Every NBA team’s greatest enforcer of all time

By Luke Anton | Feb 23, 2022

LOS ANGELES - 1987: Bill Laimbeer #40 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in the 1987-1988 NBA season. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

14 of 30

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images /

Washington Wizards (Bullets) — Wes Unseld

Undersized has been an enforcer theme, and Wes Unseld was a 6-foot-7, 245-pound center who was the only player besides Wilt Chamberlain to win MVP as a rookie. His afro was as mean as the glare he kept on his face. That was a deliberate move to make himself look imposing. He was actually a friendly giant with a big heart.

Unseld was known for his outlet passes that he rifled down the court with ease and precision. Another calling card was his brutal, bone-jarring screens. He didn’t shy away from contact. He preferred it, unleashing those burly picks that left opponents tattered and battered. His nicknames were The Wide U and The Oak Tree. Unseld was the 1978 Finals MVP, the last and only Wizards/Bullets championship to date.

Home/NBA