Last week, Hoops Hype released a list of the 20 greatest NBA centers of all time. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is ranked at No. 17 on the list.
“On a per-minute basis, few players in NBA history produce as much statistically as Joel Embiid. Just check this out:”
“When ready to go, he’s one of the most unstoppable big men ever, thanks to his massive frame, mobility, and deep bag.”
“The problem with him is that he doesn’t play that many minutes, considering he misses a lot of time due to health reasons regularly. Plus, his track record in the playoffs is spotty as well. If he manages to stay in shape and healthy and gets the Sixers to make deep runs in the postseason, he could move up in this ranking.”
Feb 22, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe (20) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
As suggested, Embiid is a generationally talented center that has been limited by injuries. At 31 years old, it’s presumed there are still plenty of seasons left in his career.
Hoops Hype named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest center of all time.
“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated for almost two decades thanks to his skyhook shot and overall greatness as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. The longevity argument is strong with Abdul-Jabbar, as the all-time big man won his two Finals MVP awards 14 years apart, first in 1971 and then again in 1985. Most players’ careers don’t last anywhere near that long, yet Kareem was dominating at the highest level for that long.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during an interview on May 13, 2011. / Michael Sears / USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s likely that Embiid will never pass Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the court due to the Los Angeles Laker legend’s impressive longevity. With Nikola Jokic being the only active NBA player higher on the list, however, it’s probable that the Cameroon native will surpass many legendary names by the time he announces his retirement from basketball.
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