Hakeem is the all time blocks leader. Was in top 10 in steals every year. Let alone how dominant he was on the offensive end of the court! Hands down best center ever! 🤘🏾💪🏾❤️
Olajuwon was one of the most dominant bigs on BOTH ends of the floor. I would take Olajuwon over any big. That little shake was his move that why its called THE DREAM SHAKE. Olajuwon is my favorite big of all time.
I have him at third, after Wilt and Russell. Not gonna lie though, I'd have loved to see blocks and steals on those guys to be more comfortable about the ranking.
@@TheIcemanthomas He's my fourth, but definitely behind the top three in my book. He's definitely one of the greatest centers ever, but he his rings all came when he had the support of all-time great point guards, Oscar and Magic. Prime-Kareem scores more than prime-Hakeem, but they're just about equal in blocks and rebounds. Prime-Hakeem takes the lead through his defensive presence and steals, in my book, though I'd understand swapping their order. Wilt and Bill are gods of ages past. If you don't believe they're 1 and 2, you need to look further into the heights their rivalry spurred them to. A post-prime, post-knee-surgery Wilt blocked consecutive skyhooks while ignoring Kareems defence. And Bill won more rings than he has fingers for against prime Wilt. By the way, it's a bit disrespectful not to call Kareem by his chosen name.
Olajowon over Mutombo.. easily.. mutombo couldnt hold Olajuwon's jock.. Mutumbo was just defensive. Hakeem was the whole package Hakeem "the dream" Olajuwon.. the dream shake is a play off his nickname and him shaking back in forth then going ro his fadeaway jumper
Yeah man it’s insulting to Olajuwon for somebody to even ask the question. The only centers to compare with him are Kareem, Wilt, Russell, and Shaq. Anybody else is just foolish.
The fact that Hakeem was picked over Jordan and no one criticized Houston is noteworthy. I think it is also amazing that a center was also one of the leaders in steals. For a man his size, that's amazing.
When it comes to game, not talking about legacy but just game, Olajuwon is the best center in NBA history. He doesn't get that recognition but he should. There's no center that was as skilled and dominant on BOTH ends of the court than Olajuwon. The 2 years that he won a championship is still the best I've ever seen a player play. Bird, Magic, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, etc. none of them were as great as Olajuwon was on both ends of the court during those 2 seasons.
My favorite stat is he was the first player to ever finish a season top 10 in rebounds and steals.. And he did it 10 seasons in a row.. And nobody has done it since..
Hakeem is my #1 center of all time he was 6’10, and didn’t start playing basketball til he was in high school. He’s from Nigeria and he grew up playing soccer. He was a Goalie. No big man had his foot work, he was a mid 75-80% cree throw shorter, he could score from anywhere on the floor and he had handles like not other bug men ever. He was the most skilled big man of all time. He’s 1 of the only players to win a title with no other superstar with there 1st title. Robert shorty was a rookie from Alabama. At the time nobody knew who Kenny Smith was . The only other big man that was close to him as versatility and could do everything was Tim Duncan. Lebrun/Kobe/Shaq and other NBA greats have reached out to Hakeem in the off-season to try and learn his footwork and post moves
Hakeem dominates Mutombo in every single measurable defensive stat. Hakeem basically learned to play basketball in College, he played soccer his entire life and is the reason people believe he had elite footwork. Fun fact about Akeem/Hakeem was he was originally set to go to school up north but changed his mind after visiting the school during the winter. Instead he chose to go to Houston because he preferred the hot weather.
@@jlui21everyone wanted Kwame actually, he was very good during practices, nobody predicted that he was going to be a bust. Mj is not a great GM, but let's not rewrite history
Just asking the question Olajuwon or Mutumbo says you need to watch more videos on Olajuwon. I for one not going to take ANY big over Dream. He should be on EVERYONES top 10 players alltime list if you ask me. The 1st non-american to win MVP and DPoY and never even touched a basketball until he was 15. Only player ever to retire being in the top 10 in Blocks, scoring, rebounds, and steals. Only player ever to win MVP, DPoY, and Finlas MVP in same season. Only player ever to have 200 blocks and 200 steals in same season. Only 12 players have ever got 200 blocks and 100 steals in a season and he did it 11 times. 1 of only 4 players to ever record a quadruple double and he actually did it twice but NBA took an assist away. He's also the closest player ever to get a QUINTUPLE DOUBLE. That's how great of an all-around player he was. He could do it all. There will NEVER be another Olajuwon. Hope you continue on your Olajuwon journey man......
Bro. Look at Olajuwon DEF stat numbers. He is number one in block shots of all time. That won't be replaced in a long time. Mutombo doesn't even come close. He is number 2 in blocks. Olajuwon is the only center that is top 10 in steals. Plus Mutombo had NO offensive game. Please research before putting up a video. It will only take you 5 minutes.
He's not top ten, but he's on the cusp. And you're right that he is world's greater than Mutombo. And you're also right that he was probably a once in a generation if not once in a lifetime player. A true all-time great.
My dude Olajuwon recorded at least 100 steals and at least 200 blocks every season for his first 12 seasons! The only player in history to record 200 blocks and 200 steals in the same season and the only center in the top 51 or so in the top 10 in steals(#9 all time)
"He can shoot?" 😁There's nothing Hakeem couldn't do. Maybe besides bring the ball up court Olajuwon did it all. I love this! Seeing someone knowledgeable about basketball really getting thier 1st experience of a legend like Olajuwon! This is great!
Olajuwon is the greatest basketball player of all time. The game footage, stats, and level of competition is all available now, there's no denying it anymore
I agree Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest basketball player of all time! Forbes magazine actually has more info to back it up and that’s only statistically
Olajuwon didn't have the number of MVPS and championships like Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Magic, or Bird, but you could make a strong argument that Olajuwon was the most-talented/skilled player of all-time. Few guys ever worked as hard as he did on both ends of the court. He was a tenacious hustling defensive monster with the finest footwork on offense of any big ever. I remember during about '88 to '91, guys like Jordan, Barkley, Drexler and Ewing were putting up tremendous individual stats, but Olajuwon's were otherwordly; he led the league in both blocked shots and rebounds during the '89 and '90 seasons. He continued to be on a tear in '91 until a Bill Cartwright elbow to the eye put him out for awhile (had to have surgery and came back wearing goggles for a period). While Olajuwon was out, the NBA was already trying to build up young David Robinson as the best center in the league. But, we all know who was the best center of the 90s.
Olajuwan was great defensively bro. You gotta study him more. Hakeem was one of the most underrated players in history and I'm sure his peers will tell you the same thing. When Jordan left the league this is the man who couldn't be stopped.
I only disagree in that the sonics wupt houston every damn year. They were the biggest reason houston did not get farther in the playoffs more often. Damn sonics lol
Dream is the NBA ALL TIME Shot Blocker leader. Way more than Mutumbo. He got it done on both ends. Dream dominated all the Centers in his era even Shaq.
He definitely had weakness but they were few and far between. He wasn’t the best when it came to his shot selection for a while and had that same stigma of never passing early in his career. But like mj and kobe, he was such a great shot maker that it really didn’t hurt him at all. And once he started a trusting his teammates more, he got even more dominant. He’s probably the best difficult shot making bigman ever.
He was a 7 ft. tall soccer goalie before he came to Houston for college ball. Living in Houston, we got a lot of back story on him and knew that he would be a monster.
@Ben Born January 21, 1963 (age 60) Lagos, Nigeria Nationality Nigerian / American Listed height 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) Listed weight 255 lb (116 kg) Career information High school Muslim Teachers College (Lagos, Nigeria) College Houston (1981-1984) NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall Selected by the Houston Rockets Playing career 1984-2002 Position Center Number 34
Olajuwon was everything Mutumbo was defensively and more. Hakeem is the all-time shot block leader in league history and top ten all time in steals as a center.
Easy Hakeem... I love your Mutombo love. There's a reason the NBA just named the defensive player of year award after Hakeem! The only guy outside of David Robinson (who Hakeem cooked in the playoffs) who could get you 4 blocks AND 2 steals a game from the center position. While grabbing 11-14 boards and scoring 27-28 a game. Also I think this is the season when he won MVP, DPOY and finals MVP. Something nobody else has ever done.
@@lukekiefer5964 In the argument, no doubt, but tough to know because hardly any defensive stats were kept.. Definitely a better run protector, and he won with size, one on one, defensively, but both Russell and Hakeem were better one on one.., and both were certainly better help defenders.. It’s close between those 3..
Young man. Hakeem is the all time leader in shot blocks. He has an astounding 601 more blocks than Deke. He was also in the top 10 in steals of all time when he retired. Offensively is not even a comparison. You may be the only person in the world that would ever say, they would take Deke over Dream. I appreciate your platform….Keep striving to be great lil homie!
Wrong. Hakeem is the only player in the top 8 in block’s and steal’s. Number 1 in block’s, and 8 steal’s as a center. There is a video of him blocking Jordan’s shot for 6 minutes.
Hakeem never fails to lead his team to playoffs once no matter how bad his team was except the year he was injured. Olajuwon was an all star already in his rookie year. Arguable top 10 player of all time.With regards to him and Mutombo, Olajuwon is the all time leader in blocks and top 10 all time in steals. No center ever makes it to the top 10 all time in steals except for him. Its very clear that Olajuwon is better than Mutombo defensively.Olajuwon is the main offense and defense of the Rockets and the only player to win MVP,Finals MVP and Defensive player of the Year in one season.Truly underrated as an all time greats.
You saw the offense but Olajuwon is the all-time leader in blocks and top 10 in steals! (the only big in the top 60!!) Hollinger rated him 2nd best defender ever, behind Bill Russell (who avg'd 15 pts/Mutombo's best year was 16 as a rookie, btw). Hakeem just gets underrated on defense b/c the offense is AMAZING!
He actually 6'10" He played big and had long arms. Another center with great foot work at that time. Kevin McHale of Boston Celtics. With Bird And Parish. Hakeem had all footmovent. McHale was more wiggel
The Houston Cougars (Olajuwon, Drexler, etc) were averaging around 100 pts. per game in 1983. In the NCAA Finals, N.C. State held them to 52 points (no shot clock) and won in the final second on a play I still can see vividly right now. No shit. Still bummed. lol. Wiki that!
Hakeem was the best center in the league for about 10 years. In his prime, he was better than Shaq, David Robinson, Ewing, Mourning, and WAY better than Mutombo. Dikembe isn't even in the same conversation of greatness with Hakeem. Olajuwon was quick like a guard, and had the best footwork of any NBA center ever. It's not even close. Olajuwon was a better defender than Mutombo too.
He was the number 1 pick in the same draft as Michael Jordan. He was a dominant big man, and he led his Rockets teams to the playoffs for like 10+ seasons in row. He sent Shaquille and penny home without a ring. Truly one of the best to ever play and put up a quadruple double
I got Hakeem in my all time starting 5 with Larry and MJ as the must-have core three players. You could put Hakeem at the 5 or at the 4 as well. Based on their playstyles and having no real weaknesses in the squad: (C) Duncan (PF) Hakeem (SF) Larry (SG) MJ (PG) Magic *or* as a smaller, quicker team with constant full court pressure, possibly more scoring, and some of the defensive load taken off Jordan by putting the 3 on the other teams best player: (C) Hakeem (PF) Larry (stretch 4) (SF) Kawhi or Scotty (SG) MJ (PG) Stockton
@@thefalco1981 Shaq is a top choice as well as Wilt at the 5, a power player that could bully the other team into submission, and in Wilt's case, also a lot of finesse when needed, and insane athletic ability.
2 of my favorite basketball players from the 80s/90s was hakeem Olajuwan and Dominique Wilkins. Both incredibly underrated and never had another star or helper on their team to help them get more championships. I always wished they would end up on the same team. If they had they'd been very hard to stop.
Awesome seeing people react to Hakeem for the first time. I watched him all the time growing up in Houston in the 80s and 90s, but I was a kid, so I couldn't appreciate just WHY he was so good. I saw the stats, I saw him score, and I saw his defense. But I didn't see the little things. The footwork, the little micro-moves with his shoulders, hands, and head that he obviously spent years cultivating. I also wondered why people didn't "just guard him on the fadeaway" before realizing that if they leaned too hard into the fadeaway, he could easily spin around and do a jump hook..or work his way under the basket for a reverse layup... or simply fade in the opposite direction. And those 1993-95 Rockets were so good in part because his surrounding cast was so good, so if you double-teamed Hakeem, you ran the risk of leaving Kenny Smith, Robert Horry, Sam Cassell, Mario Elie, Clyde Drexler, Otis Thorpe, etc. open for an easy look at a three or an easy basket underneath.
Hakeem is the only player in NBA history to win a championship with 0 all stars on his team, and that was the team you were watching. So when you say they look like a dominant “team”, I wouldnt say so. They just had Hakeem and no one else did. Also, when you said you’d take Mutumbo over Hakeem bc defense wins championships, Hakeem dragged his team to 2 finals wins. Mutombo never did. I’d say Hakeem was just as good defensively as Mutombo, but Hakeem also scored 35 ppg in the playoffs and around 25 in the reg season. Mutombo not doin that
You take his left side, you get the fade away from the baseline, you take his right side it's an easy jump hook. You double/triple team him, the Rockets surrounded him with excellent 3-pt shooters (Maxwell, Kenny Smith, Horry, Mario Elie). Also, he was a much better defender than Mutombo. More blocks and he had the most steals as a big man. Along with the quick feet he had really quick hands.
Joel has great footwork. He modeled his game after Hakeem. And shaq did have solid footwork. It wasn’t as flashy as Hakeem’s. It was more subtle and hidden behind his power game. But it was there. Tim Duncan had phenomenal footwork. Al Jefferson’s post work was good. Zach Randolph is another. Kevin Mchale is close
@@armandodelossantos736his game also just because he didnt do 40 plus anight he couldve but only when needed and won 2 rings without another allstar on the roster.
From what I've seen from both, I'd say that Olajuwon provides enough defense to justify taking him over Mutombo, especially because he'd do so much on the offensive end :)
Hakeem is #1 to this day alltime blocks leader. Also, retired 7th alltime in steals. First overall for steals among centers. He was such an amazing rebounder he regularly was in the top 10 in rebounds despite constantly being out of position from blocking shots. Comparing Hakeem to Motumbo is frankly insulting. Hakeem was a far superior player. Only player to reach 200 blocks and 200 steals in a season and he did it like 4 or 5 times. Seriously, comparing a 2 way player to a one way player is not fare in the first place.
Not even close Hakeem the dream 100%.... This guy is the best center ever... only once for a year played with another super star (Sampson) went to the final. Ralph Sampson injured never again had a chance until 93. It was him alone against the world.
First watch! I gree up watching the dream! He played the center position in the NBA in the mid 80's through the 90's like big men okay in the modern era! It's what makes Bird so iconic as well! Guys that played in the what i call "BIG EAST" era through the physicalness of the game at that time with the finess that translates into todays game! Hakeem would be a top end 4 or 5 in today's game if he entered the league, no doubt! Probably the best in the league!
The first couple of minutes all of Hakeem's scoring is against Mutombo. Mutombo could not stop Hakeem. Defensively, Mutombo only had blocks, Hakeem had blocks, rebounds and steals. In all those highlights Hakeem is scoring on some of the top defenders, including Rodman (w/San Antonio), Mutombo (w/Denver), Alton Lister (w/Seattle), Buck Williams (w/Portland) and Shaq (w/Orlando). Hakeem finished his career #1 in all-time blocks and top 10 in all-time steals. The only center in the top 20 all-time. It was not uncommon for Hakeem to pick the ball for a steal from a guard.
There is a reason elite guards like Kobe and Lebron went to Hakeem to tune their footwork. Skills gained due to him playing soccer as a kid instead of bball. Moses Malone was also instrumental in hardening him for the NBA.
I have Kareem as the #1 Center of all time but Hakeem at #2, he's the all time blocks leader, ahead of Mutombo, and he has the best footwork and smoothest shot of any center in history. When MJ retired in the mid 90's, Hakeem automatically became the best player in the league and started winning chips.
Hakeem is the all time leader in shot blocks. Dikembe is second and was a great defender. but Olajuwon was a guy you could build an entire franchise around. so awesome to see you getting to watch him play for the first time!! always a good Idea to go back and watch the previous generations play.. :)
there were many stars that were to win the championship when jordan went to play baseball but olajuvon won them twice and that tells everything about him
Hakeem was like a 7ft guard with his footwork. He’s all time shot block leader and top 10 all time in points, rebounds, steals, and assists. Imagine if Shaq and Olajuwon on the same team putting Olajuwon at PF.
They did because Sampson was a skilled ball handler and shooter from the outside. Surprisingly at Sampson’s height he wasn’t as good as Olajuwon was at paroling the middle. Sampson would’ve been great if it wasn’t for his injuries. He had a soft touch.
Olajuwon was a soccer player in his youth before he got into basketball and he translated his soccer juke into basketball to create the Dream Shake. That's part of why his footwork was so godlike. Looking at the shake it doesn't look like much but if you break it down it's a perfect 50/50 mixup.
i'm sure someone in these comments someone says that he played soccer.. and was a goalie!! and didn't start playing basketball until pretty late.. like 17 or something like that i believe.. so crazy.. it was amazing to watch him play.
I'm from Indianapolis and I'm a pacers fan but Olajuwon was always my favorite although Jordan is the goat, Olajuwon is my favorite. no matter what player or what era he would smoke everyone. Best all around player in NBA history.
You shouldnt catch heat for that. The Rockets were 5-1 against the Bulls during the first Bulls 3 peat. That said, after the Bulls added Rodman, the Rockets had no chance.
There are different aspects of defence bro. Mutombo was good at blocking but Hakeem blocks, steals and rebounds better. Hakeem is also good offensively. Hakeem is complete
Hakeem is I think the only guy ever to win back to back titles without any other all-stars on his team. The Rockets weren’t chopped liver but just imagine how many rings he could’ve had if he had a guy like Stockton or Magic passing it to him
The jazz used to view their 3 centers as 18 fouls they could use on Akeem. It was before hack a shack was a thing. And that was with someone who shot like 78% from the line.
Tim Duncan was probably the second best big man I've ever seen night in and night out live ! I remember when he was a rookie up to retirement. Chamberlain had some crazy moves like the Dreamback in the day! He's worth a watch
Hakeem (he doesn’t pronounce the H) is the all-time leader in blocks per game. He is the all-time steals leader among centers. He was only 6’9”. He is one of only 3 players to record a quadruple double in the NBA. He is Michael Jordan”s choice for center in his all-time starting five. He is the player that Kobe Bryant paid to show him footwork.
Problem with defending Dream in the post is that he could kill you going either way. If they overplay the spin to the paint, he could go to the baseline fadeaway. If they overplay the baseline he can spin into the paint for the hook. Dudes offensive game was next level. He had zero holes; great midrange, great free throw shooter, and had range out to the 3pt line. His footwork was elite, and a product of him playing soccer his whole life. He didn't start basketball until his mid-teens, but soccer was always his first love.
I grew up in Houston watching hakeem. My fav player and i know im biased, but I think there is an argument to be made for him being the GOAT center during his prime. Dominated on both ends of the court. Dropped 2 quadruple doubles in one month but the NBA took away stats on one because they said he was stat padding lol
In his prime (mid 90's), the Rocket's gane plan was to hit Hakeem in the post and one of two things would happen. 1. If there was two or less defenders on Hakeem, he would go baseline or shake and layup, hit the midrange jumper or jump hook. Or 2. The defense would crash down on Hakeem and he would find the open man on the perimeter to hit a three. His first step was crazy and if that wasn't enough, when he got you off balance he could change direction and make you look like an amateur. Watch the '95 finals when Houston swept Orlando. Shaq didn't know what to do.
Hakeem is the all time blocks leader. Was in top 10 in steals every year. Let alone how dominant he was on the offensive end of the court! Hands down best center ever! 🤘🏾💪🏾❤️
Hakeem was the best defender of all time period. He was a superstar on both ends of the court. Easily top 5 all time.
You must be around 70 years old to make that proclamation.
I'm sure you watched nate the Great, Wilt and russell.
@@anthonygilmore5969 Hakeem would whoop all of them.. Those guys were just blessed to play in the primitive era against part time players tbh.
Olajuwon was one of the most dominant bigs on BOTH ends of the floor. I would take Olajuwon over any big. That little shake was his move that why its called THE DREAM SHAKE. Olajuwon is my favorite big of all time.
I have him at third, after Wilt and Russell. Not gonna lie though, I'd have loved to see blocks and steals on those guys to be more comfortable about the ranking.
@@c99kfm disrespectful. How u got bill but not the greatest center of all time, Lee Alcindor. Y’all gone stop disregarding that man.
@@TheIcemanthomas He's my fourth, but definitely behind the top three in my book. He's definitely one of the greatest centers ever, but he his rings all came when he had the support of all-time great point guards, Oscar and Magic.
Prime-Kareem scores more than prime-Hakeem, but they're just about equal in blocks and rebounds. Prime-Hakeem takes the lead through his defensive presence and steals, in my book, though I'd understand swapping their order.
Wilt and Bill are gods of ages past. If you don't believe they're 1 and 2, you need to look further into the heights their rivalry spurred them to. A post-prime, post-knee-surgery Wilt blocked consecutive skyhooks while ignoring Kareems defence. And Bill won more rings than he has fingers for against prime Wilt.
By the way, it's a bit disrespectful not to call Kareem by his chosen name.
@@TheIcemanthomas call him Kareem. this is like calling Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay (in a way)
He’s my favorite player
Olajowon over Mutombo.. easily.. mutombo couldnt hold Olajuwon's jock.. Mutumbo was just defensive. Hakeem was the whole package
Hakeem "the dream" Olajuwon.. the dream shake is a play off his nickname and him shaking back in forth then going ro his fadeaway jumper
Yeah man it’s insulting to Olajuwon for somebody to even ask the question. The only centers to compare with him are Kareem, Wilt, Russell, and Shaq. Anybody else is just foolish.
Yea not even in the same sentence together. And all time block leader that will stand for a long time
EASILY OLAJUWON!
Shaq to all offense
The fact that Hakeem was picked over Jordan and no one criticized Houston is noteworthy. I think it is also amazing that a center was also one of the leaders in steals. For a man his size, that's amazing.
That 84 draft was the best.
When it comes to game, not talking about legacy but just game, Olajuwon is the best center in NBA history. He doesn't get that recognition but he should. There's no center that was as skilled and dominant on BOTH ends of the court than Olajuwon.
The 2 years that he won a championship is still the best I've ever seen a player play. Bird, Magic, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, etc. none of them were as great as Olajuwon was on both ends of the court during those 2 seasons.
If Sampson stayed healthy we would be debating if Jordan or James were 2nd best
Prime Olajuwon (basically all the years prior to 1996) is the most complete package of skills and shot blocking/rebounding we have ever seen.
Hands down
My favorite stat is he was the first player to ever finish a season top 10 in rebounds and steals.. And he did it 10 seasons in a row.. And nobody has done it since..
@@jacobjones5269 whoah thats gnarly
Not so fast my friend. Too many people forget about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
@@beaujac311 Kareem was not better than Hakeem at anything. Not one single thing. You're obviously young and never watch both of them play live.
Hakeem is my #1 center of all time he was 6’10, and didn’t start playing basketball til he was in high school. He’s from Nigeria and he grew up playing soccer. He was a Goalie. No big man had his foot work, he was a mid 75-80% cree throw shorter, he could score from anywhere on the floor and he had handles like not other bug men ever. He was the most skilled big man of all time.
He’s 1 of the only players to win a title with no other superstar with there 1st title. Robert shorty was a rookie from Alabama. At the time nobody knew who Kenny Smith was .
The only other big man that was close to him as versatility and could do everything was Tim Duncan. Lebrun/Kobe/Shaq and other NBA greats have reached out to Hakeem in the off-season to try and learn his footwork and post moves
MJ, Durant, Reggie, Shaq, Horry all put Hakeem in their starting 5... So that is a testament to how good Hakeem really was !!
That would be a devastating starting 5 in itself Jordan, Miller, KD, Horry, Shaq
Hakeem dominates Mutombo in every single measurable defensive stat.
Hakeem basically learned to play basketball in College, he played soccer his entire life and is the reason people believe he had elite footwork.
Fun fact about Akeem/Hakeem was he was originally set to go to school up north but changed his mind after visiting the school during the winter. Instead he chose to go to Houston because he preferred the hot weather.
MJ put Hakeem on his starting 5 so yeah, he was pretty awesome
- MJ also wanted Kwame Brown. lol. MJ is the GOAT but he's bbq chicken as an owner.
@@jlui21yeah but he knows who hee wants to play with the best center of all time
@@christopherbeasley9819 Mj and Hakeem, 2 on two, who you think can beat them.
@@jlui21everyone wanted Kwame actually, he was very good during practices, nobody predicted that he was going to be a bust. Mj is not a great GM, but let's not rewrite history
Just asking the question Olajuwon or Mutumbo says you need to watch more videos on Olajuwon. I for one not going to take ANY big over Dream. He should be on EVERYONES top 10 players alltime list if you ask me. The 1st non-american to win MVP and DPoY and never even touched a basketball until he was 15. Only player ever to retire being in the top 10 in Blocks, scoring, rebounds, and steals. Only player ever to win MVP, DPoY, and Finlas MVP in same season. Only player ever to have 200 blocks and 200 steals in same season. Only 12 players have ever got 200 blocks and 100 steals in a season and he did it 11 times. 1 of only 4 players to ever record a quadruple double and he actually did it twice but NBA took an assist away. He's also the closest player ever to get a QUINTUPLE DOUBLE. That's how great of an all-around player he was. He could do it all. There will NEVER be another Olajuwon. Hope you continue on your Olajuwon journey man......
Right as I was watching I exclaimed out loud "Mutumbo was great great great ... but no one in their right mind is taking him over Hakeem Olajuwon."
You sound like me. I could go on and on and on about how amazing Hakeem and his story was.
All while the video was playing the first 2 minutes he was cooking Mutombo. LOL
Bro. Look at Olajuwon DEF stat numbers. He is number one in block shots of all time. That won't be replaced in a long time. Mutombo doesn't even come close. He is number 2 in blocks. Olajuwon is the only center that is top 10 in steals. Plus Mutombo had NO offensive game. Please research before putting up a video. It will only take you 5 minutes.
He's not top ten, but he's on the cusp. And you're right that he is world's greater than Mutombo. And you're also right that he was probably a once in a generation if not once in a lifetime player. A true all-time great.
It was fun watching you see Olajuwon for the first time. He was a very unique talent.
My dude Olajuwon recorded at least 100 steals and at least 200 blocks every season for his first 12 seasons! The only player in history to record 200 blocks and 200 steals in the same season and the only center in the top 51 or so in the top 10 in steals(#9 all time)
"He can shoot?" 😁There's nothing Hakeem couldn't do. Maybe besides bring the ball up court Olajuwon did it all. I love this! Seeing someone knowledgeable about basketball really getting thier 1st experience of a legend like Olajuwon! This is great!
Olajuwon is the greatest basketball player of all time. The game footage, stats, and level of competition is all available now, there's no denying it anymore
agree 100%...changed the game at the 5 and look at the game now...all perimeter no post game.
I agree Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest basketball player of all time! Forbes magazine actually has more info to back it up and that’s only statistically
Absofuckinlutely
HAKEEM IS THE ALLTIME LEADER IN BLOCK SHOT!
Olajuwon didn't have the number of MVPS and championships like Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Magic, or Bird, but you could make a strong argument that Olajuwon was the most-talented/skilled player of all-time. Few guys ever worked as hard as he did on both ends of the court. He was a tenacious hustling defensive monster with the finest footwork on offense of any big ever. I remember during about '88 to '91, guys like Jordan, Barkley, Drexler and Ewing were putting up tremendous individual stats, but Olajuwon's were otherwordly; he led the league in both blocked shots and rebounds during the '89 and '90 seasons. He continued to be on a tear in '91 until a Bill Cartwright elbow to the eye put him out for awhile (had to have surgery and came back wearing goggles for a period). While Olajuwon was out, the NBA was already trying to build up young David Robinson as the best center in the league. But, we all know who was the best center of the 90s.
I remember that moment in time vividly and I said the same thing back then.
Olajuwan was great defensively bro. You gotta study him more. Hakeem was one of the most underrated players in history and I'm sure his peers will tell you the same thing. When Jordan left the league this is the man who couldn't be stopped.
Olajuwon owned Jordan!!
@Shawn MCX #9 all time in steals too
I only disagree in that the sonics wupt houston every damn year. They were the biggest reason houston did not get farther in the playoffs more often. Damn sonics lol
@@ironangel667 not in 93' or 97' tho!
Why do folks use the word underrated on TH-cam so darn much no he wasn't underrated he was well known by the media since phi slamma jamma in college
Dream was a beast what center u know can move around the court like dream that houston rockets in the 90s was super tight 🚀
Most blocks ever ! Only player to get over 200 blocks and 200 steals in a season . 😤
Part 2 is needed
Hakeem is the man, he can defends just about anyone, and there is no one can really defend him.
Dream is the NBA ALL TIME Shot Blocker leader. Way more than Mutumbo. He got it done on both ends. Dream dominated all the Centers in his era even Shaq.
IMO, best big man ever in the game. No center had his footwork and not only that, he was quick as a cat. As far as I'm concerned, he had no weakness.
He definitely had weakness but they were few and far between. He wasn’t the best when it came to his shot selection for a while and had that same stigma of never passing early in his career. But like mj and kobe, he was such a great shot maker that it really didn’t hurt him at all. And once he started a trusting his teammates more, he got even more dominant. He’s probably the best difficult shot making bigman ever.
There will never be another dream he will always be my favorite nba player
Mine too!!
Man, as much of a student of the game as you are, I'm honestly shocked you didn't know about Hakeem...enjoyed it!
He was a 7 ft. tall soccer goalie before he came to Houston for college ball. Living in Houston, we got a lot of back story on him and knew that he would be a monster.
@Ben
Born January 21, 1963 (age 60)
Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality Nigerian / American
Listed height 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight 255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school Muslim Teachers College
(Lagos, Nigeria)
College Houston (1981-1984)
NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Houston Rockets
Playing career 1984-2002
Position Center
Number 34
@Ben You go girl.
Olajuwon was everything Mutumbo was defensively and more. Hakeem is the all-time shot block leader in league history and top ten all time in steals as a center.
Easy Hakeem... I love your Mutombo love. There's a reason the NBA just named the defensive player of year award after Hakeem! The only guy outside of David Robinson (who Hakeem cooked in the playoffs) who could get you 4 blocks AND 2 steals a game from the center position. While grabbing 11-14 boards and scoring 27-28 a game.
Also I think this is the season when he won MVP, DPOY and finals MVP. Something nobody else has ever done.
This guy might be the greatest defender to ever play the game..
Wilt
@@lukekiefer5964
In the argument, no doubt, but tough to know because hardly any defensive stats were kept.. Definitely a better run protector, and he won with size, one on one, defensively, but both Russell and Hakeem were better one on one.., and both were certainly better help defenders..
It’s close between those 3..
1. Olajuwon, 3,830 All time leader for NBA Blocks 2. Mutombo, 3,289. Also top 10 all time in steals.
There's a reason that the "dream" is part of MJ's top 5. Birds of the same feather, flock together. 🐐🐐
There's a reason several legendary players went to him for help with their footwork
HAKEEM HONED HIS GAME AT FONDE RECREATION CENTER, SHOWS WHAT KIND OF PERSON HE IS AND HOW DEDICATED TO THE GAME HE WAS.
Young man. Hakeem is the all time leader in shot blocks. He has an astounding 601 more blocks than Deke.
He was also in the top 10 in steals of all time when he retired. Offensively is not even a comparison. You may be the only person in the world that would ever say, they would take Deke over Dream. I appreciate your platform….Keep striving to be great lil homie!
When Olajuwon retired he was also 6th ALL TIME in steals. Not Just centers. Mount whatever...are you kidding me!
Hakeem is the all time shot block leader
2:22 Hakeem has the record for blocked shots...TO THIS DAY
Mutumbo over Olojuwan is insane. Olojuwan is a top 10 all time player. Better in literally every facet of the game
Houston won back to back championships in the mid 90's.
Wrong. Hakeem is the only player in the top 8 in block’s and steal’s. Number 1 in block’s, and 8 steal’s as a center. There is a video of him blocking Jordan’s shot for 6 minutes.
Hakeem never fails to lead his team to playoffs once no matter how bad his team was except the year he was injured. Olajuwon was an all star already in his rookie year. Arguable top 10 player of all time.With regards to him and Mutombo, Olajuwon is the all time leader in blocks and top 10 all time in steals. No center ever makes it to the top 10 all time in steals except for him. Its very clear that Olajuwon is better than Mutombo defensively.Olajuwon is the main offense and defense of the Rockets and the only player to win MVP,Finals MVP and Defensive player of the Year in one season.Truly underrated as an all time greats.
I couldn't have said it better...I probably would have cursed to
He owned Jordan.....
His work ethics and conditioning was amazing.
You saw the offense but Olajuwon is the all-time leader in blocks and top 10 in steals! (the only big in the top 60!!) Hollinger rated him 2nd best defender ever, behind Bill Russell (who avg'd 15 pts/Mutombo's best year was 16 as a rookie, btw). Hakeem just gets underrated on defense b/c the offense is AMAZING!
Yes the term "dream shake" came about because of hakeem, and hakeems' nickname was "the dream".
Yeah my mind was blown
He actually 6'10"
He played big and had long arms.
Another center with great foot work at that time. Kevin McHale of Boston Celtics. With Bird And Parish.
Hakeem had all footmovent.
McHale was more wiggel
Mchale was a pf not center and he was 611
The Houston Cougars (Olajuwon, Drexler, etc) were averaging around 100 pts. per game in 1983. In the NCAA Finals, N.C. State held them to 52 points (no shot clock) and won in the final second on a play I still can see vividly right now. No shit. Still bummed. lol. Wiki that!
Hakeem was the best center in the league for about 10 years. In his prime, he was better than Shaq, David Robinson, Ewing, Mourning, and WAY better than Mutombo. Dikembe isn't even in the same conversation of greatness with Hakeem. Olajuwon was quick like a guard, and had the best footwork of any NBA center ever. It's not even close. Olajuwon was a better defender than Mutombo too.
Hakeem is so good, I put him in my all time 5 at the 4, even though he was a center. Duncan is a beast too.
Dream would eat Duncan alive look what he did to Kareem Ewing Robinson Rodman and Shaq Duncan don't have a chance
You forgot the block on Michael Jordan for the win.
Also check his record vs Jordan’s bulls. Like 11-1.
No one from that Era would EVER pick mutumbo over the dream.
Both Olajuwan (3.09 blocks per game) and Mutumbo ( 2.75 blocks per game) give you some great defense 👍.
He was the number 1 pick in the same draft as Michael Jordan. He was a dominant big man, and he led his Rockets teams to the playoffs for like 10+ seasons in row. He sent Shaquille and penny home without a ring. Truly one of the best to ever play and put up a quadruple double
I got Hakeem in my all time starting 5 with Larry and MJ as the must-have core three players. You could put Hakeem at the 5 or at the 4 as well.
Based on their playstyles and having no real weaknesses in the squad:
(C) Duncan
(PF) Hakeem
(SF) Larry
(SG) MJ
(PG) Magic
*or* as a smaller, quicker team with constant full court pressure, possibly more scoring, and some of the defensive load taken off Jordan by putting the 3 on the other teams best player:
(C) Hakeem
(PF) Larry (stretch 4)
(SF) Kawhi or Scotty
(SG) MJ
(PG) Stockton
I’d have
1. Shaq C
2. Hakeem PF
3. Bird SF
4. Jordan 2 guard
5. Magic PG
@@thefalco1981 Shaq is a top choice as well as Wilt at the 5, a power player that could bully the other team into submission, and in Wilt's case, also a lot of finesse when needed, and insane athletic ability.
Bros, 5. Russel 4. Hakeem 3. Larry 2. Jordan 1. Magic
Real quick, just imagine trying to get through that frontcourt. Forget about it.
Extremely defense 5
5. Russel
4. Hakeem
3. Scotty
2. Jordan
1. Payton
Top five MJ Bird Dream Magic Duncan nobody's gonna beat this lineup period
2 of my favorite basketball players from the 80s/90s was hakeem Olajuwan and Dominique Wilkins. Both incredibly underrated and never had another star or helper on their team to help them get more championships. I always wished they would end up on the same team. If they had they'd been very hard to stop.
Awesome seeing people react to Hakeem for the first time. I watched him all the time growing up in Houston in the 80s and 90s, but I was a kid, so I couldn't appreciate just WHY he was so good. I saw the stats, I saw him score, and I saw his defense. But I didn't see the little things. The footwork, the little micro-moves with his shoulders, hands, and head that he obviously spent years cultivating. I also wondered why people didn't "just guard him on the fadeaway" before realizing that if they leaned too hard into the fadeaway, he could easily spin around and do a jump hook..or work his way under the basket for a reverse layup... or simply fade in the opposite direction. And those 1993-95 Rockets were so good in part because his surrounding cast was so good, so if you double-teamed Hakeem, you ran the risk of leaving Kenny Smith, Robert Horry, Sam Cassell, Mario Elie, Clyde Drexler, Otis Thorpe, etc. open for an easy look at a three or an easy basket underneath.
Bro. He leads the league in all time blocks ever. No one will pass his record. EVER
Hakeem is the only player in NBA history to win a championship with 0 all stars on his team, and that was the team you were watching. So when you say they look like a dominant “team”, I wouldnt say so. They just had Hakeem and no one else did. Also, when you said you’d take Mutumbo over Hakeem bc defense wins championships, Hakeem dragged his team to 2 finals wins. Mutombo never did. I’d say Hakeem was just as good defensively as Mutombo, but Hakeem also scored 35 ppg in the playoffs and around 25 in the reg season. Mutombo not doin that
ONLY PLAYER IN TOP 10 OF EVERY STAT!
You take his left side, you get the fade away from the baseline, you take his right side it's an easy jump hook. You double/triple team him, the Rockets surrounded him with excellent 3-pt shooters (Maxwell, Kenny Smith, Horry, Mario Elie). Also, he was a much better defender than Mutombo. More blocks and he had the most steals as a big man. Along with the quick feet he had really quick hands.
Oh! ...and Kareem had great footwork as well!
Joel has great footwork. He modeled his game after Hakeem. And shaq did have solid footwork. It wasn’t as flashy as Hakeem’s. It was more subtle and hidden behind his power game. But it was there. Tim Duncan had phenomenal footwork. Al Jefferson’s post work was good. Zach Randolph is another. Kevin Mchale is close
You can combine all their footwork and still not match Olajuwon's. You gotta start comparing his footwork with Kobe and Jordan's
That’s not true. Mchales footwork absolutely on Hakeem’s level.
Not even close. Not down talking joel but he aint got it.
@@armandodelossantos736his game also just because he didnt do 40 plus anight he couldve but only when needed and won 2 rings without another allstar on the roster.
@@TheIcemanthomasmike wasnt almost 7ft tall either
From what I've seen from both, I'd say that Olajuwon provides enough defense to justify taking him over Mutombo, especially because he'd do so much on the offensive end :)
Olajuwon is #9 all time in steals nobody comes close to him defensively
Hakeem is #1 to this day alltime blocks leader. Also, retired 7th alltime in steals. First overall for steals among centers. He was such an amazing rebounder he regularly was in the top 10 in rebounds despite constantly being out of position from blocking shots. Comparing Hakeem to Motumbo is frankly insulting. Hakeem was a far superior player. Only player to reach 200 blocks and 200 steals in a season and he did it like 4 or 5 times. Seriously, comparing a 2 way player to a one way player is not fare in the first place.
@@ironangel667 💯
@@ironangel667 Olajuwon retired #7 all time in steals and just recently got pushed to #9
Not even close Hakeem the dream 100%.... This guy is the best center ever... only once for a year played with another super star (Sampson) went to the final. Ralph Sampson injured never again had a chance until 93. It was him alone against the world.
First watch! I gree up watching the dream! He played the center position in the NBA in the mid 80's through the 90's like big men okay in the modern era! It's what makes Bird so iconic as well! Guys that played in the what i call "BIG EAST" era through the physicalness of the game at that time with the finess that translates into todays game! Hakeem would be a top end 4 or 5 in today's game if he entered the league, no doubt! Probably the best in the league!
Hakeem is the greatest center of all time. You need to check videos with his stats and accolades.
The first couple of minutes all of Hakeem's scoring is against Mutombo. Mutombo could not stop Hakeem. Defensively, Mutombo only had blocks, Hakeem had blocks, rebounds and steals.
In all those highlights Hakeem is scoring on some of the top defenders, including Rodman (w/San Antonio), Mutombo (w/Denver), Alton Lister (w/Seattle), Buck Williams (w/Portland) and Shaq (w/Orlando).
Hakeem finished his career #1 in all-time blocks and top 10 in all-time steals. The only center in the top 20 all-time. It was not uncommon for Hakeem to pick the ball for a steal from a guard.
Hell yeah, that was Shaq :P The big dude said that Hakeem was the only center e was worried to face, cuz he couldn't handle that footwork :D
Great reaction man,watching from the Phillipines
There is a reason elite guards like Kobe and Lebron went to Hakeem to tune their footwork. Skills gained due to him playing soccer as a kid instead of bball. Moses Malone was also instrumental in hardening him for the NBA.
my favorite Center in the modern era
I have Kareem as the #1 Center of all time but Hakeem at #2, he's the all time blocks leader, ahead of Mutombo, and he has the best footwork and smoothest shot of any center in history. When MJ retired in the mid 90's, Hakeem automatically became the best player in the league and started winning chips.
Hakeem is the all time leader in shot blocks. Dikembe is second and was a great defender. but Olajuwon was a guy you could build an entire franchise around. so awesome to see you getting to watch him play for the first time!! always a good Idea to go back and watch the previous generations play.. :)
Hakeem in my top 10 all time.
there were many stars that were to win the championship when jordan went to play baseball but olajuvon won them twice and that tells everything about him
Jordan was not playing baseball when Hakeem won his 2nd title. But thanks anyways
Hakeem was like a 7ft guard with his footwork. He’s all time shot block leader and top 10 all time in points, rebounds, steals, and assists. Imagine if Shaq and Olajuwon on the same team putting Olajuwon at PF.
The rockets moved 7'4 Ralph Sampson to PF when they drafted Olajuwon so he could play center lol
They did because Sampson was a skilled ball handler and shooter from the outside. Surprisingly at Sampson’s height he wasn’t as good as Olajuwon was at paroling the middle. Sampson would’ve been great if it wasn’t for his injuries. He had a soft touch.
@@thefalco1981 Sampson was a liability even at his best
@@armandodelossantos736 how so?
Olajuwon and McHale are the best post players in their era
Olajuwon was a soccer player in his youth before he got into basketball and he translated his soccer juke into basketball to create the Dream Shake. That's part of why his footwork was so godlike. Looking at the shake it doesn't look like much but if you break it down it's a perfect 50/50 mixup.
Olajuan block record will never be broken oh and by the way he is top 10 all time in steals. Greatest defender ever.
Russell and Chamberlin said Olajuwan is the only center that cold play with them.
i'm sure someone in these comments someone says that he played soccer.. and was a goalie!! and didn't start playing basketball until pretty late.. like 17 or something like that i believe.. so crazy.. it was amazing to watch him play.
I'm from Indianapolis and I'm a pacers fan but Olajuwon was always my favorite although Jordan is the goat, Olajuwon is my favorite. no matter what player or what era he would smoke everyone. Best all around player in NBA history.
I'm gonna catch heat but I don't think Jordans bulls could have beat the championship rockets
You shouldnt catch heat for that. The Rockets were 5-1 against the Bulls during the first Bulls 3 peat. That said, after the Bulls added Rodman, the Rockets had no chance.
There are different aspects of defence bro. Mutombo was good at blocking but Hakeem blocks, steals and rebounds better.
Hakeem is also good offensively. Hakeem is complete
Hakeem is I think the only guy ever to win back to back titles without any other all-stars on his team. The Rockets weren’t chopped liver but just imagine how many rings he could’ve had if he had a guy like Stockton or Magic passing it to him
Hakeem could play in any era. He was a beast.
He really said he’d take Mutombo over Hakeem 😂😂😂😂😂
The jazz used to view their 3 centers as 18 fouls they could use on Akeem. It was before hack a shack was a thing. And that was with someone who shot like 78% from the line.
Duncan, Olajuwon,Nash, Bird, and Jordan. That is my 5 for my life.
Olajuwon won championships in 94 AND 95 in 95 he was playing against Shaq and still won...
Tim Duncan was probably the second best big man I've ever seen night in and night out live ! I remember when he was a rookie up to retirement. Chamberlain had some crazy moves like the Dreamback in the day! He's worth a watch
Do manu ginobli please
Hakeem (he doesn’t pronounce the H) is the all-time leader in blocks per game. He is the all-time steals leader among centers. He was only 6’9”. He is one of only 3 players to record a quadruple double in the NBA. He is Michael Jordan”s choice for center in his all-time starting five. He is the player that Kobe Bryant paid to show him footwork.
Come on the dream did everything won 2 titles with scrubs glad u changed ur mine Jordan did not want any part of the Nigeria n bother
Nobody had footwork like him.They still coming to him to learn his movements.
Problem with defending Dream in the post is that he could kill you going either way. If they overplay the spin to the paint, he could go to the baseline fadeaway. If they overplay the baseline he can spin into the paint for the hook. Dudes offensive game was next level. He had zero holes; great midrange, great free throw shooter, and had range out to the 3pt line.
His footwork was elite, and a product of him playing soccer his whole life. He didn't start basketball until his mid-teens, but soccer was always his first love.
I grew up in Houston watching hakeem. My fav player and i know im biased, but I think there is an argument to be made for him being the GOAT center during his prime. Dominated on both ends of the court. Dropped 2 quadruple doubles in one month but the NBA took away stats on one because they said he was stat padding lol
In his prime (mid 90's), the Rocket's gane plan was to hit Hakeem in the post and one of two things would happen.
1. If there was two or less defenders on Hakeem, he would go baseline or shake and layup, hit the midrange jumper or jump hook.
Or
2. The defense would crash down on Hakeem and he would find the open man on the perimeter to hit a three.
His first step was crazy and if that wasn't enough, when he got you off balance he could change direction and make you look like an amateur. Watch the '95 finals when Houston swept Orlando. Shaq didn't know what to do.
YOU GOT IT YOUNGMAN, HAKEEM WAS A BAD MAN, HE WAS 6’10’
that houston team got two rings , when mike played baseball for a year and a half. but they were a great team