[ESPN] 18 years since a player averaged 20+ppg & 14+rpg

Don't see what this has to do with the Rockets outside of the Hakeem reference, but great for Howard. He is something special and as his offense continues to develop, he could keep those numbers up for 10 more seasons, easily.

 

Once Howard gets older and has less hops, he could possibly develop into a Hakeem like player. Although I don't think he'll ever be able to match the footwork and grace of Hakeem.

 

I find these random statistical comparisons rather pointless, a media-enticing device, if you will. There will always be combinations of statistics which haven't been achieved in a long time, regardless of how much of an impact those numbers have on the league. When's the last time a center taller than 7,3 averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 85% FT shooting? Never. When's the last time a player who's 6,8, weighing 223 lbs, from Mt. Zion Christian Academy to average 22.1 ppg, 5,2 rpg, 5.6 apg, and 1.1 spg? Never.

 

In his 4th season, Hakeem was a more polished player and was already adding more moves to his ever expanding post moves. Better shotblocker and was a top ten steals player too.

Nice stat tidbit, but at this stage of their careers:

Hakeem > DH

Dwight is an athletic freak and that's the main reason why he is kicking ass stat wise. Talent wise and refinement wise, Hakeem will always above DH.

 

call me when he gets a quadruple double.

 

you will never get called.

 

Double digits in points, rebounds, blocks, and turnovers.

 

Um, no. Just because he's matched that productivity up to this point doesn't mean it's reasonable to extrapolate that into similar progression. That jump to the 27ppg range is HUGE and it's highly unlikely he develops a full blown offensive arsenal like Hakeem. Nothing against Howard - Hakeem was the most skilled big man in NBA history.

 

Yao owned Dwight in the last few head-to-head games, I think.

 

Howard lacks the overall quickness, offensive skill, defensive anticipation, and all-out intensity that Hakeem had.

It's like comparing Jason Richardson to Michael Jordan.

 

that's a pretty big reference, by comparison...

 

But Hakeem played what? 65 college games to work on his game. He had already battled centers of Ewing's caliber before even playing in the NBA. Just saying...

Howard will never be as good as Hakeem. This era is different. Howard wouldn't put up these stats 15yrs ago.

 

I could say that he has really accomplish something.

But I wouldn't say he is as good advertise, because let's be honest he is no Hakeen Olajuwon (even younger Hakeem).

 

Hakeem playing in this era would average 35/18.

Hakeem >>> DH.

 

I understand being defensive of Hakeem, and the random placement of this thread being confusing...but let's not undervalue DH's performance. Yes, i was annoyed by the Superman dunk, too. But again, 21.2 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 60% shooting, 2.3 bpg...it's a great great year. If Yao was doing this, no question people would be freaking out about how awesome it is.

Can Dwight get toward the 27-30 ppg level? Who knows. I think so, though. He's so young. Free throw improvement alone can add another point or two to his average. Then we're just talking about a few more buckets. He'll have to refine his game some, but its not unreasonable to think over the next ten years, Dwight will become the type of player who takes 20 shots a game (making between 10 and 11) and going 6 or 7 for 10 at the free throw line = 26 - 29 points a game. One or two years he could be more dominant then that.

Dwight Howard is good.

 

until he has a legit post game, this is the best he can do.

but if he does, he could be the best big man easily.

 

Meh, you could say DH got a jumpstart on playing against NBA talent before Hakeem did. It can go either way on that argument. Just sayin...

I'm just a little miffed the OP is insinuating that DH is on the level of Hakeem, even in Hakeem's 4th year.

I cannot overemphasize enough that DH will NEVER be the 2nd coming of Hakeem. Hell, Shaq with his 4 rings and Big Man Pecking Order Ordinance bullcrap, can't hold a candle to Hakeem's talent and all around game.

 

Yao has destroyed him head-to-head for Howard's entire career

Yao 24.3 ppg on .550 FG%, to DH's 12 ppg on .443 FG%

http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=mingya01&p2=howardw01

 

DH's current line against Cleveland this afternoon:

4 points on 1-8 shooting, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, 4 blocks

9 minutes left in the game.

he's no Dream