Most Blocks in NBA History
Blocking shots is one of the most thrilling moves in basketball and nobody did it better than Hakeem Olajuwon. He has the record for the most blocks in NBA history with 3,830, which really shows how powerful he was on defense. Following closely are Dikembe Mutombo with 3,289 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 3,189, both of whom are legends that claimed the paint as their own. Nowadays, players like Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, and Brook Lopez are continuing this legacy but Olajuwon’s record remains the ultimate benchmark for protecting the rim.
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Top 5 Most Blocks in NBA History
Here are the top 5 players with the most blocks in NBA history, showing how rim protection can completely change the flow of a game.
| Rank | Player | Career Blocks |
| 1 | Hakeem Olajuwon | 3,830 |
| 2 | Dikembe Mutombo | 3,289 |
| 3 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 3,189 |
| 4 | Mark Eaton | 3,064 |
| 5 | Tim Duncan | 3,020 |
Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830 Career Blocks)
Career: 1984-2002
Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
Hakeem Olajuwon is recognized as one of the best rim protectors in history. He holds the NBA record for the most career blocks with 3,830. His fast footwork and sharp instincts made him the cornerstone of the Houston Rockets’ defense for almost two decades. He helped them secure two championships in 1994 and 1995. During the 1994 season, Olajuwon made history by becoming the first player to win the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards all in one year.
Dikembe Mutombo (3,289 Career Blocks)
Career: 1991-2009
Teams: Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets
Dikembe Mutombo was a legendary shot-blocker with a total of 3,289 career blocks. His well-known finger wag made him as unforgettable as his defensive skills. Mutombo earned the Defensive Player of the Year award four times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001) and dominated the league in blocks for three consecutive seasons during the mid-90s. His peak performance was in the 1995-96 season, where he averaged 4.5 blocks per game.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3,189 Career Blocks)
Career: 1969-1989
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known for his incredible scoring ability and his iconic skyhook but he was also a powerhouse on defense. He accumulated 3,189 career blocks, placing him third in NBA history. During his peak in the 1975-76 season, he averaged 4.1 blocks per game, highlighting how dominant he was at guarding the basket. Kareem was selected to 11 All-Defensive Teams, demonstrating that his defensive skills were just as impressive as his offensive ones.
Mark Eaton (3,064 Career Blocks)
Career: 1982-1994
Teams: Utah Jazz
Mark Eaton was more than just tall, for he was a defensive icon. He accumulated 3,064 career blocks over just 11 seasons, placing him fourth on the all-time list. He earned the Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1985, 1989) and topped the league in blocks four times. His most impressive season came in 1984-85, as he set NBA records with 456 total blocks and an astonishing average of 5.6 per game. Remarkably, those records remain unbroken to this day.
Tim Duncan (3,020 Career Blocks)
Career: 1997-2016
Teams: San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan may not have been flashy, but he was dominant, recording 3,020 career blocks.. He also holds the NBA Playoff record with 568 blocks, which highlights how clutch he was during crucial moments. From his rookie season onward, Duncan averaged more than 2 blocks per game for 13 consecutive seasons, showcasing his consistency. Although he never topped the league in blocks per game, his reliable defense and leadership helped the Spurs secure five championships.
