I found this article comparing the Shaq to 6 other Hall of Fame Centers including Hakeem. It describes Hakeem as the only dominant center after age 32.... Hakeem Olajuwon Age 31: 27.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 41.0 minutes Age 32: 27.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 39.6 minutes Age 33: 26.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 38.8 minutes Championships before 32: 1 Championships after turning 31: 1 Hakeem won his two titles at age 31 and 32, and his only MVP in 1994 at age 31. He clearly remained a dominant player through age 34, at which time he suffered a series of injuries the rest of his career. Olajuwon led the Rockets to the title in '94, without a fellow Hall of Famer on the team. Analysis: So far, the only center on the list who maintained his peak value at age 32 and beyond.
You have to remember that Hakeem did have a significant advantage. He started to play basketball late in his life. So, less wear and tear on the bod. Also, with the exception of maybe Wilt...and I say MAYBE because I can debate anyone on this point...with the exception of maybe Wilt, we are talking about the greatest athletic center who was blessed with a body made of steel and the speed to go with that bod. I mean, just a freak of nature. Possibly even a better athlete that Jordan since the man didn't have a sip of water and dropped 32/15/3 on His Highness. Thats the difference. Shaq is hacked and bumped and practially killed on most every play. I don't think he will make two more years at where he is now.
Man, I miss Hakeem. Him and Yao side by side would of been the greatest Twin Tower combo in NBA History (Sampson and Akeem wouldn't even match to that).
Not sure about this. Even though he started to play basketball late, he was very much involved in sports (soccer) before he came to U. of Houston to play basketball. He started to play organized basketball in college, played 3 years there, and then went 1 year ealier to NBA. So, basically, he only missed organized basketball in high school and prior to it. I doubt high school basketball is so intense as to add significant amount of wear and tear on an athelet's body. Even if it does, I am sure soccer more than enough made it up for Hakeem.
Well, include the extra 10 years you play even before you get to college on the hardcourts and in highschool. Thats alot of pounding. He started playing at 18. Not 8. Big difference. Why you think running backs peak at 28? They start taking a beating since Pee Wee Football. The body is not made to get hit in anyway. It wears on you. Soccer does what? Run you to death? Its not rugby. Its soccer. And they play on grass so where is the wear on the knees? Hakeem has an advantage of protecting his body for so long and then God goes and gives the man a body of steel, the speed of a cheetah and balance of a gymnast. Like a superhero some shiznet. Freaky.
I wouldn't exactly call it a significant advantage--for one, he was a very active athlete in several sports so I'm sure he still had wear and tear. Also, less time playing a specific sport would normally equate to poorer conditioning for that sport and lack of knowledge to overcome. Lastly, do you think Hakeem had the same workout facilities, equipment and training in Nigeria that the others had here in the States?? To realize is to recognize the greatness that will always be HAKEEM THE DREAM!
And his blocks and steals: Age 31: 3.7 blk, 1.6 stl Age 32: 3.4 blk, 1.9 stl Age 33: 2.9 blk, 1.6 stl FG% above 50% every year as well. Shaq's best shotblocking year was 3.5 per game his rookie year. After that, his highest is only 3.0 Shaq has also never 1 steal per game any year. Tim Duncan's best shotblocking year was 2.9 and he also never averaged 1 steal per game.
I really dont see kids in or before high school going thru a lot of pounding. When was the last time you have seen 10 year old on playground posting up and pounding someone? In most African and third world countries (where Hakeem was raised) , they play soccer on hard surfaces, roads etc. If anything, kids here are blessed with top of the line atheletic facilities, and good quality shoes. Where Hakeem grew up, kids start playing soccer at around age of 5 barefoot on road. Now tell me that isnt some serious wear and tear on your legs?
Not to mention that all of his regular seasons tats would always go up another notch inthe playoffs. FREAK
ZBoy, When you jog, the pounding you take on your KNEES is the pounding I am talking about. Hard surfaces constantly taking its toll on your body. Look at Jordan. The man was iced down during the game on his knees after 30. When was the last time you saw someone at Dreams age dominate? They don't do that because the mileage is already adding up. Its not normal to be 7 feet tall and 300 pounds and run what equates to about 4 miles every night on a hard surface. Not to mention the jumping and the falling. But ok. Thats just my theory. You have yours.
that's what separates hakeem from so many (well actually everyone), his defense. there was a six year stretch where he averaged at least 6 combined blocks and steals. at least 6. he peaked at 6.7 when he averaged 4.6 blocks and 2.1 steals. this year, guess how many people averaged 6? exactly zero. guess how many people even averaged 5? exactly zero. unless i missed someone big ben with 4.81 and AK47 with about 4.7 were the leaders. hakeem was a freak.
