I dunno if this has been noted yet, but go to http://www.nba.com/rockets/gallery/videoplayer.html then click on the "Get to know T-mac: T-mac's favorite movie? T-mac's favorite food? T-mac answers it all right here." T-mac says that his dream team would have Shaq at the 5! Hmmm... I would still take the current Yao vs. the vintage Shaq. Why? Same domination without the free-throw weakness.
Not even close to same domination. Shaq at his prime could create for himself and he was EXTREMELY dominating. I don't think people remember how good Shaq or Hakeem was. Shaq & Hakeem's prime both were MUCH BETTER than Yao is now. Hopefully Yao hasn't peaked and will learn to create for himself.
Dei, I don't think you realize how dominant Shaq was through out his career. I can only hope Yao can reach the same level one day.
You must be a homer because Shaq has only one 4 of the last 7 championships and has reached the finals 6 times in his career.
Yeah T-Mac is also friends with Shaq so he had to hit him up. Probably doesn't know Hakeem that well.
dude, shaq was dwight howard x10, with great hands and soft touch (when not on the ft line). the man was (still kinda) powerful. it was scary watching him
He should have picked Dream... in his prime he was better than both Shaq... and Yao... although... Im not sure we have seen the best of Yao yet... maybe in a few years...
Dream is the one guy I might consider over Shaq in his prime. Yao isn't there yet but his start this season gives us some hope he might get there.
although I'd pick Shaq in his prime over Yao (Dream over Shaq of course), since when Shaq could creat for himself better than Yao??? Shaq in his prime days was better than Yao now I agree but Yao's by far better when you talking about creating shots for themself... since their day 1.
Amen to that. I'd take Hakeem's prime over Shaq's prime in a sec. Now this is a dream TEAM right? I'd take the most dominating big man who can pass and score on the lowblock ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. Shaq and Dream will provide that, but I truly believe Dream was faster and mobile in Shaq. Don't get me wrong, I love Yao and who knows what kind of crazy game he'll develop. Perhaps a 3 point shot, crazy dribbles (since he's worked on dribbling tennis balls over the years) or an EXTREMELY consistent mid range jumper (it's already good but like...Dirk or Pau Gasol good) then yeah, maybe I'll take Yao. Till then I'd really take Hakeem, then Shaq THEN Yao right now.
just when I thought YOFs are on an extended break until March... THEY COME BACK AND PROVE ME WRONG j/k
we're discussing centers. for the most part you lob it in they do their moves and shoot. theres no 'creating for yourself'.
Just a thought that made me go hmmmmm........ It would be interesting to see how Yao would have turned out if he was born and raised here in the USA with professional basketball as his parents dream for him from childhood. Of course, I am assuming that he would retain the Chinese culture work ethic he has now. With all the latest in plyometric/weight training techniques, along with the "no mercy" mentality the American coaches and "street-ballers" would have instilled in him from a young age. I believe Yao would have came into the league with his current skill and strength level as a minimum. If all this were added to a Kevin Garrnet type mindset.........(I know, I know, that is a lot of "IF's") Nevertheless, we could at least "reasonable" compare apples to apples in regards to the Shaq comparison.
lol. No, I didn't make this thread to suck on Yao's balls. I'm just surprised that T-mac chose Shaq over Yao given all the praise he gave Yao recently. It's a knee-jerk reaction really.
Prime Shaq >>>> Yao right now >>>>>>>>>>> all the other centers in the league right now, including current Shaq
