Hakeem Olajuwon is a shell of his former self. He can still do a few things but is nowhere near his form in the glory years. Hakeem is 37 or 38 and he can't perform like he did, but here are some other players who are in their mid to late 30's who put up good to great numbers: Patrick Ewing:15PPG,9.7RPG Last Year's Charles Barkley:16PPG,12RPG Karl Malone:25PPG,9RPG John Stockton:11PPG,8APG Michael Jordan in last championship year(36 years old):28PPG,6RPG,4APG Reggie Miller:18PPG, still a deadly 3 point shooter David Robinson:15PPG, 10RPG, put up big numbers in playoffs without Tim Duncan I know Hakeem has been having some injuries the past few years. Ewing has been battling injuries too. I think Hakeem could put up 15 PPG and 8 to 10 RPG if he is healthy, but he never seems to be healthy for a long stretch anymore. I wonder how Karl Malone does it. I hate Karl, but he is still one of the best players in the game, but he is 37. Hopefully Hakeem steps it up. Why can't Hakeem perform like the other oldies? ------------------ "See they pick and pick and pick. Man they picked me to death." -Steve Francis on the Utah Jazz
Bit of basic biology here LiLStevie3; some people go through puberty at the age of 11 - others at the age of 15. Some people develop fast than others. In the same thinking, some people age faster than others. You might see some 35 year olds running around like they are just 15 and some 25 year olds hobbling around like they're 40. Karl Malone has aged DAMN WELL! Hakeem has aged a little worse.... now while he may have been even further limited by respiratory problems last year (can't breathe can't run - can't run can't play!) - it is silly to think that Hakeem will put up numbers similar to his "glory days" this season. I would expect Hakeem to play better than last season - simply because he'll be able to breathe properly and that will help him get into the flow of games a lot better. Just don't expect miracles from him ------------------
Boy, does that stevie wonder name fit you. By the way, have you ever seen stevie's house? neither has he ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
The truth is in the middle. Hakeem has played with a "satisfied with my career" attitude. He does not display the passion for the game that he used to. That being said however, he still averaged 19pts and 9 boards the year before last. In addition, he was severely hindered by his breathing problems. I hope he can just come out and help these young guys learn how to be a professional. I will take whatever he gives us, and love every minute he plays, as we may NEVER see another man like him in the Rocket's PJs. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
If Hakeem is healthy the whole year, and can put up numbers like Ewing did last year and tutor Cato and Taylor, than I think the Rockets now have a good shot at making playoffs and going to second round. If Hakeem isn't healthy and Cato is the same and Mo Taylor doesn't rebound, the Rockets will struggle to win 35 to 40 games, if not they could win 45 to 50. ------------------ "See they pick and pick and pick. Man they picked me to death." -Steve Francis on the Utah Jazz
StevieWonder, the blind cracks would be too easy to make. LiLStevie3, none of the players you mentioned are true post players. Do you realize the banging and abuse Hakeem took in the post over 15 years? Also, it would be interesting to see the career free throw attempts of your listed players. Hakeem, was never given the proper respect of a superstar and didn't get many of the superstar calls. Consequently the abuse and now the results. ------------------ Respect Hakeem's legacy. A championship in the hand is worth two in the bush!!
Karla Malone is a post player. Hakeem no longer has the fire and is older. Think about this for a minute. Remember when Olajuwon was young, you used to read about him playing in Fonde all summer, with Moses Malone and other players. You never hear about Hakeem playing pickup games any longer, why, because he no longer has the passion for the game that he used to. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, and if Hakeem did not have a ring or 2, he would probably be trying harder. I just want him to come back and be a positive role model for the young guys on the team. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
I think it is a real shame when some Rocket fans have the nerve to bad mouth Hakeem after all he's done and meant to the Rockets. Hakeem deserves nothing but respect. He has played the game cleanly and carries himself in a way few professionals could ever dream. How quickly we forget the 2 championships that Hakeem helped us win! ------------------
CostasHater, No one is bad mouthing Hakeem, he has been AWESOME for the Rockets. The truth is, his time has passed, and no matter how much people want to relive the past, it won't happen. I am happy he is getting a swan song season, I just want him to stay healthy and contribute as much as he is able. Hakeem will always be my favorite Rocket player. However, as a pragmatist, I am inclined to point out the truth, if you wish to bury your head in the sand, you will find it hard to breathe. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
CostasHater, Thats what seperates the TRUE fan from the WANNABE fan. ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
BobFinn, Huh? And, man you must have been posting your butt off, you have passed me by like I was standing still. I better get busy, spreading my pragmatism around. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
DaDakota! Before you decide that Hakeem is washed up, why don't you wait and see what he does this season, I think Hakeem deserves that much respect!! I also believe if Hakeem's game is hurting the team, then Hakeem will know when to step down or cut his minutes. I still think Hakeem has some game left and will have a good season. ------------------
CostasHater, Hold on there my man, read my first post in this thread. I said he is only one year removed from 19pts and 9 rebounds. I never said he was washed up, just that he is past his prime. I think Hakeem can contribute mightily this year. In fact, I am rooting for it ! However, if you think he is the same player now as he used to be, then I can not help you. DaDakota - proud Hakeem fan ! ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
By my true fan and wannabe fan comment, I meant anyone who bashes Dream is not a true fan. Just because he had a bad season due to health problems, everyone wants to run him out of town on the first horse that is leaving. No one on this board knows the true extent of his health problems. By that I mean how much trouble does he have breathing? After all he has given this city, he deserves to leave on HIS terms. ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
BobFin, Agreed that he deserves to go out on his terms, but that does not mean he is beyone criticism. If he does not show the passion, then he will get criticised, and rightfully so. Someone has to hold their feet to the fire. DaDakota ------------------ All you MO-FO's better stop ripping off my lines !!
Only Nolan Ryan is ageless. Everybody else runs out of gas sooner or later. Hakeem is done. He can't be what he was. That's why he will retire. He knows it to. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
I know he will not be as good as he was. Just to be able to see one more Dreamshake or one more Blocked shot or one more game winning shot will make it all worth it. ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
