You just can't be sure, and that's exactly the point, today's NBA is way internationalized. there are still superstars like shaq, kobe, being extraordinary physical and athletic, but look at Kings, dallas, spurs, the balanced attack, the team work, now, that, is basketball.
You said it. Hakeem is a great individual talent, but I would take Russell over Hakeem(or even Wilt) any day.
With Absolute open-mindedness, objectivity, inclusiveness, and fairness, I pondered the question this poll was based on for oohhh let me see...............0.5 SECONDS!!!!!! puhleeeez, gimme a break, I love YAO, and for the Rockets sake hope he becomes 75% the player DREAM was in his prime years (92-96).............but MAN do I need to even say who the better player was, is and even after 15 years of YAO-mania will be....YOUR ANSWER, one word: DREAM.
My classification, Individual talent Wilt, Shaq, Hakeem >> Russell, Duncan Ability to make teammate better Russell = Duncan = Shaq >> Wilt, Hakeem Working Ethic Russell > Duncan > Hakeem, Wilt >> Shaq Overall Wilt, Russell > Hakeem = Duncan = Shaq Duncan may move up later.
There is absolutely no one on this planet, can foresee what will happen in 15 years. I don't even want to see Yao become a Hakeem type of player, I want to see all Rox players make each other better and I want to see Yao being the leader to to prove such concept, to "change the future of basketball".
Drafting someone because of their marketabiliity is small in comparison to drafting someone because of their talent. Overestimate his dominance? You have got to be kidding me!!! He was flat out one of the top 5-10 most dominant players in the league from his rookie year, through his championship years till 1997!!! His 1st championship came when he was 31. He made the NBA finals for the 1st time at 23 and beat a MJ/KAJ led team to get there. Again, I ask you to quit putting words in my mouth. I never said Hakeem was better than MJ or Wilt. Where did I say that??? Please tell me. Quit changing the subject to MJ and Wilt when we are comparing Yao and Hakeem.
Oh, I can be sure. There were HOFers like Malone, Dr. J., Magic, Kareem, Worth, English, K. Malone, etc. when Hakeem played. Teams in the 80s had teamwork too. In fact, many would tell you that the teams of the 80s had better teamwork than teams did in the 90s and now. There was just as much talent and teamwork in the 80s as there is today.
Well, if Yao could be 75% of the 95 Dream for like 10 years, he would bring at least 2 more champions to Rox. Then 75% of clutchcity dweller would jump onto Yao's bandwagon because of what he would have done for Houston "lately". With that's been said, Dream's prime was simply too short. Otherwise he should have won one more ring with Barkeley and Pippen.
I am not saying that I want YAO to become a "Hakeem type of player" What I mean is that I hope he produces 75% of what Hakeem produced a la points, rebounds, blocks, FG %, steals (well actually forget steals, thats impossible), assists etc..............
Yup, overestimate right there. MJ was in same draft and was NOT top5-10 most dominate one, yet he later becomes the best.
I like how the Yao-only folks have now changed the argument from Hakeem v. Yao to Hakeem v. Russell/Wilt/etc. That should tell you something right there. Oh, and as far as marketability goes, Dream actually had that too. He had a shoe deal, did several commercials and even had a song written about him just like Yao did.
and my posts clearly stated what type of player I want him to be. A producer based on the profound team concept. I won't disagree with you if I followed the convention. But I expect much different.
SS, Your credibilty just went right down the tubes. Joran averaged 28 his rookie year and 37 by the end of his 3rd season. He wasn't one of the 10 most dominant players I can't believe you are saying that Hakeem wasn't one of the top 5-10 most dominant players in the NBA either. Unreal. I am quite sure now that you didn't even watch Hakeem play when he was young.
I like Hakeem-only folks now start opening mind a little bit and unsure about the future, that says all.
Shangai Shark....let me correct you real quick....MJ was dominant right out the box. He averaged.....are you ready for this.................. 28.7 points (someone corect me if I'm wrong....I know I am close) his rookie year, that I'm sure was good for top 10....................
Read the context, I said during their rookie reason. so expect ppg, what else do you ever pay attention too? MJ clearly was not NOT top5-10.
Uhh...and Hakeem wouldnt be insulted at this whole thread? Gimme a break. If Yao turns out to be 1/2 of what Hakeem was, then the Rockets will be in great shape.
