I've explained this a lot of times and don't feel like getting into it on an extended basis, but I can be a longtime Rocket fan and have Hakeem as my favorite athlete, yet still acknowledge the sheer productivity of Shaq. Yes it wasn't as aesthetically pleading or as complete as Hakeem - but the all around efficiency of Shaq's peak was at or above early Chamberlain/Alcindor levels for a 3-4 year stretch. He was simply impossible to stop outside of fouling and even then he still produced at a hyper-elite level overall. Hakeem came close to these levels (and arguably exceeded it in the playoffs) but didn't put up the raw numbers night in, night out, that Shaq did.
This is a completely unsurprising statement coming from Van Gundy, and completely justifiable. Van Gundy values consistency over talent. Hakeem had the most amazing array of skills ever assembled in a big man. But Duncan will end up with the more impressive results over time. Complain about that standard if you want to. But it's an eminently rational standard, and in this case, accurately applied.
I'm not going to go so far as accuse JVG of doing this intentionally to get back at Rox fans but this is something that bothered me about the choice of JVG as Rox coach from day one. JVG is a guy whose heart belongs to NYC and the Knicks and as such he has never had a feeling for the tradition of the Houston Rockets, especially since part of that tradition involved dismantling his Knicks. So when he came here he brought the Knicks tradition with him rather than continue the Rockets tradition. I mean why bring in Ewing when you have Moses Malone and Dream willing to coach Yao. So its not a surprise to me that he would put Duncan ahead of Dream since JVG's experience has been with the Knicks or in the national media rather than following the Rockets like we have. If you view is from NYC Duncan now would seem better than Dream since Duncan has been in the spotlight the last 10 years and has won more championships. Dream had a great career and I would say at his height was far better than Duncan but Dream never consistently got the same media attention that Duncan has and even when he did JVG was coaching the Knicks and more worried about MJ and Alonzo Mourning than following the Rox.
well its more than just consistency, imo. TD is a great player. he isnt as flashy and exciting as dream but lets not sell TD short on his amazing skills and talents. The guy can do it all (save shoot FTs well). i, of course, still think dream is better but obviously im biased. that being said, i completely understand someone choosing TD and they have a good argument.
When he says something so utterly stupid as this then JVG is the one that causes us to reflect and relive it, but in doing so, it again affirms that Les and Daryl knew exactly what needed to be done and sheds alot of light on those, probably like yourself, who feel he got a raw deal
The one huge advantage Duncan has over Hakeem is TD came into the league after MJ's skills had started to decline and (then Bulls GM) Jerry Krause had begun taking apart the championship Bulls teams. The Rockets won back-to-back titles with Hakeem (while Jordan was "hitting" .139 in AA ball), something Duncan's teams have never accomplished.
I don't think it was a direct comparison, but relevant is that JVG has faced Duncan 30 or more times in his career (including losing an NBA finals to him), including at least 4 games a year for the last 4 years and watched countless hours of film. Conversely, his teams (playing in the East) had to go against Hakeem at his peak maybe 10 times, 12-13 years ago.
I would take Hakeem, but I don't fault anyone for taking Duncan. I think Duncan has had the privilege of a better cast of teammates that is much deeper and a better organization hierarchy to draft and sign players who fit into what the team is trying to do. Duncan has been blessed with playing for a team with one of the best talent departments in the NBA, something Dream never had.
Robert "Big Shot" Horry said the best player he has ever played next to is "Dream." That means "Dream" is better than Shaq, Duncan, Koby, Ect. Enough Said!
Just because u have more champoinships doesn't make u a better player. It also doesn't necessarily mean your team is better. The Spurs from 2007 might have lost to the Rockets of 1997 in a best of 7. You don't know because they didn't play. During the 80's, 90's. Dream was the best big man in the league. Unforetunately he didn't become dominant (wins) until he was paired with Rudy for what ever reason. Is TD better? Who knows. Is Jeff a traitor for saying it? Definately Not. If Rudy SAID IT. That would be a traitor. IMO
Dream would kill Duncan one on one. There is no way Duncan could stop his plethora of moves. Also, Dreams 15 ft jumper was money. We will not talk about the defensive end.
well no one accused you or being reasonable. look, i think dream was way better too, but you have to at least acknowledge that TD could be mentioned.
see .. . I knew. . . I KNEW . . .something just ain't right with that Fella! BLASPHEMER!!! JVG = TRAITOR! Rocket River
Yes. Duncan has never won a championship without another all-star on his team. Duncan has never been named defensive player of the year and most valuable player in the same season.
what a shame that people cant even acknowledge another great player b/c he didnt play for houston. hard to blame him b/c he had good teammates.
How is JVG a traitor when he didn't even coach Hakeem. Just because a person joins an organization, doesn't mean he has support everything that happened in its history. JVG is entitled to his opinion.
