Know All About Who Has the Most Blocks in NBA History

Every die-hard NBA fan remembers how crucial LeBron James' block on Andre Iguodala's layup in the 2016 Finals was. With less than two minutes to go in a tied game seven of the NBA Finals, James held the tie with a monster chase-down block on Iguodala on the fast break. This block was make or break for the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them come back from 1-3 in the series to win their first championship in franchise history. While we may count points, assists, and rebounds as important elements of a basketball game, this instance proves blocks are equally as important.

As per the game rules, a blocked shot is counted when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player, thus preventing them from scoring. Blocks were started to be recorded officially by the league since the 1973-74 season, however, were always a part of playing defense in basketball.

There are several players who would sore into heights to block even the most difficult shots possible. For example, Dwyane Wade, as a 6'4" guard, had a record of 100 blocked shots in a single season. Similarly, there were other players whose job on the court was to simply post rejections and denials to some of the greatest offensive maestros in the league.

Who Has the Most Blocks in NBA History?

Blocking is a skill that is mostly restricted to big players such as centers and power forwards. However, there are some players who defy all odds and attempt to block shots, despite being comparatively undersized than an average big-man. Blocked shots can sometimes also lead to fast breaks, something Bill Russell was known the best for. Blocking shots can also be used to intimidate opponents, resulting them in altering their shots and missing them all.

Let's have a look at some of the legendary players who were best at handing rejections to opponents in the NBA.

10. Robert Parish - 2,361 blocks

Robert Parish played for the Boston Celtics as a 7'1" center from 1980 to 1994. He played alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale for most of his career winning three chips with the Celtics. Parish holds the record for blocking 2,361 shots, making him rank 10th on the all-time blocked shot leaders' list. Parish winded up his NBA career joining the Chicago Bulls, winning the 1997 championship alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

9. Tree Rollins - 2,542 blocks

Wayne Monte ‘Tree’ Rollins was a 7'1" center who played for the majority of his career with the Atlanta Hawks. Tree Rollins has a record 2,542 career blocked shots, ranking him eighth on the all-time list. Rollins was part of the All-Defensive First and Second teams in 1983 and 1984 respectively and was the league blocks leader in 1983. He was considered a defensive powerhouse back in the '80s and helped the Hawks become a playoff contending team, averaging 2.3 blocks per game.

8. Shaquille O'Neal - 2,732 blocks

Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, was truly one of the greatest centers to ever grace the hardwood. Combining his 7'1" frame with incredible athleticism, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with in the league. Shaq was an instrumental piece in the Los Angeles Lakers' threepeat campaign alongside Kobe Bryant, which cemented his case as an elite big alongside the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Bill Walton. He ranks 8th in the all-time list with 2,732 career blocked shots.

7. Patrick Ewing - 2,894 blocks

If anyone in New York is asked about Patrick Ewing, they will still consider him as an important part and parcel of the city's sporting history. Ewing had a dominant role in the New York Knicks' 1990 success and is considered one of the greatest centers in league history. As a 7'0" big man, Ewing was a force inside the paint and an anchor for the Knicks' defense throughout his career. He recorded 2,894 blocked shots, ranking him 7th on the all-time list.

6. David Robinson - 2,954 blocks

David Robinson, aka ‘The Admiral,' is a decorated player who will always be remembered as one of the core players of the first San Antonio Spurs dynasty. With a DPOY title, four All-Defensive First-Team, and an MVP selection, Robinson was one of the elite players to look forward to in the '90s and 2000s decade of NBA basketball. Robinson recorded a career 2,954 blocks, ranking 6th in the all-time list. He has won two championships with the Spurs and was the league blocks leader in 1992.

5. Tim Duncan - 3,020 blocks

The ‘Big Fundamental’ Tim Duncan is another Spurs legend who was best known for combining his skills on both ends of the floor. Duncan was a defensive powerhouse, being an anchor for the Spurs even during the twilight of his career. With 3,020 career blocks, Duncan ranks 5th in the all-time list. His defensive acumen was best seen with his intelligent positioning on the court, with a record 15 All-Defensive teams and eight First Team nominations.

4. Mark Eaton - 3,064 blocks

Mark Eaton is probably the only player with this list with least number of career games played. Eaton averaged 3.5 blocks per game in his career, the highest ever in league history. As a 7'4" big man, Eaton recorded 3,064 blocks, ranking him 4th on the all-time list. His average of 5.56 blocks per game in the 1984-85 season remains the highest blocks averaged in a single-season in the league to this date.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 3,189 blocks

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was well known for being one of the first few bigs of his time who could combine both offensive and defensive skillsets on the floor. For the longest time, Kareem held the record for the most career-points scored, until LeBron James surpassed him. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has recorded a career 3,189 blocks, ranking him 3rd in the all-time list. His shot-blocking ability was crucial for the successes he tasted with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

2. Dikembe Mutombo - 3,289 blocks

The famous pop artist Post Malone had a lyric which said, “Catch me on the block like I'm Mutombo," which well defines what Dikembe Mutombo was best known for. Though one might expect Mutombo to be number one in this list, he ranks second in the all-time rankings with a career 3,289 blocks. As a player, Mutombo was a defensive powerhouse for the Denver Nuggets, winning four DPOY titles.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon - 3,830 blocks

Hakeem Olajuwon was one of the few players who could go neck-to-neck with Michael Jordan in the ‘80s and ’90s decade. Also known as ‘the Dream,’ Olajuwon recorded 3,830 career blocked shots, the most in NBA history. Hakeem was best known for his timing, footwork, and court awareness which helped him become one of the greatest players in league history. He combined his defensive acumen and rim protection skills to lead the Houston Rockets to two championship titles and win the DPOY twice in his career.