There’s often a debate around who the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) is in any sport. For many in basketball that is Michael Jordan. Some say LeBron, a few other names slip in occasionally but the difference usually depends on the criteria used. It’s difficult also to compare different positions, centers especially are difficult to compare.
The role, traditional or otherwise, of a center, is just so different to the other positions, especially guards. The easier (albeit cheating) way to differentiate is to have two separate categories: The G.O.A.T. and the G.O.A.T. center. There have been plenty of unbelievable centers in the NBA’s rich history but there those who stand out among the others.