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What Hakeem did to 23 year old Shaq is one thing. It's highly likely that Hakeem matched against the Shaq we saw from 1999-2003 would be a different kettle of fish. That version of Shaq was literally unstoppable. It's safe to say they may have cancelled each other out, but I'd bet money on Hakeem getting into foul trouble trying to contain 2000 Shaq. He was a monster...
As for who's better, I think they're both in the same tier of players, as in the lower half of the top 10 all-time players. And I wouldn't say Shaq is 'always' ranked above Hakeem; I've seen plenty of people say Hakeem was better. Really as Math said, our opinions are like holes on this matter.
Shaq is a more notable personality than Hakeem and he is American too. There was also some bias against Hakeem during his first few years. He also doesn't grant interviews freely like Shaq. That is why the media/fans always have Shaq in high regard. I could never put Shaq above Hakeem because my criteria of separating the greatest centers amongst each other is how they played on BOTH sides of the ball. From my knowledge, only Hakeem, Wilt, and Kareem were great on both ends.
For me, Hakeem excelled on the offensive and defense. He had a vast array of moves offensively, good rebounder, and clutch scorer. No need to mention about his defense since everyone knows how great he was. Shaq was no where close defensively.
Also, Shaq had the same game when he entered and the same in his prime. He was the same player at Orlando and Lakers. The reason he seemed more unstoppable in LA was having Kobe helped alot. Opposing teams couldn't just concentrate solely on him though he was the Batman and Kobe the Robin. If anything, he was just as dominating in Orlando, but with a weaker supporting cast. I just wished Hakeem would've been in his prime going up against Shaq. He was 32-33yrs old when they played in the Finals...not exactly a spring chicken.
post some footage of hakeem taking shaq to work in the finals
Most of the footage I remembered Hakeem needed help in order to guard Shaq. Shaq on the other hand guarded him 1-on-1. Just saying.
That playoff series Shaq posted 60% shooting and averaged 29pts, 12.7reb, 7.3ast, 2blk. I wouldn't call that being worked since both of them had monster games in that series.
In those 95 Finals Hakeem the Dream took Shaq to school with so many moves and defeated the Magic in the Finals. So why is Hakeem not ranked number 4 of all time when it comes to NBA centers?
Shouldn't it be this order below?
Bill Russell
Wilt Chamberlain
Jabbar
Hakeem
Shaq
Shaq had four championships includig three in a row with the Lakers. He was also the NBA in each of the finals with the Lakers. Olajuwon only had two. Shaq scored more points, and average more points per game. Olajuwon had slightly better rebounding numbers. Currently Shaq is the all time leader in field goal percentage. We won't even go into his All-Star game appearances and MVP awards in those games. Also Shaq averaged over 25 points a game for 10 seasons, compared to five for Olajuwon.
Considering the number of championship and his role on those championship along with is career long dominance in the paint Shaq ranks ahead of Olajuwon in terms of impact in the league.
Name 3 things that made Shaq a dominant center besides bowling over people like pins?
That's all you need to do. The point is the guy was by far the most dominant scorer in the pain in his era.
Now what's your point?
I mean REALLY!
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I'm not going to put mustard on your turd sandwich of a post.
