kflo

i love duncan and his defense tends to be underrated by the general public, but hakeem was a better on-ball defender, and a better help defender.

duncan had better offensive instincts (spacing, ball movement, passing) from the beginning - hakeem learned the game more as he progressed.

duncan's had a better situation for most of his career. he simply has. now, he's been an anchor from day 1, and he's consistent, unflappable, and knows how to play and use the talent around him. hakeem evolved more over the course of his career, was less consistent, and had more distractions.

no, hakeem didn't own shaq in '95. he had a slight advantage in the series. he scored more on many more shots, and turned the ball over alot less.

Auggie

People tend to underrate players who are still active when comparing them to retired ones. In 10 years looking back, I'd say most people would vote Duncan.

Hakeem

It wasn't "ownage" but it wasn't exactly slight, either. Shaq turned it over an extra 2.5 times every game. Given the Magic's offensive rebounding ability and the Rockets' defensive rebounding ability, that's equivalent to missing about an extra 3.75 shots every game (not to mention the fact that the Rockets' offensive efficiency would very likely have been higher on possessions that were the result of turnovers). If Shaq had missed an extra 3.75 shots every game, his FG% for the series would have been 49%. He scored 28ppg. Olajuwon scored 33ppg on 48%. Shaq had 1 extra rpg. Olajuwon played better team defense, was the better passer, and was double-teamed more aggressively.

BadBaronRudigor

If Shaq had missed an extra 3.75 shots a game, then he and Hakeem would have had roughly even offensive efficiency at 49% v. 48% FG%. If Hakeem had an advantage it sure wasn't offensively, it was team defense (since obviously he didn't come close to stopping Shaq) and of course, the big advantage . . . .Hakeem won.

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Hakeem

Roughly even offensive efficiency, but Hakeem scored 5 ppg more.

giordun

Go Hakeem.

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VOTE FOR GIORDUN!!

OneBadLT123

All numbers/stats/whatever aside, this is my quick personal opinion between the two. I could go into more detail, but simply I am just lazy right now.

Question 1:
Who do you think is the better player? a) Hakeem or b) Duncan?

I love both players, and their respective styles. But I myself will have to go with Hakeem. Duncan has all the intangibles Hakeem had (defense, post moves, rebounding, etc...) But Hakeem had the greater athletic ability, and was a lot more "tricky" so to speak. Numbers aside, Hakeems game ranged on both ends of the floor, and was extremely good at breaking defenders off the dribble. Duncan, is more robotic so to speak, Hakeem had the greater arsenal of post moves. Both had equal amounts of rebounding ability, but with Hakeems mobility, it would be safe to assume that he gains the edge.

Duncan, although a great defensive player, he was never truly on the level of Hakeem. He was a great off/on the ball defender, blocker, and is the highest ranked center in steals. (Take into consideration, steals down low are not exactly "playing the passing lanes" as some tend to say)

As far as dominance, Hakeem and Duncan have both been consistant. It wasn’t until Hakeem was in his late 30's is where he started to decline heavily. Duncan is still in the prime of his career. The thing I find the most similar is that Duncan and Hakeem both elevated their games to entire different levels come playoff time. If there were any player in the last 15 years I would take come playoffs, it would be Duncan, Hakeem, Jordan. (In no particular order)


Question 2:
If you answered a), how do you explain Duncan winning twice (so far) the championships Hakeem did?

Like said above, Hakeem played in a era that was different then Duncan played in. The level of competition in the league is incomparable at their respected positions.
Hakeem - Kareem, M. Malone, Parish, Lambier, Ewing, Drob, K Malone, Barkley, Oakley, Shaq, Zo...etc All VERY strong defensive players.
Duncan- Shaq, KG, Maybe Zo on his last legs? Thats it.

Also, I feel that Duncan, for the most part of his career, has had above average players during his career. Hakeem had a unhealthy Sampson for 2 years, Otis Thorpe, and Drexler in his entire 18 year career.

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OneBadLT123's favorite 07-08 Rockets Videos:
41 Years of Rockets Tradition
Game # 22 in a Row Won
Saluting the Rockets
OneBadLT123's All-time Favorite Rockets Videos:
The Best Hakeem Mix
Hakeem Owning Robinson 95
Hakeem Owning Robinson Again
Post Game 95 Finals
Johnson At The Buzzer!
Tmac 13 in 33
Random Vids:
NBA on NBC Memories
Vince Carter 2000 Slam Dunk Contest

Astral

Great post, but your sig gave me fits for a few seconds

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mysterio

dwade3

i wouldnt put Barkley as a strong defender in the class of Drob, shaq, ewing etc....but if rebounds count in your defensive status, then yes, hes a good defender