So what? LaFrentz is among the shotblocking leaders and his one on one defense still stinks. Cato spearheaded the 29th ranked FG defense in the NBA with his incredible presence in the middle. Even at age 39, Hakeem is a much better defender than Cato. LaFrentz blocked more shots than Mutombo this year. Who is more of a presence defensively?
Are you suggesting the Mavs may be interested in a trade proposal from Toronto so that they can upgrade their 1 on 1 post defense? Guess again. Forget LaFrentz, Mutombo, and Cato... if you have watched any playoffs at all, you have seen that Hakeem has trouble playing even with freakin' ZELJKO REBRACA... a 29 year old Euro rookie who backs up Ben Wallace. Olajuwon was washed up when he left and he is washed up now. At this stage in their careers, I'll take Cato.
Yeah, Hakeem was really washed up when he averaged 15-10 in the final half of the season. I wish Cato was washed up.
And your point regarding current levels of ability is...? Olajuwon was given a fair offer which was consistent with his abiliites after that season. While your loyalty is admirable, your gross overestimate of how much he had left to contribute was consistent with Toronto's...and your level of disappoint would have been even greater than theirs will be had he remained in Houston two more seasons at his asking price. Other than your overzealous opinion, you have nothing to support a premise that Hakeem has anything more than marginal skills at this point. It is not just posters at CC being deliberately mean. If you are watching as much of the Raptors as you want us to believe, then you have heard this from the mouthes of every announcer during the season and particularly during the playoffs. When the 2002-2003 season is reviewed a year from now, the story will just get sadder and more tragic. It is a shame to see that you are holding on to the past with the same weakening grip that Olajuwon displays.
