btw this is my first message, anyways, I think Wilt would still be an All Star if he played at this time. Wilt and Shaq I think would be rivals if they played at the same time. However if Shaq played when Wilt did I think he would have more than just 1 100 game because of his strength and skills. Wilt was strong but Shaq would just eat the others alive in the Wilt Era. But thats just me! ~MELO
I used to think that Wilt was the GOAT. But, after watching a lot of ESPN classic my view has changed. The game was so much different back then. It was much more finesse, with a lot of fast breaks. The players were slower, and much weaker. Shaq could handle Wilt. People forget that when Wilt was averaging 50ppg, he was only about 255 lbs, but when he was with the Lakers he weighed more like 275, but had lost some of his quickness. So you can choose the strong, but slower Wilt, or the quick, but weaker Wilt. Wilt just wouldn't have the strength either way. Wilt would probably be somewhat like Hakeem if he played now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">yea and Hakeem was better than Shaq</div> What are you talking about? Pretty much everybody 'cept you thinks Shaq is better than Hakeem. I am hoping that was a sarcastic joke.
YOU are a sarcastic joke, KLLFB!! YOURE the only one who thinks Shaq is better than Hakeem its no contest. Hakeem is the all time leader in blocks, just out of the top 10 in rebounds per game and a HOF scorer. he's better than Shaq
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">yea and Hakeem was better than Shaq</div> I hope you aren't using the 1994 Finals as your example. Shaq was still young, and not nearly as good as he is now. If Shaq of now played Hakeem of then, Shaq would destroy Hakeem. Hakeem was a great player, but Shaq is a level above.
not as good then as he is now?? helloooooooooooooo! Shaqs averaged 11 rebounds and 27 points in the last three years. In his first three years when he went to the finals he had 2 years averaging over 29 a game and over 13 rebounds a game. Shaqs prime was when he was young. he's fatter slower and less healthy now (hasnt played 80 games a season since his second year and has only played over 70 three times since then) Hes just as dominant now cause theres no more dominant centers in the league now
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">yea and Hakeem was better than Shaq</div> Im gonna have to agree with you on this one
Hakeem vs Shaq? Hahaha Shaq may be bigger and stronger, but that doesn't make him the better player. Hakeem was in a league of his own. Yes, Shaq could probably score on him by backing his way in.........but there is no way Shaq could guard Hakeem in his prime. Hakeem could score on him as well. Please don't confuse size with talent. Shawn Kemp could probably back his way in on Hakeem, but that doesn't make Kemp better. Hakeem was, and will always, be the better Center.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">not as good then as he is now?? helloooooooooooooo! Shaqs averaged 11 rebounds and 27 points in the last three years. In his first three years when he went to the finals he had 2 years averaging over 29 a game and over 13 rebounds a game. Shaqs prime was when he was young. he's fatter slower and less healthy now (hasnt played 80 games a season since his second year and has only played over 70 three times since then) Hes just as dominant now cause theres no more dominant centers in the league now</div> No. His best year was 99-00 with the LAKERS. When he was the MVP. When he avearaged career highs in points (29.7) assists (3.8), and was .01 rebounds away from averaging his career high in rebounds.
Shaq is not like Wilt! He is better and always will be! If Shaq scores 101 pts. in a game then come talk to me bout him being better or even similar!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting olskoolFunktitude:</div><div class="quote_post">YOU are a sarcastic joke, KLLFB!! YOURE the only one who thinks Shaq is better than Hakeem its no contest. </div> Actually Dickie V, Kenny Smith, Peter Vecsey, Sonny Hill, and Snoop Jackson, all NBA anylists, think that Shaq is better than Hakeem. Read 'SLAM classic greatest players of all time'...
actually, KLLFB, most analysts will tell you the Wilt is better. I have several connections and have had the oppurtunity to speak with several legit basketball experts. I've never heard anyone put together a convincing case that Shaq is better than Wilt OR Hakeem
As much as I love Shaq and the Lakers, I have to agree, Hakeem would school him if he was still playing. Hakeem in his prime was a lot better than Shaq in his prime. Hakeem is a better shot blocker and would have too many moves for Shaq to deal with on the offensive end. I'm sure Hakeem would be on the receiving end of a lot of facials, but Hakeem's footwork and mid range jumper would be the difference. I don't know if Shaq could stay out of foul trouble keeping up with Hakeem in the post.
anyone who thinks they can say for sure who was better out of shaq and hakeem is kidding themselves, they're both legends of the game and neither has a clear advantage on the other. anyway with the wilt/shaq thing, put shaq back in those days where there wasn't anything like the 3 second in the key rule etc and see what happens, i'd be willing to bet he'd put up similar numbers. today's game doesn't favour centres anywhere near as much as it used to
Anyone who has the SLAM 75 Greatest players should read the Wilt Article, then you'd understand. Once I get home I'll type and excert of the article.
