The ability to block shots is a highly sought after skill in the NBA, with the power to rapidly change the course of a game. Our blog post today will explore the realm of shot-blocking, starting with legendary players who have mastered this technique and then featuring the top shot blockers of the current 2022-2023 NBA season.
NBA’s Top 10 Shot Blockers in History
10. Marcus Camby (2,112 blocks)
Marcus Camby’s “Camby Block Party” was the late ’90s and early 2000s highlight. He closed his career with 2,112 blocks.
9. Artis Gilmore (2,627 blocks)
Artis Gilmore, the A-Train, dominated the paint for the Bulls and Spurs, accumulating 2,627 blocks during his career.
7. Alonzo Mourning (2,732 blocks)
Alonzo Mourning’s tough and physical style of play led to 2,732 career blocks. He secured two Defensive Player of the Year awards during his career.
6. Dwight Howard (2,819 blocks)
Dwight Howard, a physical specimen, terrorized opponents with his 2,819 career blocks. He led the league in blocks an impressive eight times.
5. David Robinson (2,958 blocks)
David Robinson, also known as the Admiral, was a highly skilled basketball player who excelled in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. He was a two-time league leader in blocks and retired with 2,958 blocks in his career.
4. Dikembe Mutombo (3,024 blocks)
Dikembe Mutombo’s iconic finger wag and versatility on defense earned him a place among the greats. He boasts 3,024 blocks in his illustrious career.
3. Mark Eaton (3,064 blocks)
Mark Eaton, known as the “Block Party,” stood tall in the paint with his 7’4″ wingspan and a 48-inch vertical leap. He led the league in blocks four times and recorded 3,064 in total.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3,189 blocks)
Kareem’s skyhook was legendary, but his shot-blocking prowess was equally impressive. With 3,189 blocks, he remains a force in the NBA history books.
1. Hakeem Olajuwon: The Dream (3,830 blocks)
With his mesmerizing “Dream Shake” and remarkable agility, Hakeem Olajuwon tops the list with 3,830 career blocks. His two Defensive Player of the Year awards testify to his dominance.
The 2022-2023 NBA Season’s Top Shot Blockers
5. Robert Williams III (1.5 blocks per game)
Timelord, Robert Williams III, is a rising star with an average of 1.5 blocks per game. His athleticism and ability to block shots from all angles contribute significantly to the Boston Celtics’ defense.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (1.6 blocks per game)
The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is a two-way powerhouse. He averaged 1.6 blocks per game and complemented his shot-blocking with rebounding, passing, and scoring skills.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (1.7 blocks per game)
The rising star, Jaren Jackson Jr., nicknamed the Jackson Five, averages 1.7 blocks per game. With immense potential, he promises to be a future shot-blocking force in the league.
2. Myles Turner (2.0 blocks per game)
Myles Turner, the Unicorn, showcases his versatility by blocking shots from all over the court. With 2.0 blocks per game, he’s a cornerstone of the Indiana Pacers’ defense.
1. Rudy Gobert (2.2 blocks per game)
Rudy Gobert, known as the Stifle Tower, continues to reign as a dominant shot-blocker. Averaging 2.2 blocks per game, his 7’9″ wingspan and agility make him a crucial asset to the Utah Jazz’s defense.
Conclusion
Shot-blocking is an art mastered by a few in the NBA’s rich history. From legends like Hakeem Olajuwon to the rising stars of the 2022-2023 season, these players have demonstrated the importance of rim protection and its impact on winning games. Whether in the past or the present, shot-blockers continue to be the unsung heroes of basketball.
