Most Steals by a Center in NBA History
Unlike the typical view of large players simply blocking shots and collecting rebounds, a unique set of NBA centers transformed defensive strategies. These towering athletes didn’t limit themselves to protecting the basket, they ventured out to the perimeter, anticipated passes, and utilized their quick reflexes to steal the ball like experienced guards. By converting steals into fast breaks, they disrupted the opposing team’s flow and altered the momentum of the games. Their impact demonstrates that real power for a center is achieved not just by dominating the paint but by managing the whole court.
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Top five centers in NBA history with the most steals.
| Rank | Player | Career Steals | Seasons Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hakeem Olajuwon | 2,162 | 18 |
| 2 | David Robinson | 1,388 | 14 |
| 3 | Alvan Adams | 1,289 | 13 |
| 4 | Vlade Divac | 1,288 | 16 |
| 5 | Ben Wallace | 1,249 | 16 |
Hakeem Olajuwon(2,162 Steals)
Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
Career: 1984-2002
Hakeem Olajuwon, a 7-foot center from Nigeria and the first pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, is one of the most versatile centers in NBA history. Known for his signature Dream Shake and exceptional footwork from soccer, he holds the record for the most blocks and is the only center in the top 10 for all-time steals list with 2,162. Olajuwon had a rare knack for taking the ball away in the post without committing fouls, turning him into a nightmare for any opposing big man. His quick hands and ability to defend both big men and guards helped him win two NBA championships, an MVP award, and solidify his legacy as a dominant two-way player.
David Robinson(1388 Steals)
Teams: San Antonio Spurs
Career: 1989-2003
David Robinson stood at 7’1″ and was an incredible athlete who could defend any position on the court. His speed, long wingspan, and sharp defensive instincts allowed him to intercept passes and initiate fast breaks for the Spurs. In 1992, he earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year and was selected for eight All-Defensive Teams, contributing to San Antonio’s championship caliber defense and demonstrating that he was one of the most well-rounded and adaptable centers in basketball history.
Alvan Adams(1289 Steals)
Teams: Phoenix Suns
Career: 1975-1988
Alvan Adams was a talented 6’9″ center who spent all 13 of his seasons with the Suns. In his rookie year of 1975-76, he averaged 19 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals, earning the Rookie of the Year title and helping Phoenix reach the NBA Finals. He is the only center in the history of the league to have more than 1,200 steals and 4,000 assists, demonstrating his exceptional all-around skills.
Vlade Divac(1288 Steals)
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings
Career: 1989-2005
Vlade Divac was a Serbian center standing at 7’1″ who was famous for his exceptional passing skills and basketball IQ. He had the ability to anticipate plays early, utilize his long arms to make steals, and convert those steals into scoring opportunities. Throughout his career, he recorded 13 seasons with at least 80 steals. In fact, he reached a high of 130 steals during the 1993–94 season with the Lakers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, he is one of just five players to achieve over 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists, and 1,500 steals.
Ben Wallace(1249 Steals)
Teams: Washington Bullets/Wizards, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers
Career: 1996-2012
Ben Wallace is the only player who wasn’t drafted to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, and he did it four times. Standing at 6’9″ with a wingspan of 7’2″, he relied on his strength, quick hands, and ability to anticipate plays to defend against any position. He averaged 1.3 steals per game, totaling 108 during the Pistons’ championship season in 2004. Moreover, he is the only player to have more than 1,000 steals, 2,000 blocks, and 10,000 rebounds.
