Parish has as solid a body of work in the 1980’s as any great center. He’s tied for 1st in most solid years, 2nd in playoff record, 3rd in points, 3rd in rebounds, and 2nd in blocks.
ABOUT
STATISTICS
NOTES
Drafted: 1969
In 1980’s:
Games 787
Points 18,149 23.0 ppg
Rebounds 7,005 8.9 rpg
Blocks 1,910 2.42 bpg
Jabbar scored a ton of points in the 1980’s and blocked more shots than anybody else on this list. But, shot block specialists like Mark Eaton and “Tree” Rollins blocked more. Combined with Magic Johnson and an unbelievable cast, Jabbar won the most titles and had the best playoff record among the greatest centers of the ‘80’s.
The Sky Hook:
ABOUT
STATISTICS
NOTES
ABA Debut: 1975
NBA Debut: 1976
In 1980’s:
Games 860
Points 21,1113 24.5 ppg
Rebounds 11,713 13.6 rpg
Blocks 1,302 1.51 bpg
Coming straight out of Petersburg High School, Moses Malone made an instant impact in the NBA, and he took command of the league in the 1980’s. Even though he only won one title in 2 trips to the NBA Finals, Malone combined an unparalleled ability to rebound and score the rock. The ‘80’s were his stage, and he put his skills on display.
Top 10 Playoff Plays:
Honorable Mention
Bob Lanier, Elvin Hayes, Patrick Ewing, Mychal Thompson, “Tree” Rollins, Bill Cartwright, James Edwards “Buddha”, Roy Tarpley C/PF, Herb Williams, Steve Stipanovich, Swen Nater, Mike Gminski “G-Man”, Benoit Benjamin, Darryl Dawkins “Chocolate Thunder”, Jeff Ruland, Mark Eaton
Rob S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.