This is a good point. It goes along the lines of why he is a better shot blocker too. Dwight jumps way to high for stuff he has no chance at blocking and in the processes the defense breaks down. Hakeem was much better at the anticipation of a block and didn't over commit. I'm glad to see people give Dwight credit for his athleticism, he really is a freak. I have always thought that Dwight is not only center who was a better athlete because Hakeem was ridiculous himself. A lot of people remember 32 year Hakeem and 25 year old Akeem is a different category.
Athleticism isn't always about strength and power. Hakeem had gazelle like grace and speed combined with power. Dwight did have more raw strength tho.
What's the purpose of this thread? Trying to stir up a free-for-all bashing party on Dwight Howard by pitting him against the best of the best in his position? You are a hater.
That's because Akeem learned how to shoot them during real games. He was actually a pretty poor FT shooter as a rookie. The greats always get better until time catches up with them.
Interesting but I think that has more to do with different eras, like you say. Teams are shooting WAY more 3's and the 3-pointer creates more long rebounds which negates the need to box out and get good position, etc. You really don't have to be very physical to grab 10 rebounds in a game these days. Nowadays, it's more about being in the right place at the right time and how high you can jump, sadly. Maybe over Hakeem, but Akeem would give him a run for his money.
If we can't compare our current center (considered the best in the league) to the player that is considered the greatest ever Rockets center (and player) (with both guys sharing the same height and position) - then this isn't a Rockets forum! (You should put away the hate - the hate for this thread). Thank you.
Dream's dunks were great but slam dunk contest isnt just about dunks themselves tho, it is also about entertainment you know what im saying?
Sampson was infinitely better than Dwight. Sampson had a post game, could run the floor, dribble, and shoot (decently). People forget what a freak of nature Sampson was.
Dream was the superior complete athlete. It makes me wonder if he would have had a superior vertical too had all the fancy jump training that exists now was available then. Now that I think about it, it seems there are quite a few players now days (especially big men) with sick verticals but not so great athleticism in other areas. I don't recall so many one dimensional athletes back in the day. Is it because so much emphasis is put on the vertical leap of young players?
