Who is the first center in history

Regarding the discussion on "the first center in history", there are many strong competitors under different evaluation criteria. The following is a comprehensive analysis:

1. Core candidates and basis

Kareem Jabbar

Honor accumulation: 6 championships, 6 regular season MVPs, 19 All-Stars, second in history total score (later surpassed by James).

Technical features: The iconic "Tiangou" technology, strong career stability, and both scoring efficiency and defensive ability.

Comprehensive Influence: It is considered to have the highest comprehensive achievement and is the first center in history on most lists.

Shaquille O'Neal

Peak dominance: 4 championships, MVP in the 3-game finals (2000-2002 Lakers Dynasty), unsolvable inside destructive power, and had a dominant finals performance of 38 points + 16.7 rebounds in a single game.

Limitations: There are fewer honors in the regular season, and the accumulation of achievements in the later stage of their career is due to injuries and transformation.

Wilt Chamberlain

Data record: 100 points per game, 50.4 points per game, historical rebounding champion, 7 scoring champion and 11 rebounding champion.

Times of controversy: Some of the honors are concentrated in the early period of imperfect rules, and team achievements (only 2 championships) are weaker than other competitors.

Bill Russell

Team Achievements: 11 championships (most history), 5 MVPs, defining the value of centers with defense and rebounds.

Time background: The core of the Celtic dynasty in the 1960s, but the offensive data were relatively mediocre.

Hakim Olajuwon

Overall ability: 2 championships + FMVP, 9 best defensive lineup, innovating the center's offensive method with "dream footsteps" technology.

Window period controversy: Both championships were won during Jordan's first retirement, weakening the persuasiveness of historic status.

2. Differences in evaluation criteria

Honors first: Jabbar has the advantage with his MVP and the number of championships.

Dominance priority: O'Neal's influence on the game during his peak period is seen as the center ceiling.

Data is king: Chamberlain's exaggerated record is hard to surpass.

Defense and Team: Russell defines the value of centers with defense and team success.

3. Media and Fans' tendency

The US media have mostly ranked Jabbar as the first in the list in recent years, followed by O'Neal, Russell and Chamberlain.

Some views believe that if O'Neal stays healthy, his peak height may surpass Jabbar.

Chamberlain is often discussed separately due to its uniqueness in data, but the team's shortcomings make it difficult for him to reach the top.

Conclusion

The first center in history has no absolute answer, depending on the evaluation dimension:

Comprehensive achievements: Jabbar (honour + technology + influence);

Peak domination: O'Neal (three consecutive championships);

Data record: Chamberlain (100 points in a single game + 50 points in a season);

Team first: Russell (11 championships).