Actually that makes a lot of sense. Hakeem was one of the first big men to actually feel where the defense was on his back and act accordingly. Every other center, like shaq described simply faked left, went hard right.
Happy B-Day Dream and even though he is still alive and doing great as far as the NBA is concerned we will never see a player like that. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mfl7xXDR0DE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Mad respect!! Dream is the best! I got a question for the Nigerian cluctchfans - how do most Nigerians view The Dream? Reason I'm asking is because I just got into a heated argument with my Nigerian coworker. He made some disparaging remarks about Dream and I had to set him straight!
I feel for younger fans who only know Dream by reputation and film. To watch him night in and night out be the kind of player he was...truly a privilege and among the best moments in my 26 years as a Rockets fan. Its hard to describe really. Like James Harden...only a step beyond.
Thanks for posting. What Kenny said about Hakeem describes him the best. Dream respected every of those great Centers at his time. And Shaq???... was in his own zone. Even he knew he was going to be a Hall of Famer he was so nervous and humbled during his speech. Now he is doing this what Moses did to him. He is teaching players his moves and the way how they have to respect the game. Even Lebron listened carefully during Hakeem was teaching him.
Very true, same for me. Been following the dream since phi slamma jamma, what a ride it was! He's the reason I'm a rocket fan.
I'm not Nigerian but i can tell you that i got alot bad comments from Nigerian here in Germany for wearing Dreams jersey. Later i asked about this a student from Nigeria and he told me it is mostly pure envy and the fact that he left Nigeria and became an American. He also told me that the more educated Nigerians are proud of him because Hakeem always tells with pride that his journey started in Nigeria and of course that a man from Nigeria made it that far.
I have two Nigerian coworkers who said they viewed Hakeem as a sellout because he didn't go back to Nigeria, out of the kindness of his heart, to help out the people there... whether it be to provide mentoring, talking to the youths, etc. because the people there really looks up to him. So for that reason alone they were hating on him. My point to them was basically that Hakeem doesn't owe anything to anyone. Of course it would be a nice gesture if he did.. but that alone shouldn't give them a reason to hate on him.
That is what I heard from Nigerians also. They compare him to Mutombo who raised money for his native Congo.
Dream has done a lot for Houston. What couldn't be measured is the glory and happiness he has brought to millions of people. I call Bobby Brown rule on this one, it's his prerogative, he can do what he wants to do.
You are right Hakeem doesn't owe anything to anyone. But maybe ask your coworkers how many left from the Nigeria of the late 70s. Imagine Hakeem would mentoring a young talented Nigerian. What would he say? Concentrate on education first but at the same time there are people around the kid and promising him money and fame. Many things changed in sports all over the world since Hakeem started to play Basketball. Do you remember his story? Hakeem was told in Nigeria to go to college in the US. What do you think they would tell him today?
One of my coworker brought up the Nigerian Olympic basketball team.. saying Hakeem could have really helped them out. He was expecting Hakeem to volunteer his free time to coach these kids up. I told him that's not how it works. I asked him if he knew firsthand whether or not the Nigerian Olympic committee approached Hakeem for help. He didn't know the answer but assumed that Hakeem should be the one to go to the team and provide his help.. as if he's obligated to do something like that. I told him Hakeem is not obligated to do anything! So tomorrow, I'm going to print a huge Hakeem poster and am going to put it in my coworkers cubicles!!
:grin: At least your coworker is funny. In Germany we say the prophet goes to the mountain and not the other way around. Dont forget to wear your Hakeem jersey at work tomorow.
Like a lot of the posters here, I feel lucky to have been able to watch Hakeem for his whole career, and see his growth and dominance night in and night and night out on the Rockets. He didn't get the national respect he deserved back then, and it feels kind of neat being part of a select group that appreciated his greatness while it was happening. Now a lot of people will claim they appreciated him back then, but a lot of that is bogus. But here's the thing that for me illustrates how great Hakeem was. I and other posters said we feel lucky to have been able to watch Hakeem. He may be the only player I feel that way about. When it comes to most players I think they are lucky that other fans and I watch them night in and night out, because it gives them the chance to make a lot of money playing basketball, and sell their shirts and merchandise. They are lucky they have enough fans and support to do that. They are lucky we watch them and like them. With other players They are lucky we watch and support. With Hakeem We were lucky to be able to watch and support. That's how good he was.
