Simple question. Who do you think is the better player. No more indirect threads about skills and accomplishments...
Hakeem because he was almost equally good on both sides of the ball. But Jokic is definitely one of the best centers ever. He’s as dominant as Shaq, but has more polished skills. If Hakeem came up where the outside shot was as big as it is now, he would have shot threes too and it would have opened his game up THAT much more. He would have been a monster’s monster.
I think Hakeem is better but it's very close. They are in very similar situations on how they won their championships. It took a couple of years for Denver to get fully healthy and surround Jokic with a squad that maximized his offensive playmaking and masking his defense. i don't know why people underplay Hakeem's defense, that **** was literally elite. Denver was just smart to gather enough 3 and D talent that really complimented Jokic. Hakeem was anchoring the entire side of the floor
Hakeem is still far ahead on the all time rankings, Jokic would have to win several FMVPs to surpass him, IMO, to make up for the defensive part of it.
I agree. Since Joker was never a Rocket, to the best of my knowledge, it seems only fair that if we are, yet again, going to have another one of these threads, that other All-NBA, MVP and Hall of Fame caliber players from the past, as well as current players who might fit that description now or in the future (like Joker), should be tossed into the mix. Jabbar is an obvious choice, for example. There are numerous others who played the 5. Why stop at 3? Sengun, who I admire and who has a bright future, in my opinion, doesn't fit. He might in a few years. We'll have to wait and see. Os. I know you're a huge fan of his, but I've heard that patience is a virtue. Perhaps we should have a poll on virtue? No, wrong forum. My apologies.
Hakeem had one of the most dominant playoff runs ever and has double the titles as Jokic. If Jokic continues putting up legendary stats and wins at least 2 more titles then he has an argument.
Today, Dream no question. Dream is the best defensive player in the history of the league and was a great scorer. Call me when someone else gets 300 block & steals in a season (Dream had 500/500 btw). That said, give me one more season + playoffs + plus title and I'll think about it (but I'm a homer so yeah, no). Give me two more like this one, and I'll begrudgingly move Dream to #5 all time (But still greatest defender ever)!
Jokic is an amazing player, Hakeem was otherwordly though. Hakeem is the clear answer and anyone that doesn't agree is lacking mental acumen.