as players of his mold have become extinct. Today's fans may only see him as an out of shape commentator joking with Charles Barkley on TNT, but Shaq was a menace in his younger days. When you are looking to build the typical basketball team, you would start with the Center and a Point Guard. Shaq and Penny fit those requirements perfectly. Orlando traded Chris Webber on draft day for Penny to create that nucleus. This team was the biggest threat for his Airness heading into the future, as they were aiming for Chicago's throne. They had all of the tools to be the 90's Hip-Hop version of Showtime. Then, you add supporting pieces around them such as Dennis Scott, Brian Shaw, Horace Grant and Nick Anderson that you could count on to get the job done. Horace provided the championship experience that they needed, as he won the first three championships being the third wheel on the aforementioned Bulls team.

Magic's Lakers and Bird's Celtics dominated and defined the 1980's. Jordan's Bulls defined the 1990's. The Shaq & Kobe Era Lakers did that in the early 2000's, along with Duncan's Spurs. Orlando fans will always live with the painful idea about what Shaq & Penny could have done for the Magic in the late 90's heading into the new millennium. The Magic had youth and a very strong upside in their favor. Shaq was one of the top two scoring leaders and a top 3 MVP Candidate in Jordan's absence. They conquered the East, as Shaq pretty much-made players like Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning his whipping boys. The Magic went through teams like the Knicks, Hornets, and the Pacers on their journey. Their shining moment came when they defeated the Chicago Bulls, who were already established as an all-time great dynasty from winning their first three titles before Michael went to baseball. In fairness, Jordan was still shaking off his rust as he was still not in the proper shape for Basketball. Unfortunately, they were also filled with immaturity. They lacked the experience and mental toughness to handle the mantle that was theirs to take. Orlando hit a brick wall in the NBA Finals, as Shaq was humbled by Hakeem Olajuwon's veteran leadership and All-World Post Moves. On top of that, Clyde Drexler & co, surprised rising star Penny Hardaway and the rest of his cast of characters as the Houston Rockets swept the Magic in the Finals. To make matters even worse, Nick Anderson bombed from the free throw line as he missed all four free throws. Anderson was not Rick Barry or Larry Bird from the free throw line, but he was passable at 71%. Suddenly, Nick transformed into Shaq when he stepped up to the line as his misses were another crack in the team's armor. Anderson fell apart psychologically and never recovered. In 1996, Orlando went 60-22 as they were right after the history-making 72-10 Chicago Bulls Powerhouse. Penny was breaking out even more into a star, as both him and Shaq would make the 1996 Dream Team in the Summer. Sadly, everything came crashing down in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls came back with a strong vengeance, as they assassinated the team that was destined as "The Team of The Future". The Magic were beaten mercilessly, as Michael and Scottie trapped Penny on each and every side. Meanwhile, Dennis Rodman rendered Shaq as ineffective. The promise that Orlando once had was incinerated as Chicago would win three more championships. The same Bulls team that was considered a thing of the past would cement their place as the Kings of that Decade. Michael Jordan would further cement his case as the Greatest Player of All-Time.

The internal conflict would tear the team apart, as their Franchise Star would leave for Hollywood and establish his place among the great champions in NBA History with a new dynamic perimeter player named Kobe Bryant. They would become what Shaq and Penny should have become had things fallen into place. Shaq would become one of the top players of the 2000's, as he would lead the Lakers to 3-Straight Championships. Shaq's run in the Finals was comparable to Michael Jordan's first three-peat years. O'Neal was clearly a magnet to championship success, as he made any perimeter player around him better (Penny, Kobe, Wade). Shaq became the Shawn Michaels to Penny's Marty Jannetty. He is, in fact, the most destructive force on a Basketball Court that this generation has seen. On the other side of the coin, the Orlando Magic would quickly fall on their face. In the span of one season, the Magic went from being in the Conference Finals to not making the playoffs. Penny was given a larger load to carry because of the potential that he had. He was the flavor of the month. However, that flavor left a bad taste in everyone's mouth as Penny's body slowly started to break down. Hardaway would join the Phoenix Suns by 1999. He would show flashes of who he was, but was never the same player as a result of injuries. O'Neal and Hardaway would cross paths in the playoffs, as Shaq's Lakers destroyed Phoenix 4-1. Penny would look at Shaq and Kobe's duo as a reflection of what he and Shaq once shared, as well as what they could have shared.

With that being said, this begs the ultimate question: What if the Orlando Magic stayed together? The Magic were already second place in the Eastern Conference behind Chicago. Penny was coming off of his best season. Shaq was taking the throne as the Top Center in the league, as Olajuwon, Ewing and Robinson would soon fade not long after that. However, Orlando Management told Shaq that he was not worth $100 million. Yet, players like Alonzo Mourning and Juwan Howard were gettting paid that much (Zo/$105 million, Juwan/$101 million respectively). Shaq may have had his issues controlling his ego, but he was well worth that kind of money. In all due respect to Zo and Howard, but they were not even in the same category as Shaq as players. They were not even in the same library as Shaq, let alone in the same book as him. Shaq was drawing worthy comparisons to Kareem, Wilt, and Russell at the time. The NBA showed how much they invested in Shaq by naming him one of the 50 Greatest Players!! Although it was a premature move at the time, Shaq fulfilled that potential and more as he became one of the consensus Top 10 Players of all-time. With that said, Shaq was shortchanged as the team offered him $80 million instead. The way that they showed their "appreciation" or lack thereof was to underpay him. On the other hand, Jerry West offered Shaq a much greater deal that he richly deserved as the Lakers offered Diesel $120 million. The rest is history. Orlando's championships went out West. Let's say that Orlando swallowed their pride and paid Shaq what he deserved. Then, they could bring in the right role players to take the places of Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson. As long as Penny stays healthy, he could have had the storied career that Kobe Bryant has instead of becoming the urban legend of our generation like Connie Hawkins and Len Bias were to previous generations. If things continued to go well, they could have also added Tracy McGrady to the mix (somebody would have to give up the number 1 for Orlando). As long as the right personnel moves were in place, Orlando could have made their mark as one of the perennial dynasties in NBA lore. Even if they snatched at least two or three, that would be fine. Instead of joining the ranks of the greatest dynasties, this Magic team joined the ranks of the 80's Rockets, 2000's Blazers and 2000's Kings as teams that had what it took, but shot themselves in the foot. They were a walking championship waiting to happen. Once again, "What if?".

Top 10 Centers in NBA History

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Wilt Chamberlain
3. Bill Russell
4. Shaquille O'Neal
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
6. Moses Malone
7. David Robinson
8. George Mikan
9. Patrick Ewing
10. Willis Reed


1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20 NBA Seasons, 1969-1989)

Regular Season:
Games: 1,560
PPG: 24.6
RPG: 11.2
APG: 3.6
SPG: 0.9
BPG: 2.7
FG%: 56%
FT%: 72%


Playoffs:
Games: 237
PPG: 24.3
RPG: 10.5
APG: 3.2
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 2.4
FG%: 53.3 %
FT%: 74.0%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 19
Rookie of the Year (1970)
MVP Awards: 6 (1971, '72, '74, '76, '77, '80)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('71, '72, '73, '74, '76, '77, '80)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '76, '77, '80, '81)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 15 times ('70, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, '76, '77, '78, '79, '80, '81, '84, '85, '86)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 17 times ('70-'86)
NBA Championships: 6 (1971, '80, '82, '85, '87, '88)
Finals MVP Awards: 2 ('71, '85)
NBA All-Time Leading Scorer: (38,387)
4th All-Time in Rebounds: (17,440)
1st All-Time in Minutes (57,446)
2nd All-Time in Games Played (1,560)
Career-High Scoring Average: 34.8 (1972)
2x Leader in Scoring: ('71, '72)
Rebounding Leader: 1
Blocks Leader: 4
All-NBA 1st Teams: 10
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 5
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 5
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 6
Hall of Fame: Class of 1995

2. Wilt Chamberlain (14 NBA Seasons, 1959-1973)

Regular Season:
Games: 1,045
PPG: 30.1
RPG: 22.9
APG: 4.4
FG%: 54%
FT%: 51%

Playoffs:
Games: 160
PPG: 22.5
RPG: 24.5
APG: 4.2
FG%: 52.2%
FT%: 46.5%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 13
Rookie of the Year: (1960)
NBA All-Star Game MVP: (1960)
MVP Awards: 4 (1960, '66-'68)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('60, '62, '64, '66, '67, '68)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('60, '62, '64, '66, '67, '68, '72)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 10 times ('60, '61, '62, '64, '65, '66, '67, '68, '72, '73)
NBA Championships: 2 (1967, '72)
Finals MVP Awards: 1 (1972)
5th All-Time Leader in Scoring: (31,419)
1st All-Time in Rebounding: (23,924)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 7
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 3
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 2
Scoring Titles: 7 ('60-'66)
League Leader in Field Goal Percentage: 9 times ('61, '63, '65-'69, '72, '73)
Rebounding Titles: 11 ('60-'63, '66-'73)
Highest Scoring Average for a Rookie: (37.6 ppg- 1960)
Most Points for a Rookie: (2,707- 1960)
Highest Scoring Average in a Season: (50.4 ppg- 1962)
Most Points in a Single Game: (100- vs. Knicks 3/2/1962)
Most Points in a Season (4,029- 1962)
Most Rebounds in a Single Game (55)
Hall of Fame: Class of 1979

3. Bill Russell (13 NBA Seasons, 1956-1969)

Regular Season:
Games: 963
PPG: 15.1
RPG: 22.5
APG: 4.3
FG%: 44%
FT%: 56.1%

Playoffs:
Games: 165
PPG: 16.2
RPG: 24.9
APG: 4.7
FG%: 43%
FT%: 60.3%'

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 5 (1958, '61, '62, '63, '65)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('58-'63, '65)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('58-'65, '67)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 11 times ('58-'67, '69)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 12 times ('57-'67, '69)
NBA Championships: 11
NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 3
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 8
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 1
Leader in Rebounding: 5 times
2nd All-Time in Total Rebounds (21,620)
2nd All-Time in Rebounds Per Game (22.5)
Hall of Fame: Class of 1975

4. Shaquille O'Neal (19 NBA Seasons, 1992-2011)

Regular Season:

Games: 1,207

PPG: 23.7

RPG: 10.9

APG: 2.5

SPG: 0.6

BPG: 2.3

FG%: 58.2%

FT%: 52.7%

Playoffs:

Games: 216

PPG: 24.3

RPG: 11.6

APG: 2.7

SPG: 0.5

BPG: 2.1

FG%: 56.3%

FT%: 50.4%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 15

Rookie of the Year (1993)

NBA MVP Awards: 1 (2000)

Top 2 in MVP Voting: 3 times ('95, 2000, '05)

Top 3 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('95, '00, '01, '02, '05)

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 8 times ('94, '95, '98, '00, '01, '02, '03, '05)

Top 10 in MVP Voting: 13 times ('93-'05)

NBA Finals MVP Awards: 3 (2000-2002)

NBA Championships: 4 (2000-2002, 2006)

3x All-Star Game MVP: (2000, 2004, 2009)

All-NBA 1st Teams: 8

All-NBA 2nd Teams: 1

All-NBA 3rd Teams: 4

2x Leader in Scoring: (1995, 2000)

Shaq's Dominance in Orlando:

Shaq's Reign with the Lakers:

5. Hakeem Olajuwon (18 NBA Seasons, 1984-2002)

Regular Season:
Games: 1,238
PPG: 21.8
RPG: 11.1
APG: 2.5
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 3.1
FG%: 51.2%
FT%: 71.2%

Playoffs:
Games: 145
PPG: 25.9
RPG: 11.2
APG: 3.2
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 3.3
FG% 52.8%
FT%: 71.9%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 1 (1994)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 2 times (1993, 1994)
Top 3 in MVP Voting: 2 times ('93, '94)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('86, '89, '93, '94, '95, '96)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 10 times ('86, '87, '88, '89, '90, '93, '94, '95, '96, '97)
NBA Finals MVP Awards: 2 (1994, 1995)
NBA Championships: 2 (1994, 1995)
Defensive Player of the Year Awards: 2 (1993, 1994)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 6
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 3
All-NBA 3rd Teams: 3
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 5
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 4
2x League Leader in Rebounds: ('90, '91)
3x League Leader in Blocks: ('90, '91, '93)
NBA All-Time Leader in Blocks: (3,830)
Top 10 All-Time in Steals: (2,162)
11th All-Time in Total Points: (26,946)
13th All-Time in Rebounds: (13,748)
Hall of Fame: Class of 2008

6. Moses Malone (21 Seasons: 2 ABA/19 NBA, 1974-1995)

Regular Season:
Games: 1,455
PPG: 20.3
RPG: 12.3
APG: 1.3
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 1.3
FG%: 49.5%
FT%: 76.0%

Playoffs:
Games: 100
PPG: 22.1
RPG: 14.0
APG: 1.5
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 1.6
FG%: 48.7%
FT%: 75.6%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 12
NBA MVP Awards: 3 (1979, '82, '83)
Top 5 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('79, '81, '82, '83, '85)
NBA Finals MVP: 1 (1983)
NBA Championships: 1 (1983)
7th All-Time in Points: (29,580)
3rd All-Time in Rebounds: (17,834)
1st All-Time in Offensive Rebounds: (7,382)
5th All-Time in Games Played: (1,455)
6x Leader in Rebounding: ('79, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 4
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 1
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 1
Hall of Fame: Class of 2001

7. David Robinson (14 NBA Seasons, 1989-2003):

Regular Season:
Games: 987
PPG: 21.1
RPG: 10.6
APG: 2.5
SPG: 1.4
BPG: 3.0
FG%: 51.8%
FT%: 73.6%

Playoffs:
Games: 123
PPG: 18.1
RPG: 10.6
APG: 2.3
SPG: 1.2
BPG: 2.5
FG%: 47.9%
FT%: 70.8%

Achievements:
All-Star Selections: 10
NBA Rookie of the Year (1990)
NBA MVP Awards: 1 (1995)
Top 2 in MVP Voting: 3 times ('94, '95, '96)
Top 3-5 in MVP Voting: 5 times ('91, '92, '94, '95, '96)
Top 10 in MVP Voting: 9 times ('90-'96, '98, 2001)
League Leader in Rebounding: (1991)
League Leader in Blocks: (1992)
Defensive Player of the Year: (1992)
League Leader in Scoring: (1994)
NBA Championships: 2 (1999, 2003)
All-NBA 1st Teams: 4
All-NBA 2nd Teams: 2
All-NBA 3rd Teams: 4
All-Defensive 1st Teams: 4
All-Defensive 2nd Teams: 4
Hall of Fame: Class of 2009

8. George Mikan (9 Seasons, NBL/BAA/NBA)

Regular Season:

PPG: 23.1

RPG: 13.4

APG: 2.8

FG%: 40.4%

FT%: 78.2%

Playoffs:

PPG: 24.0

RPG: 13.9

APG: 2.2

FG%: 40.4%

FT%: 78.6%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 4

All-NBA 1st Teams: 5

All-BAA 1st Teams: 1

NBA All-Star Game MVP: (1953)

BAA Championships: 1

NBA Championships: 4

3-time Scoring Champion: (1949, 1950, 1951)

9. Patrick Ewing (17 NBA Seasons)

Regular Season:

PPG: 21.0

RPG: 9.8

APG: 1.9

SPG: 1.0

BPG: 2.4

FG%: 50.4%

FT%: 74.0%

Playoffs:

PPG: 20.2

RPG: 10.3

APG: 2.0

SPG: 0.9

BPG: 2.2

FG%: 46.9%

FT%: 71.8%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 11

NBA Rookie of they Year (1986)

All-NBA 1st Teams: 1

All-NBA 2nd Teams: 6

All-Defensive Teams: 3

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 6 times ('89, '90, '92, '93, '94, '95)

Top 10 in MVP Voting: 7 times ('89, '90, '92, '93, '94, '95, '97)

Hall of Fame: Class of 2008

10. Willis Reed (10 NBA Seasons)

Regular Season:

PPG: 18.7

RPG: 12.9

APG: 1.8

SPG: 0.6

BPG: 1.1

FG%: 47.6%

FT%: 74.7%

Playoffs:

PPG: 17.4

RPG: 10.3

APG: 1.9

SPG: 0.2

FG%: 47.4%

FT%: 76.5%

Achievements:

All-Star Selections: 7

NBA Rookie of the Year (1965)

NBA All-Star Game MVP (1970)

NBA MVP (1970)

Top 2 in MVP Voting: 2 times (1969, 1970)

Top 5 in MVP Voting: 3 times (1969, 1970, 1971)

NBA Finals MVP (1970, 1973)

NBA Champion: (1970, 1973)