Dikembe Mutombo and the 10 Greatest Shot-Blockers after 1975

Having a defensive presence is one of the most important assets on a team. The NBA has been dominated by players who will block shots when needed. Here are the top 10 shot blockers in the NBA after 1975.

Honorable Mention: Shaquille O'Neal

Career blocks per game: 2.3

Shaq may not be a great shot-blocker now, but he was dominant in his early years. The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 3.5 blocks per game in his rookie season with Orlando.

10. Marcus Camby

Career blocks per game: 2.6

The former Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, Camby is still blocking shots at an elite level for Portland. He's led the league in blocks per game four times, including averaging 3.7 blocks per game one year.

9. Alonzo Mourning

Career blocks per game: 2.8

Mourning was not only a dominant scorer but he was also a fantastic shot blocker. He averaged 3,9 blocks per game in the 1998 season.

8. Tree Rollins

Career blocks per game: 2.2

You can't be nicknamed Tree without being an amazing shot-blocker. He averaged 4.3 blocks per game in his sixth NBA season.

7. Patrick Ewing

Career blocks per game: 2.4

Ewing, the greatest Knick of all time, was an incredible defensive presence. In his fifth NBA season, he swatted four shots a game.

6. David Robinson

Career blocks per game: 3.0

Robinson is one of the most underrated players in NBA history. The Admiral averaged 4.5 blocks per game in his third NBA season.

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Career blocks per game: 2.6

Kareem is one of the best players of all time and his shot-blocking was also very impressive. He averaged 4.1 blocks per game in the 1975 season.

4. Manute Bol

Career blocks per game: 3.3

Manute didn't get the minutes he deserved, but he still pulled down the blocks. He averaged five blocks per game in his rookie season while only averaging 26.1 minutes per game. Rest in peace, Manute.

3. Mark Eaton

Career blocks per game: 3.5

Eaton only played in 11 seasons, but he led the league in blocks per game in four of those seasons. The 7'4" giant averaged 5.6 blocks per game in his third NBA season.

2. Dikembe Mutombo

Career blocks per game: 2.8

In his early days, Mutombo was as good as a shot blocker as you can be. He averaged 4.5 blocks per game in his fifth NBA season.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon

Career blocks per game: 3.1

Hakeem will be known as the greatest shot-blocker of all time. He averaged 4.6 blocks per game in the 1989 season.