Center – Shaquille O’Neal
Similar to Bryant, this was an absolute shoo-in. In his prime in the early 2000s, O’Neal was a man amongst boys, feasting on every team put in front of him. He was the center piece of the three-peat, and despite being the focal point of defenses, he rarely held down. His performances in each of the three Finals the Lakers won were mind-boggling.
2000 – 38 points, 16.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
2001 – 33 points, 15.8 rebounds, 3.4 blocks
2002 – 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks
Those are big man numbers. There is no argument for anyone else. Andrew Bynum was a two-time title winner, but more often than not was injured. Kwame Brown was a laughing stock. Gasol spent a fair amount of time at center, but was better at power forward. This was Shaq’s spot, and there’s no doubt about it.