Interesting to hear this from one of the best big men in NBA history. I've seen Micheal Jordan and Robert Horry saying Hakeem was better than Shaq - or at least implying that - but to hear this directly from one of the rivals of Hakeem is pretty big. It just goes to show you how great of a player Hakeem really was. [youtube]2qeoycmv6AM[/youtube] Link
Shaq was incredibly dominant in that brute force type way... check out the 2001 Finals. But, no one had the skills of Hakeem.
There is no need to ask Robinson's opinion... just see Exhibit A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4uXlRGAF0
1. He is Correct 2. It is a No Brainer 3. He and Shaq did not like each other [though it more Shaq HATING him than the reverse] Rocket River
With the way Shaq dissed Robinson, I doubt Robinson would pick Shaq. That being said, he picked correctly. Lol.
This seems like a no brainer, although I don't think this was an overwhelming endorsement of Hakeem. He said that Shaq was better at one thing, Hakeem was better at another, but overall he would probably take Hakeem. That seems fair enough. Don't forget that Michael Jordan definitely did a lot more than just imply that Hakeem was better. In Jordan's own words:
My goodness. Hakeem's footwork is unbelievable. No matter how many times I see those clips, they still amaze me
He said more than Hakeem over Shaq. He said, "If I'm starting a team, that's probably the guy I'd start with." "The Guy". He was asked about Magic, MJ, Sir Charles, Mailman, and Shaq...but Hakeem was "the guy" he'd start his team with. Major Props from the Admiral.
There will never be another center like him and it was an absolute pleasure to watch him. His absolute destruction of Robinson in 95 was probably the best individual performance that I have ever witnessed.
Kudos to The Admiral for knowing where he stands in the pantheon of NBA greats. Somewhere behind the Dream. Well said, Mr. Robinson.
As seems to be the case with DRob, I'll never forget 1995. What the Rockets did throughout that postseason will never be surpassed for me. The Robinson domination was the peak among many highs for Hakeem.
Hakeem Olajuwon is why I watch basketball. He is the benchmark I hold all other Rockets to and so far it's been like watching Varsity Ball since.
Even Shaq says he wasn't as good as Hakeem. Hakeem is literally the only player Shaq ever said that about. Or ever will. "It's okay, Shaq. You'll get your championships after I retire." Spoiler
