Well, I'd have to say the jury's out on this one. Hakeem's whining and b****ing all year last year, and his continued belief that he was somehow NOT 37 years old and a shell of his former self, have now been proven to be just that --- senseless whining. If he's still complaining, then he's still DREAMING. It's time the dude saw the writing on the wall --- he's not going to get the kind of props he wants when he retires. He most likely won't retire on National TV (which, despite what anyone might say, is THE reason he wanted to play for Toronto). It's a shame, really, for such a great player to go out so quietly. If he would have stuck to his original retirement timeline, he would have had a great send-off last year, as many NBA arenas were planning to have ceremonies based on his announcing that he would retire last year. But, alas, his big ego and mouth screwed that up, and now he's faded even more into oblivion and he's even one MORE year removed from any hint of glory that he may have had... Just like last year, when he blamed Rudy and the Rockets for his age and diminshing skills (translated - riding the pine): 1. He's almost NEVER in the game in the 4th quarter when the game is close. 2. He's averaging less than 20 minutes a game. 3. He's had at least one significant injury that has kept him out more than a month, despite the fact that he's playing limited minutes... 4. He's making absolutely NO difference as to whether the Raptors will or will not make the playoffs this year. The current stars are. Last year it was Steve and Cuttino. This year it's Vince Carter and Antonio Davis. AND... This year... 1. He's taking less shots per game. 2. He's averaging less points and rebounds per game. 3. His team is looking less and less like they have a chance to make the playoffs, and he has no impact on their chances whatsoever. Now, I know a lot of us fans were pissed at Rudy last year for not playing him more. However, I'd say based on this year, and the fact that I have a TON of respect for Lenny Wilkens as a coach, that Rudy probably knew what he was doing, and Hakeem was just doing his usual whining. PLEASE Hakeem, PLEASE retire now. The longer you keep doing this, the less I can respect you as a player. I'll always remember and cherish the moments when you played at the top of your game. But, this is getting to the point where it is pathetic....
I have a feeling ZRB will be responding. But I agree. All the reasons why Hakeem left the Rockets are backfiring on him. He has the same (or worse) playing conditions in Toronto. Plus, the Raptor crowd doesn't give a flying **** about him. He's never won a title for them. If he would have stayed here, at least he'd get lots of love from the Compaq crowd.
Why the sad face? Olajuwon made his bed and he is now laying in it. I have abosolutely no remorse for a guy who trashed his former team, who happens to be my favorite team, just because his ego and his checkbook need to be fattened up. I wouldn't feel so bitter if Olajuwon had left the organization with some class.
I completely understand that Hakeem deserves the treatment he is getting now. I wouldn't even be mad at Rudy or the Rockets if they say anything negative about Hakeem, because Hakeem deserves it. As you said, he made the bed and is laying on it now. Maybe I am not feeling bad or sorry for Hakeem. Rather, I am feeling sorry for the situation he created. Imagine how much BETTER the situation would be if he had stayed here and retired earlier? Of course, I still love the man. No way can I forget what he has done for the city of Houston. He even had an impact to my life when he said "Stay humble".
