"still the best center ever"

That right there is one of the reasons why I respect Shaquille and why he is my second favorite center in the league. I first became a Rockets fan/Shaq fan after watching the Finals of 95. After getting Shaq's jersey I ended up like Hakeem a lot more because I enjoyed the way he played a lot. The way he moved as if he was a guard and the fact that he was extremely versatile. I'm not sure if this is true, but I think in his prime he could probably play any position, except for point guard.

 

I suppose I can't really call myself a Shaq hater, but I have a hard time appreciating what he does since it is so graceless and forceful when we had so many years of Dream's magic.

Plus I swear Shaq is brain dead. I have never seen a player show less emotion or even general reaction to the activity on the court (save when he dunks, which he digs ). I have a difficult time respecting a guy who is so obviously gifted, and doesn't seem to realize or rejoice in it.

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Shaq does know something! Hakeem is the best center of all-time! Hakeem knows he was way better then Shaq but will never admitt it as he doesn't want to look up himself. That's another thing I like about Dream! But I liked Barkley more and he was up himself.....in a good way! That reminds me, poor Charles! I still feel sorry for the Round Mound of Rebound!

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There is no doubt that Hakeem is the best center of all time. Because if Hakeem had a Jason Collier holding him in his prime he would have had atleast 40pts.

 

Can't we please have just one thread without you bashing Collier? Please? Just one?



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Im not bashing Collier Im telling the truth. If Collier would have tried to hold Hakeem in his prime he would have put 40pts on him. Plain and Simple. Thats why I think Hakeem is better than Shaq.

 

Whatever....

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Shaq respects and admires Dream so much, he doesn't want to make him look bad. He does not go all out when he plays against Dream. He doesn't attack the rim, he settles for jump shots or hook shots in the lane. You watch and see, Shaq will attack the rim tonight against the spers.

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Interesting theory, Bob. Shaq did level Hakeem once and got called. I'll be watching tonight. Should be an entertaining game.

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Interesting, but why didn't Shaq turn it up when Collier was in the game?



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Maybe because Collie was hanging on his arms? And hacking the crap out of him? Collier is no little pup, he is a pretty big guy.

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Collie is big. Shaq dwarfs a lot of centers, but I kept thinking how Collie was a lot closer to Shaq's size than I expected.

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I refuse to believe that Shaq takes it easy on Dream, or doesn't give it his all. Who knows if last night's game could be critical to the Lakers' playoff seeding? "Not going all out" is pretty close to tanking a game on purpose if you ask me. And I've seen Shaq do much much worse to Hak in the past (like, the 99 playoffs).

Give Dream credit for playing a good game. He's not the player he once was, but he's still got a little left in him.

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Sam, Dream was up for this matchup for sure, however, Shaq was not giving his full effort. Dream still has those quick hands (5 steals) but he is not the leaper that he used to be. Also, the Rockets did play a great team defense, collapsing to help Dream. These Shaq-Dream matchups are all Dream has left. Shaq will not let his idol look bad.

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No way can you say that Shaq doesn't go all out vs. Dream. I do think however that, when matching up against Hakeem, Shaq wants to impress Dream. Shaq tries to shoot more jump hooks, more turn around jumpers, and tries less to muscle his guy to the rim and dunk on him. Even at Dream's advanced age, he still has quick hands, and is a smart defender. It is tough to spin off of a guy who had maybe the best low post spin move ever.

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- Beck

Dream...bring back the goggles

 

shaq stills plays well against dream. I think everyone admired MJ(besides the pistons) but they still came out and played as hard as they could.

 

If you think Shaq is braindead for not showing any emotion on the court, I'd hate to hear what you have to say on Tim Duncan.

Btw, I've never liked Shaq's game, but he does deserve some props for giving one of the greatest centers of all time some respect. Though, I guess he doesn't have much of a choice, after getting embarrassed by Dream in '95.

Azim da Dream


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Bob -- It's not about shaq not going "all out". I think he changes his game when he plays Dream. Dream has always played the game within the spirit of the rules -- he's always been a finesse center (more of a power foward in centers' clothing). Shaq has always pushed the spirit of the rules -- lowering his shoulder and being the proverbial bull in the china shop. He'll mow down smaller opposing centers until he's called for it -- which, as we know, is a rarity. You're on to something -- however, I think Shaq tries to play Dream's game when they match up. Its' more about Shaq's respect for the way Dream plays the game. I noticed it back in the finals of '94-'95.

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kiss, you are 100% correct. I guess my "Shaq doesn't go all out" quote was a little harsh. He does change his game, falling right into Dream's trap.

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