You forgot the "if healthy" tag. Technically Yao's prime was much better than Dirk's prime, but Yao's prime only lasted half a season, while Dirk has been going strong for 13 years with no signs of slowing down. So the reality is Yao Ming didn't really dominate on both ends of the floor, how can he dominate anyone if he's on crutches? Its so sad this poll is so close. On any objective board the score would be 100% Dirk, 0% Yao.
I love Yao, but unfortunately he's got no chance when it comes to legacy and post-retirement reputation. Injuries derailed his career. Meanwhile, Dirk has an MVP and will likely have 2 Finals appearances when all is said and done.
This shouldn't even be this close. If you were an owner, and both were young, it would be much much smarter building around dirk than around Yao. Yao can be defend quite easily. Just front him, and he's removed from the game offensively.
This was never true. If Yao was so "easily" defended, he would not average 20 ppg on excellent scoring efficiency. That's average, as in what he gets on most nights. Yao did that while being one of the most double teamed players in the league. There's admitting that Dirk has had the better career, and then there's putting down Yao with exaggerated statements.
