I believe that the reason Hakeem has faded in the last three years is that he is not as powerful as he used to be. I don't believe that he has really lost any touch on his shot or that he has been disinterested enough to have an effect on his game. There are a couple pieces of evidence that support this reasoning. (I know that he has been injured, but I believe these things are independent of his injuries) 1) He can't seem to get his hook shot high enough to be consistent. Good defensive players don't have that much of a problem making him miss or blocking it. I don't think he has the power to jump high enough. 2) He can't seem to hold the ball as well. Hakeem was clutch in more than one way during the championship years. No one could knock a ball out of those clamps of his. Nowadays, he isn't strong enough to keep other players from stealing the ball in the post when he is going up for the shot or to grab rebounds. It is like running backs, they only have so many hits in them. One day they just don't have the power to break a tackle. Hakeem has played in a lot of regular season and post season games. He has suffered a lot of abuse. I don't see him getting better because he can breath again. The only facet of his game that he could contribute more in is his passing. He has never been a good passer in terms of basketball fundamentals. He may be the best player in the history of the NBA at finding the open man out of the double team, but he can't play good fundamental half court basketball. ------------------
Great points Doc. But I think you lose quickness before strength as you age, so I believe that Hakeem has also lost alot there. Of course, leg strength has something to do with quickness. ------------------ "Don't they get cable in Canada ?" Keith olbermann, after watching hakeem block terry catledge's shot 5 times.
Doctor Robert Lennon/McCartney Ring, my friend I said you'd call Doctor Robert Day or night he'll be there any time at all Doctor Robert Doctor Robert You're a new and better man He help you to understand He does everything he can Doctor Robert If you're down he'll pick you up Doctor Robert Take a drink from his special cup Doctor Robert Doctor Robert He's a man you must believe Helping anyone in need No one can succeed like Doctor Robert Well, well, well, you're feeling fine Well, well, well, he'll make you Doctor Robert My friend works for the National Health Doctor Robert Don't pay money just to see yourself Doctor Robert Doctor Robert You're a new and better man He help you to understand He does everything he can Doctor Robert Well, well, well, you're feeling fine Well, well, well, he'll make you Doctor Robert Ring, my friend I said you'd call Doctor Robert Doctor Robert Maybe you could help Dream. ------------------ "Is this thing on? I'm in charge now"-Alexander Haig [This message has been edited by BobFinn* (edited July 13, 2000).]
I'm not a doctor, I'm not a psychiatrist, and I don't play one on TV. Having said that, I think Hakeem has two problems. One is physical. It might be the knee, it might be the asthma, it might be strength, it might be mobility. I don't know exactly what it is. Some combination of the above. The other problem is psychological: The physical problem has psyched him out and demoralized him. He shows no confidence in his moves and looks like he's not even trying most of the time. I don't think he's lazy. I think he is utterly demoralized by the fact that his body won't do what it used to do, and he plays much of the game as though he has mentally checked out, and he refuses to face up to the psychological part of his problem because -- let's face it -- he has never been terribly good at introspection or communication, even with himself. He's got a patriarch complex five miles deep (his religious orthodoxy plays right into this) and won't let go until they pry the ball from his weak, trembling hands. Which, according to Dr. Robert's point #2, isn't far away.
Hakeem's problems date back to the day he got married. He should have never gotten any action. He lost all of that stored up energy. ------------------
Nice lyrics.. I don't think he's hungry anymore. I think that he just doesn't want the ring as bad as he wanted it before. First, it was get a ring for him and his team. Then it was get a ring for Clyde. But now what? ------------------ "Not NOW, Cato!!!" -Kevin Calabro, Sonics Commentator
Win it for Francis???? And what about win one for Charles???? ------------------ I'm tha hip hop attracta, rapper slash acta, right back at cha!
True, Will, True I think it would be next to impossible for Hakeem to come to terms with himself and his abilities. He has no image of himself as a less than superstar player. Therefore he can't learn how to play in a way that is realistic. Everyone talked about how David Robinson stepped aside and let Tim Duncan carry the team to a championship. What David did wasn't close to what Hakeem needs to do to contribute to the Rockets. Hakeem's role on the team should be more similar to Sam Perkins (inside the three point line) than David Robinson. Your definetly right about his communication skills. It is obvious that Rudy and Hakeem have not had a heart to heart about strategy, his abilities, the team, etc. in the last three years. It is likely that they have never had one. ------------------
Will, Nothing is wrong with Hakeem that isn't wrong with every other player in the NBA 10 fold. Mentally and emotionally Hakeem is fine. I have to disagree with you on the severity of Hakeems mental state. He's slow as molasses, and he can't jump any more. That is making his inferior size and strength more aparent. That's what happens. Other great centers were good long after they got slow, but Hakeem's entire game was his speed and athleticism. That simple, dudes. He has no physical attribute to fall back on, there are guards that are as big as Hakeem. ------------------
