Is Olajuwon the second greatest basketball player of all time?

[shep33]

He was unbelievable. If you take into account how great his defense was, and how at times he was completely unstoppable offensively, I think you can argue that he may be the best center ever.

[PredatorPeppers]

yea hakeem dusted shaq's *** but he was like 22 yrs old..

they were both great in their own ways but you can't say they aren't comparable.. they were both the most dominant centers in the league during their primes, so in the end it pretty much depends on preference when talking about who was more dominant

Hakeem was a much better defensive player, shot blocker, better post moves, much better free throw shooter, 7th all time in steals, just clearly an all around better player. Also, Hakeem never played with the likes of a Kobe or Wade. He did play with an aging Drexler and an aging Barkley which just isn't the same.

[smith&wesson]

1.Jordan
2.kareem
3.hakeem
4.magic
5.shaq
6.bird
7.kobe

thats my list.

[marvILLous]

Hakeem was a much better defensive player, shot blocker, better post moves, much better free throw shooter, 7th all time in steals, just clearly an all around better player. Also, Hakeem never played with the likes of a Kobe or Wade. He did play with an aging Drexler and an aging Barkley which just isn't the same.

you're right, hakeem was more skilled and a better defensive player but offensively, nothing compares to shaq lol. keem may have had better post moves but shaq put up 27-30 PPG on a regular basis (and that's with kobe, AND sucky free throw shooting). even with defenses swarming him he put up monster numbers.. and with all the attention he caught it opened up the floor for the rest of his team.. that just shows how dominant he was.

sure he had kobe/wade but a championship team runs deeper than 2 players. if you go 8-9 players deep into say.. the 95 rockets and 01 lakers.. the rockets look much more balanced and deeper.. plus, an aging drexler was still pretty good too lol.

[ghettosean]

you're right, hakeem was more skilled and a better defensive player but offensively, nothing compares to shaq lol. keem may have had better post moves but shaq put up 27-30 PPG on a regular basis (and that's with kobe, AND sucky free throw shooting). even with defenses swarming him he put up monster numbers.. and with all the attention he caught it opened up the floor for the rest of his team.. that just shows how dominant he was.

sure he had kobe/wade but a championship team runs deeper than 2 players. if you go 8-9 players deep into say.. the 95 rockets and 01 lakers.. the rockets look much more balanced and deeper.. plus, an aging drexler was still pretty good too lol.

Just to back you up on that little bit...

Shaq's finals MVP stats:

2000 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.67 blocks to lead the Lakers to a 4-2 victory over the Indiana Pacers and the franchise’s first NBA Championship since 1988. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 43 points, 19 rebounds in Game #1, 40 points, 24 rebounds in Game #2 and 41 points, 12 rebounds in Game #6.

2001 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 33.0 points, 15.6 rebounds and 3.40 blocks to lead the Lakers to a 4-1victory over the Philadelphia 76ers and the franchise’s second consecutive NBA Championship. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 44 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in Game #1, 28 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists in Game #2 and 34 points, 14 rebounds in Game #4.

2002 -- Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
Averaged 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.75 blocks to lead the Lakers to a sweep of the New Jersey Nets and the franchise’s third consecutive NBA Championship. O’Neal’s best Finals performances came at the Staples Center with 36 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in Game #1, 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in Game #2, 35 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in Game #3.

[JordansBulls]

No, here is the list. http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums...d.php?t=635088

[smith&wesson]

No, here is the list. http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums...d.php?t=635088

i dunno, id personally take hakeem and shaq over wilt.

[Lloyd Christmas]

Yes you can make an argument.

[NYY 26 to 7]

Give me magic and bird way way before you talk about anyone else. I also still think Ewing before his knees went out was a better player. Just as good if not better on d and a better shooter. If not for Jordan Ewing dominates the NBA for a few years. Don't cite the championship over Ewing as some kind of success. If not for Starks the Knicks win that series.

[PredatorPeppers]

Give me magic and bird way way before you talk about anyone else. I also still think Ewing before his knees went out was a better player. Just as good if not better on d and a better shooter. If not for Jordan Ewing dominates the NBA for a few years. Don't cite the championship over Ewing as some kind of success. If not for Starks the Knicks win that series.

I wish I could agree, Ewing is BY FAR my favorite basketball player of all time and tied for first with Julius Peppers as my favorite athletes of all time. But I have to admit Hakeem was better than Ewing, not a lot though. Just like Reggie White was a little bit better than Julius Peppers. But I would still take Ewing or Peppers today on my teams over Olajuwon or White.

[Ty Fast]

no. hes not even the 2nd best center of all time. hes not even top 5. maybe top 10 which in its self is pretty good

[NY007]

C'mon really?

[MichaelJordan23]

All this peppers guy does is quote random websites and use their opinions as facts, this is ridiculous .. if i quota a website claiming brian scalabrine or mike james is the GOAT or 2nd GOAT can I make a dumb thread too?

[astrosmaniac]

He stated his own opinion and then quote Michael Jordan and Shaq to show their opinions. It's not like he quoted some random blog or sports writer.

[The goods]

He was a great center but not the second best that goes to magic then kareem I mean the has the most points scored by any player ever,then after that its debateable in my opinion ofcourse.