http://www.nba.com/allstar2006/program_olajuwon.html Includes quotes from fellow players like Shaquille O'neal, Drexler, Duncan, etc. The guy who wrote it went a little overboard with the blocked shots record since Wilt, Russell, and Kareem almost certainly would have had more if blocked shots were recorded before 1974. Still, a great, nostalgiac read. I hope there is some sort of tribute to him during the All-star game.
Ah.. That brought a tear to my eye. Word is Dream will be in Town during the break. . . that's awesome. He was, in my eyes, the most gifted big man the game has seen. He could out run guards, out block centers, his foot-work left Hall of Fame "Locks" (Pat Ewing, David Robinson) in total dismay. On top of all that, he was one of the most humble and respectful guys I have ever heard of. It's amazing to see how he transformed as a player. Nearly arrogant and cocky coming into the NBA, he had matured so much each year. We hadn't won a championship until Hakeem was 32. Yao is 25 right now, and people are already doubting him. Sure Hakeem reached the finals early in his career, but Ralph friggin' Sampson was playing along side him. Yao gets a year with Tracy and after dominating a series against a legit team, he STILL gets criticism. But this thread isn't about Yao. It's about the greatest center to play the game -- a true inspiration to ANYONE. All-Star weekend will be AMAZING to say the least.
