All Time NBA Blocks Leaders: The NBA is where you find some of the best basketball players globally, and among them are those known for their amazing defense. A special group of players has made a big name for themselves by being really good at blocking shots and defending the basket. These guys are the all-time leaders in shot blocks in the NBA – they’ve redefined how to block shots and have a huge impact on the game.
Over the years, a few players have become famous for their skill in stopping opponents from scoring. They have a mix of being very tall, having long arms, great timing, and the ability to jump really high. These qualities make them incredible at defense, stopping opponents from getting to the basket and sending shots away with power. Their presence on the court has made a big difference, helping their teams win and earning them a reputation as some of the best defenders in the league.
The all-time leaders in shot blocks aren’t just names on a list; they’re basketball legends. When you think of them, you picture huge blocks, amazing dunks after chasing opponents down, and overall dominance in defense. They’ve not only played great basketball but have also motivated many young players to focus on becoming excellent defenders. Their legacy is all about being fearless, athletic, and completely committed to stopping opponents from scoring. They’ve played a big role in shaping how basketball is played today.
All Time NBA Blocks Leaders
In this article, we’ll dive into the all-time leaders in shot blocks in the NBA.
1. Hakeem Olajuwon
- Team(s): Houston Rockets (1984–2001), Toronto Raptors (2001–2002)
- Total Blocks: 3,830
- Games Played: 1,238
- Average: 3.09
Hakeem Olajuwon was an amazing basketball player, especially known for blocking shots. He played as a center for the Houston Rockets from 1984 to 2002 and briefly for the Toronto Raptors in his last season. Olajuwon played a crucial role in helping the Rockets win back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. He’s considered one of the best centers in basketball history and was honored by being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Drafted in 1984, he formed the “Twin Towers” with Ralph Sampson and led the Rockets after Sampson left.
In 1993–94, he became the first non-American to win NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. He achieved various milestones, representing the U.S. in the 1996 Olympics and earning honors like the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. When he retired, he held the record for the most blocks in NBA history (3,830) and even accomplished a rare quadruple-double.
2. Dikembe Mutombo
- Team(s): Denver Nuggets (1991–1996), Atlanta Hawks (1996–2001), Philadelphia 76ers (2001–2002), New Jersey Nets (2002–2003), New York Knicks (2003–2004), Houston Rockets (2004–2009)
- Total Blocks: 3,289
- Games Played: 1,196
- Average: 2.75
Dikembe Mutombo is second on the All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders list. Playing 18 NBA seasons, Mutombo, known for his humanitarian work, is a 7-foot-2 center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drafted in 1991 by the Denver Nuggets, he played for six teams and reached the NBA Finals twice.
Mutombo, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, led in blocked shots three times, rebounds twice, and earned eight All-Star selections. He retired in 2009, with his jersey number 55 retired by the Denver Nuggets and the Atlanta Hawks. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, Mutombo recorded 3,289 blocks in 1,196 matches.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Team(s): Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1973), Milwaukee Bucks (1973–1975), Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)
- Total Blocks: 3,189
- Games Played: 1,239
- Average: 2.57
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, ranking third in the All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders list, played 20 seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his skyhook shot, he achieved six NBA MVP awards, 19 All-Star selections, and 11 All-Defensive Team honors.
Abdul-Jabbar, a key player in the Showtime era, contributed to six NBA championships. His career records include points, games played, and blocked shots. ESPN named him the greatest center in 2007 and the second-best NBA player in 2016. Beyond basketball, he’s been an actor, coach, author, martial artist, and a U.S. global cultural ambassador. Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy includes 3,189 blocks in 1,239 matches.
4. Mark Eaton
- Team(s): Utah Jazz (1982–1993)
- Total Blocks: 3,064
- Games Played: 875
- Average: 3.50
Mark Eaton, ranked fourth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, spent his entire career (1982–1993) with the Utah Jazz. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches, he was a dominant defensive center, earning two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and an All-Star nod in 1989. He led the league in blocks four times and holds several NBA records, including the single-season record for blocks (456). His No. 53 jersey was retired by the Jazz.
Eaton’s unique journey saw him transform from a high school reserve and auto mechanic to a key player for the Jazz, contributing to their playoff success. Retiring in 1994, he ranked second in career blocks behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 3,064 blocks in 875 matches.
5. Tim Duncan
- Team(s): San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)
- Total Blocks: 3,020
- Games Played: 1,392
- Average: 2.17
Tim Duncan, ranked fifth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. Known as “the Big Fundamental,” he’s considered the greatest power forward in NBA history. Duncan contributed significantly to the Spurs’ success, winning five NBA championships. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he transitioned to basketball after Hurricane Hugo disrupted his swimming aspirations. In college, he played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, earning several awards.
Drafted first overall in 1997, Duncan had a stellar career, securing two NBA MVPs, three NBA Finals MVPs, and 15 NBA All-Star selections. Off the court, he established the Tim Duncan Foundation for health awareness and youth programs. Duncan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. His career includes 3,020 blocks in 1,392 matches.
6. David Robinson
- Team(s): San Antonio Spurs (1989–2003)
- Total Blocks: 2,954
- Games Played: 987
- Average: 2.99
David Robinson, ranked sixth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, played for the San Antonio Spurs from 1989 to 2003. Known as “the Admiral” for his Navy service, he was a dominant force, earning 10 NBA All-Star selections, the 1995 NBA MVP, and winning two NBA championships (1999, 2003).
Robinson, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, is a Hall of Famer in both individual and team categories. He’s recognized on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, considered one of the greatest centers in college and NBA history. Robinson concluded his career with 2,954 blocks in 987 matches.
7. Patrick Ewing
- Team(s): New York Knicks (1985–2000), Seattle SuperSonics (2000–2001), Orlando Magic (2001–2002)
- Total Blocks: 2,894
- Games Played: 1,183
- Average: 2.45
Patrick Ewing, ranked seventh in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, had a stellar career primarily as the starting center for the New York Knicks. Known as one of the greatest centers of all time, Ewing played a key role in the Knicks’ success in the 1990s. Hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, he had an impressive college career at Georgetown, reaching the NCAA championship game three times.
During his seventeen-year NBA career, Ewing was an eleven-time All-Star and featured prominently in seven All-NBA teams. He played a crucial role in the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals twice in 1994 and 1999. Ewing also won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. teams in 1984 and 1992, and he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and part of the 75 Greatest Players in 2021.
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice (in 2008 for his individual career and in 2010 as a member of the 1992 Olympic team), Ewing’s number 33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003. Throughout his career, he recorded 2,894 blocks in 1,183 matches.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
- Team(s): Orlando Magic (1992–1996), Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004), Miami Heat (2004–2008), Phoenix Suns (2008–2009), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010), Boston Celtics (2010–2011)
- Total Blocks: 2,732
- Games Played: 1,207
- Average: 2.26
Shaquille O’Neal, eighth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, is a 7-foot-1, 325-pound center and a four-time NBA champion. Playing for six teams in his 19-year career, he’s considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
O’Neal achieved success with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. His individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP, three NBA Finals MVPs, and 15 All-Star selections. Off the court, O’Neal delved into music, film, and TV, being elected into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017. In October 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. His career includes 2,732 blocks in 1,207 matches.
9. Tree Rollins
- Team(s): Atlanta Hawks (1977–1988), Cleveland Cavaliers (1988–1990), Detroit Pistons (1990–1991), Houston Rockets (1991–1993), Orlando Magic (1993–1995)
- Total Blocks: 2,542
- Games Played: 1,156
- Average: 2.20
Tree Rollins, ninth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, played 18 seasons for various teams. Standing at 7 ft 1 in, the Clemson graduate was a defensive force, excelling in rebounding and shot-blocking. Known as “The Intimidator,” Rollins set a career-high with 12 blocks in a game.
At retirement in 1995, he ranked fourth in career blocked shots with 2,542. Currently ninth, he was surpassed by players like Dikembe Mutombo, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal. Rollins recorded 2,542 blocks in 1,156 matches.
10. Robert Parish
- Team(s): Golden State Warriors (1976–1980), Boston Celtics (1980–1994), Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996), Chicago Bulls (1996–1997)
- Total Blocks: 2,361
- Games Played: 1,611
- Average: 1.47
Robert Parish, tenth in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, played as a 7’1″ center for four NBA teams from 1976 to 1997. His significant tenure with the Boston Celtics, alongside Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, marked one of the greatest front lines in NBA history. Parish, part of the legendary Big Three, won three NBA championships with the Celtics. Known for his defense and rebounding, he played an NBA-record 1,611 games, tied for second-most in history.
Parish continued his career with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, winning another championship in 1997. He recorded 2,361 blocks in 1,611 matches, earning nine NBA All-Star selections and four NBA championships. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003, his jersey was retired by the Celtics in 1998.
11. Alonzo Mourning
- Team(s): Charlotte Hornets (1992–1995), Miami Heat (1995–2003, 2005–2008), New Jersey Nets (2003–2004)
- Total Blocks: 2,356
- Games Played: 838
- Average: 2.81
Alonzo Mourning, 11th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, is the vice president of player programs for the Miami Heat. Nicknamed “Zo,” he played most of his 15-year NBA career with the Heat, earning two NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Mourning, a Georgetown alum, made a comeback after a kidney transplant, winning the 2006 NBA championship.
His number was retired by the Heat in 2009, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019. Over his career, Mourning recorded 2,356 blocks in 838 matches.
12. Marcus Camby
- Team(s): Toronto Raptors (1996–1998), New York Knicks (1998–2002, 2012–2013), Denver Nuggets (2003–2008), Los Angeles Clippers (2008–2010), Portland Trail Blazers (2010–2012), Houston Rockets (2012)
- Total Blocks: 2,331
- Games Played: 973
- Average: 2.40
Marcus Camby, positioned 12th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, enjoyed a 17-season career in the NBA. Notably, he was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2006–07 NBA season, leading the league in blocked shots per game.
Camby, recognized for his defensive prowess, is a four-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team and currently holds the 12th spot on the NBA’s all-time career blocks list. Over his career spanning 973 matches, Camby recorded an impressive 2,331 blocks.
13. Dwight Howard
- Team(s): Orlando Magic (2004–2012), Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013, 2019–2020, 2021–2022), Houston Rockets (2013–2016), Atlanta Hawks (2016–2017), Charlotte Hornets (2017–2018), Washington Wizards (2018–2019), Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2021)
- Total Blocks: 2,228
- Games Played: 1,242
- Average: 1.79
Dwight Howard, ranked 13th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, is a former NBA center known for his achievements, including an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He began with the Orlando Magic, setting records and reaching the NBA Finals in 2009. Howard played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers. With 2,228 blocks in 1,242 matches, he left a lasting impact on the league before continuing his career overseas with the Taiwanese-based Leopards.
14. Ben Wallace
- Team(s): Washington Bullets/Wizards (1996–1999), Orlando Magic (1999–2000), Detroit Pistons (2000–2006, 2009–2012), Chicago Bulls (2006–2008), Cleveland Cavaliers (2008–2009)
- Total Blocks: 2,137
- Games Played: 1,088
- Average: 1.96
Ben Wallace, 14th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, is revered as one of the greatest undrafted players. Known for his defensive prowess, he spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Pistons, winning four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
Wallace made two NBA Finals appearances with the Pistons, securing a championship in 2004. His jersey was retired in 2016, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. With 2,137 blocks in 1,088 matches, he left an enduring impact on the league. Wallace currently serves as an advisor for the Pistons.
15. Shawn Bradley
- Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers (1993–1995), New Jersey Nets (1995–1997), Dallas Mavericks (1997–2005)
- Total Blocks: 2,119
- Games Played: 832
- Average: 2.55
Shawn Bradley, ranking 15th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, was a center for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. Nicknamed “the Stormin’ Mormon” and standing at 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m), Bradley is one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Born in Landstuhl, West Germany, and raised in Castle Dale, Utah, he holds dual citizenship in the United States and Germany. Over his career spanning 832 matches, Bradley amassed 2,119 blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess on the court.
16. Manute Bol
- Team(s): Washington Bullets (1985–1988, 1994), Golden State Warriors (1988–1990, 1994–1995), Philadelphia 76ers (1990–1993, 1994), Miami Heat (1993–1994)
- Total Blocks: 2,086
- Games Played: 624
- Average: 3.34
Manute Bol, 16th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, stood at 7 ft 6 in, making him one of the tallest players in NBA history. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, he played as a center for the Washington Bullets and three other teams from 1985 to 1995.
Bol retired as the only NBA player with more blocked shots than points scored. He ranked second in NBA history for blocked shots per game and 16th in total blocked shots as of December 2022. Beyond basketball, Bol was notable for advocating human rights in Sudan. In his career, he amassed 2,086 blocks in 624 matches.
17. George T. Johnson
- Team(s): Golden State Warriors (1972–1973), Golden State Warriors (1973–1977), Buffalo Braves (1977), New Jersey Nets (1977–1980, 1984–1985), San Antonio Spurs (1980–1982), Atlanta Hawks (1982–1983), Seattle SuperSonics (1985–1986)
- Total Blocks: 2,082
- Games Played: 848
- Average: 2.46
George T. Johnson, ranking 17th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, played as a 6’11” forward/center in the NBA for 13 seasons. Born in Tylertown, Mississippi, and hailing from Dillard University, he contributed to teams like the Golden State Warriors, Buffalo Braves, and others.
Johnson played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ 1975 NBA Championship. Known for shot-blocking, he led the NBA in blocked shots per game three times and achieved the first five-by-five in NBA history. Johnson recorded 2,082 blocks in 848 matches throughout his career, showcasing his defensive prowess.
18. Kevin Garnett
- Team(s): Minnesota Timberwolves (1995–2007, 2015–2016), Boston Celtics (2007–2013), Brooklyn Nets (2013–2015)
- Total Blocks: 2,037
- Games Played: 1,462
- Average: 1.39
Kevin Garnett, ranked 18th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, played 21 seasons in the NBA, earning nicknames like KG and the “Big Ticket.” Renowned for his intensity, defensive prowess, and versatility, he is considered one of the greatest power forwards. Garnett, a 1995 McDonald’s All-American, entered the NBA directly from high school, selected fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995.
He led the Timberwolves to multiple playoff appearances and won the NBA MVP Award in 2004. Garnett joined the Boston Celtics in 2007, securing an NBA Finals victory in 2008. He retired in 2016, entering the Hall of Fame in 2020. Throughout his career, Garnett recorded 2,037 blocks in 1,462 matches.
19. Larry Nance
- Team(s): Phoenix Suns (1981–1988), Cleveland Cavaliers (1988–1994)
- Total Blocks: 2,027
- Games Played: 920
- Average: 2.20
Larry Nance, ranked 19th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, had a 13-year career with the Phoenix Suns (1981-1988) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (1988-1994). Drafted 20th in 1981, Nance was a significant contributor, earning NBA All-Star honors in the 1984–85, 1988–89, and 1992–93 seasons.
He won the inaugural NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984. Throughout his career, Nance amassed 15,687 points, 7,352 rebounds in regular season games, and recorded 1,070 points and 535 rebounds in 68 playoff games. His defensive impact is reflected in his 2,027 blocks across 920 matches.
20. Theo Ratliff
- Team(s): Detroit Pistons (1995–1997, 2008), Philadelphia 76ers (1997–2001, 2008–2009), Atlanta Hawks (2001–2004), Portland Trail Blazers (2004–2006), Boston Celtics (2006–2007), Minnesota Timberwolves (2007–2008), San Antonio Spurs (2009–2010), Charlotte Bobcats (2010), Los Angeles Lakers (2010–2011)
- Total Blocks: 1,968
- Games Played: 810
- Average: 2.43
Ranked 20th in All-Time NBA Blocks Leaders, Theo Ratliff had a 16-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), primarily as a center. Known for his exceptional shot-blocking skills, he led the league three times in blocks per game. As of 2023, Ratliff held the 20th position in career blocks with a total of 1,968 across 810 matches.
