Personally, I put Hakeem in top 3 centers of all time. I know you might be frowning, but Hakeem had the BEST footwork of any center, and the sickest move (The famous Dreamshake) that any other player as yet to duplicate. With that said, how do these current centers measure to Hakeem in his prime? Do you see anybody better?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Personally, I put Hakeem in top 3 centers of all time. I know you might be frowning, but Hakeem had the BEST footwork of any center, and the sickest move (The famous Dreamshake) that any other player as yet to duplicate. With that said, how do these current centers measure to Hakeem in his prime? Do you see anybody better?</div> The only real center that I see is better than Hakeem in his prime is Shaq in his prime. O'Neal could completely dominate back in his Laker days and there really was no way to stop him. It was similar to Hakeem in a sense so I guess its really debatable. However, Shaq is a better rebounder and better low post presence in my opinion while Hakeem was good in his own right that he could hit jumpers and was the most fluid of centers. However, if you would consider Amare a center, then I would put him above Hakeem if you give him a couple years. Right now he's completely a monster- one of the fastest centers out there, can hit the jumper unlike Shaq, and is a low post presence as well. There really isn't anyone you can compare him to. The scariest thing is, he's only 23 years old and has plenty of time to develop. Give him about five years and he's probably go down to be one of the greatest players ever if he doesn't have any major injuries.
There still is no wat to stop Shaq today either, but I will admit that he is not as dominant as he was in his Laker days. All of what you say about Amare is true but in the future I think that we are going to see him move back to power foward. He is a monster and he has a chance to be as good or even better than Hakeem. I dont know that any of the guys we just talked about are as dominant as Wilt was though.
Stoudemire won't play center for long. It's just temporary and I think he'll be a five again once a legit center is brought in. If one season at center would qualify, then Hakeem could be a PF as well, having played there when Sampson was at 5. Olajuwon is a top 5 center of all time. I would put only Russell, Chamberlain, Mikan and Shaq before him. He's above Ewing, Moses Malone and David Robinson.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting aznhowie20:</div><div class="quote_post">IMO, i think Hakeem is better than Shaq. and amare is a forward, not a true center.</div> true,true...and i thnk amare's not comfortable playin center b/c he's just undersized...i thnk hakeem is one of the best all time centers in the league...and i dont thnk yao would be even close....
Shaq is a more dominant center as far as size. But Hakeem could be just as dominant in his prime. Let's not forget, Hakeem was the one who dominated Shaq in the 95 Finals. Also keep in mind, Hakeem could get his Dreamshake off against ANYBODY, Shaq, Robinson, Ewing, Mutumbo, and even Chamberlin if he played in that era. Not only was he unstoppable on offense, he was one of, if not the best shotblocker of all time. Out of all the players currently in the NBA, I don't see any centers or powerfowards with Hakeem's footwork or quickness. The closest you'll get is KG. I was watching NBATV one time, and they were playing an old game with the Rockets playin Seatle back in 93. Even though we lost, Hakeem dominated. He didn't dominate in a Shaq way with dunks, but he was just as effective by the "Dreamshake", and that jump hook in the lane. I mean, the guy had about 20 rebounds and like 5 blocks. Honestly, as far as talent, he's the Greatest center of all time. Here's my Top 5 Centers. <div align="center">Shaq Kareem Hakeem Russell Chamberlin</div> George Mikan wasn't better than any of these guys, niether was Duncan. And I hate to sound like a homer, but Amare will NEVER be able to touch Hakeem
"the dream" had the biggest bag of tricks bar none! rite now in the league, it's only Shaq who comes close and even that's not the best cuz he's injured. maybe Duncan. If he plays C then yea... it's hands down Duncan!
<u>Hakeem Olajuwon</u> -Shot Blocking -Ball Handling -Low Post Moves -Dunks -Shot -Leadership -1st All-Time Blocks 3,830 -7th All-Time Steals 2,162 (as a 7ft Center) -7th All-Time Points 26,946 -11th All-Time Rebounds 13,748 -12-Time All-Star -1993 & 1994 Defensive Player of The Year -1994 NBA MVP -1994 & 1995 Finals MVP -And One of the Very Very few to get a Quadruple-Double Hakeem had so many skills and accomplishments. It's gonna be very hard for anyone to even be compared to him. I remember in 1995 David Robinson was name MVP. And when Hakeem met him in the playoffs he just embarrassed the MVP. He dominated David. Game 1: Olajuwon: 27 pts - Robinson 21 pts Game 2: Olajuwon: 41 pts - Robinson 32 pts Game 3: Olajuwon: 43 pts - Robinson 29 pts Game 4: Olajuwon: 20 pts - Robinson 20 pts Game 5: Olajuwon: 42 pts - Robinson 22 pts Game 6: Olajuwon: 39 pts - Robinson 19 pts Hakeem looks like the MVP in this series Here's the Famous Shake On David Robinson Right now Amare has the best chance to be like Hakeem. But he still has ALOT of work to do. ALOT
I find it funny how there is no mention of Tim Duncan in this conversation and yet it seems that all of you guys think that besides Shaq, Amare Stoudamire is the best center in the league. Duncan is without a doubt better than Amare and I think is the best center in the game today. How Shaq can dominate is yes, amazing however I think the most fluid and fundamentally sound player is Duncan. Duncan is a truly special player who is able to take over the game in so many different ways. I think the main question comes down to who would you rather build your team around Tim Duncan or Shaq. I would take Tim Duncan in a heartbeat. As far as Hakeem goes, I think the Dream Shake was the second best move ever followed only by Kareem's Sky Hook. When I am rating NBA Centers of all-time there are five dominant centers that come to mind: Wilt Chamberlin Kareem Abdul Jabbar Hakeem Olajuwon Shaquille O'Neal Bill Russell I think it is to hard to actually rate those guys in order due to the fact that they were all in thier primes at different eras and never really were able to match-up when they were at their best to prove their greatness. I do have to say though, I would take Hakeem in his prime over just about anybody on that list....maybe that is just my Rockets bias though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Hunter:</div><div class="quote_post">I find it funny how there is no mention of Tim Duncan in this conversation and yet it seems that all of you guys think that besides Shaq, Amare Stoudamire is the best center in the league. Duncan is without a doubt better than Amare and I think is the best center in the game today. How Shaq can dominate is yes, amazing however I think the most fluid and fundamentally sound player is Duncan. Duncan is a truly special player who is able to take over the game in so many different ways. I think the main question comes down to who would you rather build your team around Tim Duncan or Shaq. I would take Tim Duncan in a heartbeat. As far as Hakeem goes, I think the Dream Shake was the second best move ever followed only by Kareem's Sky Hook. When I am rating NBA Centers of all-time there are five dominant centers that come to mind: Wilt Chamberlin Kareem Abdul Jabbar Hakeem Olajuwon Shaquille O'Neal Bill Russell I think it is to hard to actually rate those guys in order due to the fact that they were all in thier primes at different eras and never really were able to match-up when they were at their best to prove their greatness. I do have to say though, I would take Hakeem in his prime over just about anybody on that list....maybe that is just my Rockets bias though.</div> I'm sorry but if you were watching the same western finals everyone else was then you would see that Amare pretty much ate Duncan up. Not saying that Amare is better but he is pretty close. Also are you sure that Duncan is a center, i thought he was a power foeward but i could be wrong. Hakeem is the most fluid center ever to play. I'd put Kareem and Shaq ahead but thats it. Wilt didn't have to competition. Hakeem had some of the greatest post moves ever and some just made you drop your jaw. He had a nice jumper along with good shot blocking and rebounding.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Hunter:</div><div class="quote_post">I find it funny how there is no mention of Tim Duncan in this conversation and yet it seems that all of you guys think that besides Shaq, Amare Stoudamire is the best center in the league. Duncan is without a doubt better than Amare and I think is the best center in the game today. How Shaq can dominate is yes, amazing however I think the most fluid and fundamentally sound player is Duncan. Duncan is a truly special player who is able to take over the game in so many different ways. I think the main question comes down to who would you rather build your team around Tim Duncan or Shaq. I would take Tim Duncan in a heartbeat. As far as Hakeem goes, I think the Dream Shake was the second best move ever followed only by Kareem's Sky Hook. When I am rating NBA Centers of all-time there are five dominant centers that come to mind: Wilt Chamberlin Kareem Abdul Jabbar Hakeem Olajuwon Shaquille O'Neal Bill Russell I think it is to hard to actually rate those guys in order due to the fact that they were all in thier primes at different eras and never really were able to match-up when they were at their best to prove their greatness. I do have to say though, I would take Hakeem in his prime over just about anybody on that list....maybe that is just my Rockets bias though.</div> It's funny you're list is almost identical to mine. I agree. I would take Hakeem in his prime over just about anybody outside of MJ. Also, I'm glad you mentioned Kareem's sky hook. I was going to mention that but it slipped. I would say that sky hook was the most effective move in the history of the NBA. 2nd I would definitley go with the DREAMSHAKE. If I could count how many times he killed his defender with that move. As far as Mr.Tim "I'm not a center" Duncan, I would never put him on my list. He's very good, but Hakeem would have eaten him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hunter <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Hunter:</div><div class="quote_post">When I am rating NBA Centers of all-time there are five dominant centers that come to mind: Wilt Chamberlin Kareem Abdul Jabbar Hakeem Olajuwon Shaquille O'Neal Bill Russell I think it is to hard to actually rate those guys in order due to the fact that they were all in thier primes at different eras and never really were able to match-up when they were at their best to prove their greatness. I do have to say though, I would take Hakeem in his prime over just about anybody on that list....maybe that is just my Rockets bias though.</div> How can you rate any of these guys ahead of the late, great George Mikan in terms of sheer dominance? Playing in the pre-shot clock era (except for a 37 game unretirement) he still averaged 22 ppg. He caused the goaltending rule to be created. Teams would deliberatly completely bring games to a halt to stop Mikan. He developed the baby hook that all the other centers later used. To quote Shaq "Without number ninety-nine [Mikan's Jersey Number] there is no me"
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting JWohl:</div><div class="quote_post">How can you rate any of these guys ahead of the late, great George Mikan in terms of sheer dominance? Playing in the pre-shot clock era (except for a 37 game unretirement) he still averaged 22 ppg. He caused the goaltending rule to be created. Teams would deliberatly completely bring games to a halt to stop Mikan. He developed the baby hook that all the other centers later used. To quote Shaq "Without number ninety-nine [Mikan's Jersey Number] there is no me"</div> George Mikan was a pioneer. A symbol of the big man of the NBA. With that said, He was NOT better than any of those 5 players. I ain't hatin on Mikan, but it's true. Mikan wouldn't dominate in today's game, with stronger and more athletic players, and a much faster pace that in the 50's. To say Mikan is a top 5 center you're really REACHING. He MIGHT make top 10, but that's probably pushing it too.
He's definately top ten but not as good as Shaq(who would've eatin him alive) or Hakeem. THe only guy who played back then who could do the same now is definately Wilt the G.O.A.T(at his position) would kill all of these guys easily.
Its hard to compare Shaq and Hakeem because they were different types of center. Overall, Shaq, in his prime, was more dominant than Hakeem, in his prime. But thats simply because Shaw was stronger. He used his body and brute strength to muscle into the paint. For Shaq it was all about his god given abilities. Hakeem didn't muscle his way in as much. He used ball skills and speed to fake his way into the paint. Shaq is more dominant but Hakeem is more skillful.
first off <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rockfan06:</div><div class="quote_post">George Mikan was a pioneer. A symbol of the big man of the NBA. With that said, He was NOT better than any of those 5 players. I ain't hatin on Mikan, but it's true. Mikan wouldn't dominate in today's game, with stronger and more athletic players, and a much faster pace that in the 50's. To say Mikan is a top 5 center you're really REACHING. He MIGHT make top 10, but that's probably pushing it too.</div> It wasn't 'best' I was commenting on but 'most dominant'. In his time George Mikan was the most dominant there was. He was more dominant in his time than Shaq was in his prime.
because he was the only real center. I would like to see how they measure up vs. on another in their prime. Sadly we wont be able to see that
I would take hakeem over shaq. Shaq is a one dimensional player while hakeem has more all around skills. Hakeem has the hieght and strength to defend a guy like shaq. MOst great centers would be able to hold him and i think that even yao does a great job of holding him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KB23:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm sorry but if you were watching the same western finals everyone else was then you would see that Amare pretty much ate Duncan up. Not saying that Amare is better but he is pretty close. Also are you sure that Duncan is a center, i thought he was a power foeward but i could be wrong. </div> Lets also remember that Duncan has two rings and two MVPs not to mention numerous first and second all NBA team selections. Not to mention a career average of 22 ppg, 12 rbg, 3 apg and 2.5 bpg.. Amare over his career 20 ppg 9 rbg, 1.5 apg, and 1.5 blg. I will give Amare credit where credit is due and say that this year he has absolutely dominated the league and the fact that he averaged 38 ppg against the Spurs in the playoffs just goes to show how much potential he has. However lets remember that Tim Duncan was not even 100% and he still averaged 28 ppg amd 14 rbg. Amare did outperform Duncan this year as well as in this series however to say that Amare is a better overall basketball player than Tim Duncan is insane in my opinion. If Amare can keep his level of play up at this intensity for 5 more years then I will give in however as of right now I will take Tim Duncan over Amare Stoudamire any day of the week. One could argue that Tim Duncan is a PF however considering his height and how he plays he is a Center in my book. I think of him as a Center that just so happens to play the PF position. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting RockFan06:</div><div class="quote_post">It's funny you're list is almost identical to mine.</div> Don't think I was copying you. I think in most people's books those are the top five centers of all time. I beg anyone to differ. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As far as Mr.Tim "I'm not a center" Duncan, I would never put him on my list. He's very good, but Hakeem would have eaten him for breakfast, lunch, and dinner</div> I think he is one of the top big men to play the game up to this point in his career however I agree with you in that I think a prime Hakeem would eat his lunch. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">How can you rate any of these guys ahead of the late, great George Mikan in terms of sheer dominance? Playing in the pre-shot clock era (except for a 37 game unretirement) he still averaged 22 ppg. He caused the goaltending rule to be created. Teams would deliberatly completely bring games to a halt to stop Mikan. He developed the baby hook that all the other centers later used. To quote Shaq "Without number ninety-nine [Mikan's Jersey Number] there is no me</div> YES, George Mikan did dominate the league and YES he is definetly a worthy icon to look up to in basketball, however like Rockfan06 said he isn't up to level as the five players that I listed. You mentioned how teams use to bring games to a halt to stop him, however the same applies for all the players I mentioned. As to your comment about teams focusing thier whole game on Mikan: Teams use to(and still do) have to concentrate their entire gameplans around the players listed above to prevent them from getting off. He was a great player however to say that he would have played well against Shaq, Hakeem, or Wilt is hard for me to imagine. I actually think that if Mikan played now he would get beat by the most NBA centers because of thier athleticism and conditioning.
