How Good Was Hakeem Olajuwon REALLY?

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  • čas přidán 23. 12. 2019
  • An evaluation of the career and legacy of one the Greatest Centers of NBA History.
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    The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
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    #NBA #HakeemOlajuwon #HoustonRockets
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Komentáře • 2,6K

  • @jonnyarnett
    @jonnyarnett  Před 4 lety +326

    We playin’ a game of pick-up Basketball. You want Hakeem or Shaq on your team?

  • @ymerik6185
    @ymerik6185 Před 4 lety +1494

    Michael Jordan said he'd take Hakeem over EVERYONE in the NBA as his first pick on his team..Nuff Said

    • @VeOThadeuS
      @VeOThadeuS Před 4 lety +79

      the GOAT has spoken!

    • @HustleandFlow888
      @HustleandFlow888 Před 4 lety +114

      THOSE ARE FACTS. IF THEY PLAYED TOGETHER OMG 10 RINGS

    • @ymerik6185
      @ymerik6185 Před 4 lety +11

      @Dante The Great yea right lol

    • @ymerik6185
      @ymerik6185 Před 4 lety +24

      @Dante The Great the one that won 6 rings...actually retired to come back and win 3 more... no other player will do that anytime soon in this "No Touch' NBA league :)

    • @VitorRedes
      @VitorRedes Před 4 lety +21

      @Marcus Mitchell how many rings rockets have when Jordan was on the league? You can strech your point to anywhere, it doesn't make any sense.

  • @nathanwulff4547
    @nathanwulff4547 Před 4 lety +695

    The greatest compliment is that noone says the Rockets messed up picking him above Jordan. Best at his position IMO.

    • @jamesgonzalez6992
      @jamesgonzalez6992 Před 4 lety +107

      The only thing the Rockets messed up on is not trading Ralph Sampson for Jordan when they had the chance.

    • @flatfeetlefthanded
      @flatfeetlefthanded Před 4 lety +81

      @@jamesgonzalez6992 yep. Along with that trade would have been Drexler. So the Rockets could have had Dream, Jordan, and Drexler for many years.

    • @bradystanley5482
      @bradystanley5482 Před 4 lety +1

      True!

    • @curtisthomas3598
      @curtisthomas3598 Před 4 lety +9

      Funny thing about that is Portland could've had Jordan and Drexler, instead went for Sam Bowie

    • @ericmatterson9905
      @ericmatterson9905 Před 4 lety +2

      @@jamesgonzalez6992 Bulls never would have made that trade

  • @JnH5492
    @JnH5492 Před 3 lety +25

    Probably should add that in the '95 western conference finals when hakeem averaged 35.3ppg he wasn't just being guarded by david robinson, he was being double teamed by robinson and Dennis Rodman all series. An absolute legend

  • @GalacticCoast
    @GalacticCoast Před 4 lety +206

    Not only the most graceful big man ever, but both Jordan and Shaq have admitted he was the best they played against.

    • @HappyAssassln
      @HappyAssassln Před 3 lety +12

      Just saying hakeem probably would have dominated like wilt and bill if he played in their era because it's was less skilled, not taking anything away from the goats of the past, but the average player was worse.

    • @accountant3847
      @accountant3847 Před 2 lety +3

      @@HappyAssassln u spittin

  • @jingqi9106
    @jingqi9106 Před 4 lety +651

    I'm taking Hakeem over Shaq all day, every day.

    • @Mistachill
      @Mistachill Před 4 lety +22

      Finally, somebody is recognizing the greatness of Hakeem! I agree, I'm taking prime Hakeem over prime Shaq too!

    • @Mistachill
      @Mistachill Před 4 lety +19

      @Harold Melvin Exactly. If Orlando Shaq stayed in shape and developed his game he may have been the greatest player ever. I always thought slim/lean Orlando Shaq was better then bulked up Laker Shaq.

    • @luke5767
      @luke5767 Před 4 lety +3

      You got that right.

    • @jingqi9106
      @jingqi9106 Před 4 lety +3

      Shaq's funnier tho 🤣

    • @Mistachill
      @Mistachill Před 3 lety

      @Careful! i'm a retard Shaq and Hakeem in the paint? Not sure how that would work. I think you'd have to pick one or the other.

  • @mmii2859
    @mmii2859 Před 4 lety +504

    And his dream shake is one of the most beautiful basketball moves ever.

  • @jetjiles49
    @jetjiles49 Před 4 lety +87

    He was chosen before Jordan and everyone said, "Good pick." 'Nuff said.

    • @bizarroeddie1
      @bizarroeddie1 Před 3 lety +1

      @Evilstorm11 and what this has to do with anything?

    • @msalih10
      @msalih10 Před měsícem

      @@bizarroeddie1 nobody dared to criticize the Rockets for picking Dream over MJ. You know how much criticism the saints got for not picking LT in the draft? A ton.

  • @HunterPhenomMakoy
    @HunterPhenomMakoy Před 4 lety +44

    Draft class had the Dream, Jordan, Barkley and Stockton.
    Pretty damn stacked.

  • @GABRIELA-ACEVEDO.
    @GABRIELA-ACEVEDO. Před 4 lety +721

    Best all around center ever in my opinion

    • @OjoRojo40
      @OjoRojo40 Před 4 lety +9

      Wilt first, he's jsut from another planet, but Olajuwon was just amazing.

    • @mattbenson2034
      @mattbenson2034 Před 4 lety +22

      All these people say wilt but never saw him play. Must be nice to have one other true center in the league to deal with (bill russell). Hakeem dominated THE era of the center and the only person even noteworthy is jabbar.

    • @welven2321
      @welven2321 Před 4 lety

      How can he be the best all around when he couldn’t shoot 3’s

    • @JudaMetalMaiden
      @JudaMetalMaiden Před 4 lety +13

      @@welven2321 that was not a 3 point shooting league back then for centers. And Olajuwon, Ewing, David Robinson were capable of making 3's when they had to. Game 4 of 2005 finals when Houston swept Orlando Olajuwon made a 3 to put icing on the cake and win the finals.

    • @JudaMetalMaiden
      @JudaMetalMaiden Před 4 lety +9

      @Htown Lifer very true. Olajuwon, Ewing, Karl Malone, David Robinson and other big men were automatic from 15 feet and could shoot the 3 if they had to.

  • @findout9830
    @findout9830 Před 4 lety +346

    The called him the dream cause it was the only place you could have hoped to guard him. That's how good he was

    • @jamesmeuwissen7823
      @jamesmeuwissen7823 Před 4 lety +39

      @Sudhir Kakar well he had nobody

    • @MovieGuy666
      @MovieGuy666 Před 4 lety +25

      @Sudhir Kakar next time watch the actual video before commenting with your stupidity.

    • @Isaac-mk3wj
      @Isaac-mk3wj Před 4 lety +18

      Sudhir Kakar your comment doesn’t even make any sense. Jordan lost in the first round many times before getting the help he needed. Just because you’re a transcendent talent doesn’t mean your team will win

    • @dadillonful
      @dadillonful Před 4 lety +1

      He barely won any rings tho

    • @findout9830
      @findout9830 Před 4 lety +16

      @@dadillonful i have written a long reply for you. But on the other hand you're not worthy of arguing and persuading.

  • @becazapatero2477
    @becazapatero2477 Před 4 lety +105

    *I’m from Houston, and those days watching Hakeem the Dream seem in hindsight almost as that, a dream.*
    He had beautiful footwork. It’s almost as if it were a choreographed on broadway. No joke.

    • @joshuabaggio1982
      @joshuabaggio1982 Před 3 lety +5

      I'm from Houston to and loved watching the dream do his master piece! The foot work came from ⚽️

  • @Bluecloudprod
    @Bluecloudprod Před 4 lety +22

    I feel extremely lucky.
    I watched this man play in his prime night in and night out.
    Saw many games live.
    He was so damn quick.
    Film doesn't do his speed justice.
    He was QUICK.
    Shooting guard quick.

    • @Aloulou11
      @Aloulou11 Před rokem +1

      man its absurd thinking a 7 foot centre is that quick and that skillfull

  • @kennethli8
    @kennethli8 Před 4 lety +35

    As a Warriors fan for over 25 years, Hakeem is my favorite NBA player of all time.

  • @OddJaxx900
    @OddJaxx900 Před 4 lety +731

    I'm picking Hakeem over all of the great centers

    • @poet279
      @poet279 Před 4 lety +42

      Sudhir Kakar Shut up!

    • @yvans.
      @yvans. Před 4 lety +37

      Sudhir Kakar if Hakeem had the same teammates as Russel, Kareem, Shaq you try to tell me that he would not have as many titles as them ?

    • @OjoRojo40
      @OjoRojo40 Před 4 lety +15

      Cool I'll take Wilt then :)

    • @ajkoroma4512
      @ajkoroma4512 Před 4 lety +1

      Kareem he got 6 mvps and 6 champs

    • @OddJaxx900
      @OddJaxx900 Před 4 lety +55

      @@ajkoroma4512 Hakeem would bust Kareem's ass. Trust me. Better moves. Better handle. Better shot. Just as good on defense and way better footwork. Hakeem would've dominated in the 70's

  • @worldwidemarketing9980
    @worldwidemarketing9980 Před 4 lety +5

    He was the quickest, most skilled, most adjiled, high jumping, Harlem shaking, supreme foot work, hard working, 2 time back to back mvp champion with out any other super stars on his team. Phi slama jam dunking, unbelievable nba legend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Chesstr100
    @Chesstr100 Před 4 lety +75

    Hakeem is the most underrated player and He is the GOAT

  • @elreiec1
    @elreiec1 Před 4 lety +167

    It also gets understated how he had some insane playoff runs during Ramadan when he would be fasting. Legend.

    • @madadisr
      @madadisr Před 4 lety +26

      This is so underrated and understated that it baffles me. Athletes have trainers that schedule every detail of their life now days to optimize their performance and this guy goes into playoff games starved for the entire day.

    • @bigsoos
      @bigsoos Před 4 lety +18

      No food, no water, and no excuses. Dude was a beast!

    • @AmbassadorScorpio
      @AmbassadorScorpio Před 4 lety +5

      This is THE FACT of Hakeem`s talent.

    • @hectorandem2944
      @hectorandem2944 Před 3 lety +1

      Didn't need to eat, because he was _feasting _ on the competition. 😤 #BBQ_Chicken 🍗

    • @hectorandem2944
      @hectorandem2944 Před 3 lety

      @Cyber Bully How does changing your religion "evolve" the league? 🤔

  • @timmaz24s
    @timmaz24s Před 4 lety +289

    The greatest finals the world will never get to see. The Bulls with Michael Jordan vs The Rockets with Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem is just great.

    • @niilovaananen3215
      @niilovaananen3215 Před 4 lety +33

      2nd to Kobe vs. LeBron

    • @dagameplayer
      @dagameplayer Před 4 lety +18

      Shaq and Kobe vs MJ in 1998 would have been entertaining too. Kobe was young but he was already one of the best rising stars in the league. Only got better and better in 1999 and the years ahead.

    • @vza7938
      @vza7938 Před 4 lety +6

      @@dagameplayer yea real hype..but i believe mj would murder kobe and lakers (including shaq) ub 1998..idk why, maybe media brainwash

    • @dagameplayer
      @dagameplayer Před 4 lety +6

      @@vza7938 I doubt he'd murder" them. The 98 Bulls had some pretty tough games against the Lakers that season, and I don't see it being any less challenging if they met in a Finals series.

    • @timmaz24s
      @timmaz24s Před 4 lety +1

      Inigo Bantok i totally agrre

  • @ivanwilson8038
    @ivanwilson8038 Před 4 lety +73

    No question I'm taking hakeem. I argue for him with my friends all the time, dude was a 7 foot guard. A skillset that can't be rivaled at the size

    • @prxnicessmira1254
      @prxnicessmira1254 Před 3 lety +4

      Facts I’m taking hakeem over any centre even shaq. Shaq couldn’t even guard him

    • @akiyahwilliams9521
      @akiyahwilliams9521 Před 3 lety

      @@prxnicessmira1254 bill Russell

    • @eriklakeland3857
      @eriklakeland3857 Před 3 lety

      @Dante The Great Great point about him starting basketball late

  • @djflax8806
    @djflax8806 Před 4 lety +16

    I’m from H Town and watched pretty much every game of his entire career. Best center ever

  • @JamesBond-vx9kn
    @JamesBond-vx9kn Před 4 lety +228

    That Hakeem All Star fact blew my mind. Don’t know why no one ever mentions that. Great video!

    • @msl5253
      @msl5253 Před 4 lety +10

      They also don't mention, how stupendously good he was on defense most of the time as well.

    • @msl5253
      @msl5253 Před 4 lety +20

      @HexagonBright
      He had Drexler for one of those championships. And the year they won with Drexler he was NOT AN ALL Star. So, the statistic is correct.
      If I guy like him couldn't make it on general principle, then he must have not been playing at the highest levels throughout the season. Think about it?

    • @msl5253
      @msl5253 Před 4 lety +2

      @HexagonBright
      I hear ya. But for whatever reason, he wasn't an all star (oops). LOL

    • @princeali1786
      @princeali1786 Před 4 lety +2

      HexagonBright-They got Drexler toward the end of the season - Hakeem still had to keep them (Team) in arms reach . And regardless if he ONLY did it once, that’s still quite the feat.

    • @affarokurz1486
      @affarokurz1486 Před 4 lety +3

      @HexagonBright what are u on man, stop babbling, 1995 Clyde was not an all star team, so Olajuan won two championship without an all star team player, got it? Now apologise for saying it was a lie and shut the fuck up

  • @beaker8111
    @beaker8111 Před 4 lety +352

    Hakeen was the best center I ever watched play. I'd take Hakeem in his prime over any other center to ever play the game.

    • @NinjatomPizzaPie
      @NinjatomPizzaPie Před 4 lety +13

      Absolutely. Dude was unreal

    • @cavaleermountaineer3839
      @cavaleermountaineer3839 Před 4 lety +4

      Go watch some Wilt then fast forward the development of the game as a whole and see how his skills would've developed. Same with Russell. Not taking anything from Hakeem tho. He definitely mastered the position.

    • @jamesmpasiakos9258
      @jamesmpasiakos9258 Před 4 lety +3

      Have you seen jabbar and wilt the stilt

    • @thesobertruth8271
      @thesobertruth8271 Před 4 lety

      facts

    • @jamesmpasiakos9258
      @jamesmpasiakos9258 Před 4 lety +3

      Son get some videos of wilt chamberlian and Kareem than hakeem

  • @miketrue6345
    @miketrue6345 Před 3 lety +7

    Hakeem was amazing. I grew up in Houston watching him and he was constantly double and triple teamed and still took games over. Great post moves, crazy good defender, and very high basketball IQ.

  • @DopeAssDude979
    @DopeAssDude979 Před 4 lety +11

    Growing up I had his jersey, sad part is I was so young I knew he was good but didn’t realize I was watching greatness. The Summit used to be wild!!!

    • @rydastyle9875
      @rydastyle9875 Před 3 lety

      Yes Lawd!!!

    • @tobingallawa3322
      @tobingallawa3322 Před 3 lety

      Super loud. I brought a referee whistle to a game during that first championship run. It was so loud, I could not hear the whistle I was blowing. I think it was against the Suns maybe, Kevin Johnson was amazing

  • @harryarias2476
    @harryarias2476 Před 4 lety +219

    Most skilled center of all time, on both sides

    • @roderickmckinney1547
      @roderickmckinney1547 Před 4 lety +4

      All centers train with him in the off season and even Lebron for post moves...legend!

    • @depressedrocketsfan2880
      @depressedrocketsfan2880 Před 3 lety

      The best Center ever

    • @Poloskii
      @Poloskii Před 3 lety +2

      @@depressedrocketsfan2880 I agree that Hakeem is the most skilled center but I have him under wilt because wilt was arguably just as skilled but with super human athleticism, after all we talking about a guy that never dropped below 18 rebounds per game and averaged a career 23 rebounds per game

    • @Poloskii
      @Poloskii Před 3 lety

      @Ethan Hill I'm a big wilt fan even though I was born long after he died. Not only do I have him over Hakeem but he can probably beat anybody 1 on 1 mainly because of the fact he's arguably the best defender, with the only person even close to being as good as him on defense was Bill Russell.

    • @Poloskii
      @Poloskii Před 3 lety

      @Ethan Hill Hakeem is good but nothing compared to wilt, Hakeem used his skill to win but wilt had everything, skill, body, athleticism, IQ. He had it all

  • @RishabhSharma-ln1hs
    @RishabhSharma-ln1hs Před 4 lety +146

    Shaq said in an interview that the dream was only the person he couldn't break physically or mentally

    • @kostastube2010
      @kostastube2010 Před 3 lety +2

      Shaq always forgets to mention Robinson, Ben Wallace and Rodman...

    • @FuShengAlex
      @FuShengAlex Před 3 lety +7

      @@kostastube2010 yes. David Robinson was outplaying Shaq slightly h2h before his injury plagued 96-97 season. Shaq didn't like have to come out of the paint defensively vs his faceup game

    • @tj5180
      @tj5180 Před 3 lety

      @@kostastube2010 and Rodman. If u watch him in the 96 ecf he gave him lots of problems.

    • @acjnse8258
      @acjnse8258 Před 2 lety

      Meanwhile Tim Duncan looked bored when he was guarding him

  • @mariusloveless7880
    @mariusloveless7880 Před 4 lety +35

    Hakeem over every single ATG center, easily. Jordan said he would have picked Hakeem out of ANY other player let alone center,to be on his team if he needed to win. Hakeem went head up against and beat great centers of his era in the playoffs, Hakeem beat Kareem, Shaq, Robinson, and Ewing in the playoff's. He was viable on both sides of the floor, he could hit from outside, he could do it all. No center is more valuable top to bottom than Hakeem. Hakeem is the magic Johnson of Centers, Magic is considered the best point guard ever over guys like Stockton because he was more than a prototypical great point guard, he could do ALL the things a PG needed to do like , pass and handle, but could also do so much more at such a high level. Hakeem could do all the things a center needed to, like score in the post, rebound, and defend the rim, but could also pass, steal, and shoot from the outside. No doubt he is a better all around more valuable center than any other center in history.

    • @TooDuStrong
      @TooDuStrong Před 3 lety +1

      People forget about how me went through Karl Malone and Barkley, both guarded him

  • @blasterman789
    @blasterman789 Před rokem +5

    Most physically gifted and best rounded center that's ever played the game. Hakeem moved like a small forward, but also had incredible paint savy and ball smarts. It was a deadly combination. Watching him vs other 7' lumbering meat sacks was almost comical at times. He could easily step into today's game and dominate.

  • @kielmaguire5121
    @kielmaguire5121 Před 4 lety +253

    The Dream would embarrass today's big guys

    • @ktapreswreckd921v9
      @ktapreswreckd921v9 Před 4 lety +19

      Today's so-called big men. I might add lol.

    • @geezusgeezus4413
      @geezusgeezus4413 Před 4 lety +3

      Absolutely.

    • @MrAzeker
      @MrAzeker Před 4 lety +2

      The subtle shoulder shake down low is gone. But Steph is fun to watch. swings and round abouts

    • @cantyay897
      @cantyay897 Před 3 lety +4

      No crap the center position has had a huge downgrade from the 2000s and all you need to be a top 5 center is to average 20ppg

    • @stevenx2083
      @stevenx2083 Před 3 lety +7

      Hakeem would dominate any era of big men.

  • @luke83rj
    @luke83rj Před 4 lety +41

    He was the most skilled Center who has ever played this game. That's how good the Dream was!

    •  Před 4 lety

      Lol @ Spalding shoes

  • @cavitycreep
    @cavitycreep Před 4 lety +14

    He was the greatest of all! He brought it every night on both sides of the floor. It was an honor to watch him play.

    • @jube42
      @jube42 Před rokem

      Don't forget, Sam Bowie went before Jordan.

    • @ckobo84
      @ckobo84 Před 11 měsíci

      Exactly, for the narrator to put Bill Russell over Hakeem like it's a no-brainer is ridiculous. Bill Russell was half a basketball player, couldn't shoot a lick. Hakeem was an offensive genius and a defensive wizard. Seems to me Hakeem over Russell should be a no-brainer.

  • @2008israelramos
    @2008israelramos Před 4 lety +7

    I grew up in Houston watching Hakeem and I remember the first time I heard the local TV guy call him "The great one." I laughed when he said it, but then I was like yeah.....he is!

  • @h.j.victory6103
    @h.j.victory6103 Před 4 lety +16

    Thank you for paying tribute to and making a video about Hakeem.
    Definitely my favorite center of all time.
    Very underappreciated and overlooked player

  • @donaldtillman4351
    @donaldtillman4351 Před 4 lety +49

    Give me THE DREAM over any Center in NBA history!! 1984 Best draft class in NBA history. 3 top 20 players.

    • @akiyahwilliams9521
      @akiyahwilliams9521 Před 3 lety +1

      Bill Russell and 2011 will be best draft ever

    • @donaldtillman4351
      @donaldtillman4351 Před 3 lety +1

      @@akiyahwilliams9521 Yeah there was 6 teams when he played!! LOL

    • @akiyahwilliams9521
      @akiyahwilliams9521 Před 3 lety +1

      @@donaldtillman4351 do that makes it harder or easier also wasn’t the same scientific discovery

    • @donaldtillman4351
      @donaldtillman4351 Před 3 lety

      @@akiyahwilliams9521 Is it easier to dominate in Pittsburgh or New York?

  • @vincentjefferson1454
    @vincentjefferson1454 Před 4 lety +11

    He’s definitely the top center of all time!! Way more versatile than the others!!

  • @michaelpascarello895
    @michaelpascarello895 Před 3 lety +4

    Top fifteen in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals!!! That is how good he was!!!!

  • @aaroncabbage8572
    @aaroncabbage8572 Před 4 lety +35

    Man. You are the most underrated NBA CZcamsr out there! Love your vids.

    • @jonnyarnett
      @jonnyarnett  Před 4 lety +5

      Thanks Aaron! Appreciate you being a faithful viewer!

  • @deltadan3565
    @deltadan3565 Před 4 lety +191

    If I had to pick any center to start a team with, I’d pick The Dream over Kareem, Wilt, Russell and Shaq 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @cosmicclover1544
      @cosmicclover1544 Před 4 lety +3

      Same here

    • @bradystanley5482
      @bradystanley5482 Před 4 lety +11

      Id take hakeem over any player in the nba! Period!!! The man was unstoppable! And could do everything!

    • @swingmaneats
      @swingmaneats Před 4 lety +3

      Yup

    • @vietnowsoldo
      @vietnowsoldo Před 4 lety +2

      For me second greatest player of all time. He was monster in every damn category.

    • @slashbxe2832
      @slashbxe2832 Před 3 lety +2

      id take wilt instead but hakeem is great

  • @ktapreswreckd921v9
    @ktapreswreckd921v9 Před 4 lety +2

    Great video made by you. And great description of Olajuwon's game. Ide say that Olajuwon was the most skilled center I ever saw. He could score, rebound,defend, pass and even handle the ball. Very unique.

  • @user-fr6qn9xl9e
    @user-fr6qn9xl9e Před 4 lety +10

    *THE DREAM OHHHH HOW SWEET IT ISSSS!*
    -Bill Worrell

  • @halalmoussa4029
    @halalmoussa4029 Před 4 lety +203

    The greatest center ever

    • @poet279
      @poet279 Před 4 lety +17

      Sudhir Kakar Yes way!

    • @Bleatmop
      @Bleatmop Před 4 lety +3

      While you can certainly make arguments for others I think Hakeem is the best center ever. Play him any other star and they suddenly are in threepeat territory. Imagine Allen Iverson playing guard on his team. Suddenly the inside out game the Rockets had turn into a team that run pretty much any play.

    • @tmac731
      @tmac731 Před 4 lety +4

      Wilt? Kareem?

    • @Bleatmop
      @Bleatmop Před 4 lety +4

      @Sudhir Kakar Right? But how many of those people were bona fide stars. Not just Hall of Very Good players? Because you need those as well. But who was the Kobe to Hakeem's Shaq? Where was his Pippen? His Magic? His Bird? He didn't have anyone play with him at that level. My argument is that if he did he would have won a threepeat. Though that would have had to come in 1993 because nobody was going to beat those 1996 Bulls.

    • @OjoRojo40
      @OjoRojo40 Před 4 lety +3

      Nah that's Wilt but my god Hakeem was amazing.

  • @elreiec1
    @elreiec1 Před 4 lety +14

    Thank you so much for making this video. Solid content as usual.
    Hakeem was so good that nobody gives the Rockets any criticism for taking Hakeem (Akeem) over MJ. His 1993-94 season was one for the record books as he won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP (the only player in history to win all in the same season). By the time Olajuwon retired, he finished his career ranking in the top 10 in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. #Dr34m

    • @ja8ames
      @ja8ames Před 4 lety +1

      Yeah, that's the biggest compliment to Olajuwon, that nobody thinks it was a mistake to pick him over Jordan.

  • @jadonrollins9812
    @jadonrollins9812 Před 4 lety +19

    When NBA greats want to learn footwork and post moves who do they call? Hakeem the Dream Olajuwon. No one calls Shaq to learn anything. Enough said!!

  • @benjaminvardaman1406
    @benjaminvardaman1406 Před 4 lety +5

    Love this. He's my favorite player of all time

  • @Rodzilla97
    @Rodzilla97 Před 4 lety +17

    i never leave him out of the top 10 players of all time. he's was a basketball GOD

  • @andrewpresley908
    @andrewpresley908 Před 4 lety +3

    Hakeem probably did the absolute most with the absolute least to win a championship, especially that first one. He carried basically a bunch of no names on his back to win. Not to discount his role players on the way, they definitely kicked in, but probably only big shot Bob was the most notable name from that squad aside from Hakeem. There's a reason why Jordan listed Hakeem as part of his starting five. The man was a beast.

  • @dezos2900
    @dezos2900 Před 4 lety +8

    That is Hakeem Olajuwon's move (shake turn around jump shot) that Jordan has used for most of his career.

  • @geonidas6098
    @geonidas6098 Před 4 lety +1

    Dream was the greatest 5 to ever step on the hardwood. Every trick in the bag, a defensive monster and most of all a high basketball IQ..Unstoppable!

  • @videogameboutique2196
    @videogameboutique2196 Před 4 lety +125

    It's so strange how The dream's name isn't brought up by the masses and the mainstream media. I think it has a lot to do with hakeem's quiet demeanor and the fact that he is Nigerian-American.
    It's sad, because he still won't get the respect he deserves from the main media. They always disrespect hakeem by always mentioning Shaq over him! Just because he has more championships, doesn't make him better than hakeem.
    The author of this video pointed out, why others have more rings than the dream, because samson retired early. Drexler was way past his prime, when he won a ring with Hakeem.

    • @elreiec1
      @elreiec1 Před 4 lety +10

      Agreed, Dream was more skilled than Shaq. Shaq was more dominant in terms of using his brute strength - that was about it.

    • @7boysam
      @7boysam Před 4 lety +5

      SHAQ himself has Hakeem as the best center ever

    • @fabolousninenine30
      @fabolousninenine30 Před 4 lety +3

      Shaq had no competition on the C position. Ben Wallace came along and look what happened - they lost. Shaq couldn‘t win in the 90s because they were too good for him.

    • @evanodum563
      @evanodum563 Před 4 lety +4

      And then Kobe Bryant gets with Hakeem to learn footwork... It was beautiful . My favorite player as a child teaching my favorite player as a young adult. Hakeem was the real big fundamental.

    • @AMG-ko3gt
      @AMG-ko3gt Před 4 lety +4

      But Wilt's old fanboys always believe that Wilt is the GOAT. Bitch please! Hakeem was more skilled and he doesn't shoot free throws like a pussy unlike Wilt. Also, Wilt got outscored by Sam Jones 4 times in the playoffs. He's a statpadder. Oldheads always bring up irrelevant shit such as his bench press personal record and how many women he banged. Hakeem would've schooled Wilt in the post and in the free throw line.
      Hakeem is a better leader, a better team player, and overall, a better center than Wilt.

  • @ulyssessanders9178
    @ulyssessanders9178 Před 4 lety +14

    Hakeem was always my favorite center even over Wilt, The Dream would always be my first center on my team

  • @heh8me168
    @heh8me168 Před 2 lety +1

    Hakeem the Dream was playing ahead of his time.His style of game would dominate and destroy all centers this decade easy,Man I loved seeing this man play!!!!

  • @gregahunt
    @gregahunt Před 3 lety +2

    i agree. i watched this guy in the early and mid 90's. it was insane how good he was

  • @QuinnClips247
    @QuinnClips247 Před 4 lety +33

    The most skilled big man ever. My favorite center of all time.

    • @QuinnClips247
      @QuinnClips247 Před 4 lety +6

      Sudhir Kakar who’s more skilled?

    • @yvans.
      @yvans. Před 4 lety +2

      Sudhir Kakar GFOH I like Kareem but he has 1 go to move

    • @utthamprakash4976
      @utthamprakash4976 Před 4 lety

      @@yvans. But that one move was unstoppable and could be constantly used for 20 years.

    • @yvans.
      @yvans. Před 4 lety +1

      DaMn sOn yeah but that’s not the point. The dude said that Kareem was more “skilled” than Hakeem so that he can do more things technically in both ends of the floor

  • @peterpellechia5985
    @peterpellechia5985 Před 4 lety +9

    He was unstoppable.he made ewing look like he was standi g still when he played him

  • @oaguilera81
    @oaguilera81 Před 4 lety +1

    The man was a beast. I’ve became a fan of his in the mid 90’s because it was amazing how he dominated other great players such as Ewing, O’Neal, Robinson. He was a show on defense and his foot work was amazing for his size. And incredible talent.

  • @tejiroonovakpuri9759
    @tejiroonovakpuri9759 Před 4 lety

    Great video!! Hakeem is my favorite Center All Time. He had so many moves and even Jordan said he will be on his top 5 starting list.

  • @geraldslaughter1996
    @geraldslaughter1996 Před 4 lety +9

    My favorite all-time athlete. He's a GOAT.

  • @techmarvel807
    @techmarvel807 Před 4 lety +9

    The most skilled Center of all time!

  • @Akeem034
    @Akeem034 Před 4 lety +2

    Top 5 player of all time. He transcends position. The only player in nba history to win a championship without another all star on their team. THE ONLY PLAYER EVER.

  • @TheIkaraCult
    @TheIkaraCult Před 4 lety +34

    Hakeem's footwork was like watching a 7ft ballet dancer. I mean that in the best possible way

  • @vg452
    @vg452 Před 4 lety +61

    Lest you forget, JA:
    * Only player in NBA history to record both 200 steals and 200 blocks in a season (1988-89)
    * One of those two DPOY awards (1994) was also in a season when he won MVP (only matched by Jordan)
    * Only center in NBA history to be in the top 10 in career steals (closest active player is LeBron with just under 200 to go)
    * And he's on MJ's all-time starting lineup.
    As for modern centers, I would probably take Wilt (transcendent athlete) and Kareem (highly proficient and also finesse) over Hakeem, but Bill Russell is close and a lot would also depend upon their supporting casts. FYI Russell was a track athlete and there is grainy footage on CZcams of him *leaping over* a guy.

    • @jonnyarnett
      @jonnyarnett  Před 4 lety +11

      Love it. Thanks for the additional facts! The Dream was a beast indeed

    • @6266jamal
      @6266jamal Před 4 lety +7

      VG also Hakeem is the only player in history to win mvp dpoy and fmvp in the same year that’s why he’s on my starting 5

    • @affarokurz1486
      @affarokurz1486 Před 4 lety +2

      Add to, the only player in history of the NBA to win the MVP, the finals MVP and the defensive MVP in the same year, the guy on another level for he is my first pick by miles

  • @OddJaxx900
    @OddJaxx900 Před 4 lety +18

    Simple answer. Greatest big man ever

    • @Ojkojj
      @Ojkojj Před 4 lety

      Wilt was

    • @OddJaxx900
      @OddJaxx900 Před 4 lety +3

      @@Ojkojj Nope. Hakeem dominated in the greatest era ever for big men. Dream would've destroyed Wilt

    • @Ojkojj
      @Ojkojj Před 4 lety

      @@OddJaxx900 sure

  • @jamiebradbury2331
    @jamiebradbury2331 Před 4 lety

    Hakeem was the reason I fell in love with NBA back in the day haven't seen as good before, at the the time or since he finished playing, amazing all rounderwith unbelievable feet for a big man!

  • @ello_ello_
    @ello_ello_ Před 3 lety +2

    finally someone who knows how to make objective sense with comparisons

  • @MinLee2
    @MinLee2 Před 4 lety +17

    These videos are awesome!

    • @jonnyarnett
      @jonnyarnett  Před 4 lety +3

      Thanks friend! Wouldn't do it without viewers like you

  • @sdawg4834
    @sdawg4834 Před 4 lety +28

    Honestly, I think the Rockets would've given the Bulls a run for there money in the Finals if MJ played during the '94 and '95 season

    • @Akeem034
      @Akeem034 Před 4 lety +10

      MJ did play in the 94-95 season... Shaq and Penny beat his ass.

    • @blurzzmelo9547
      @blurzzmelo9547 Před 4 lety

      @@Akeem034 no he didnt

    • @Akeem034
      @Akeem034 Před 4 lety +5

      @@blurzzmelo9547 Were you even alive back then? Why don't you look it up...

    • @gregbye331
      @gregbye331 Před 4 lety +1

      Jordan did play in 1995. Shaq's team beat the Bulls handily, to get to the finals.

    • @sdawg4834
      @sdawg4834 Před 4 lety +6

      @@gregbye331 Yeah I know but I meant had the Bulls got into the Finals with MJ not taking his leave of absence it would've been cool to see how those Finals series played out.

  • @msl5253
    @msl5253 Před 4 lety +2

    I finally watched your video (I had posted before I watched it, lol), and it was excellent BTW. You articulated so many tidbits that I knew from watching Hakeem play since he came into the league.
    I always felt, he was the best player I ever seen, since he was the absolute best 2way player the league's probably ever seen, as you noted. And don't forget, his insane penchant for steals and ability to face up guards, on both offense and defense, many times stealing the ball from them. Great points on his lack of All Star Teammates during his championship years, and how much better a scorer he is than multiple DPOY awardees. Keep in mind: When he led his team to that 86 finals during his 2nd year. He was without his starting All Star point guard, John Lucas. And that Boston team they faced in the finals had only lost 1 game up until that, and the Rockets took them to 6 games, effectively doubling their loss total from the previous three rounds of to two in the finals (for a total of 3 losses).
    After that 86 finals appearance; numerous drug suspensions; injuries, then the carousel of trades and coaching changes tore apart that Rockets team the next year onward. Meanwhile, Hakeem was putting up some of the greatest playoff basketball ever seen, only to be forgotten years later by the national media, cause the Rockets couldn't get out the West, sometimes during the first round even.
    Note: I would put him ahead of Shaq for sure, along with Kareem and Bill Russell (cause he was so much better than either on offense or defense). Remember, Hakeem dominated on defense, in so many/multiple ways before he even scored a point. He never took breaks as well, just to focus on his offense as some/most of the others. He was Basketballs version of Lawrence Taylor-on defense, and Looney Toons cartoon Tasmanian Devil-on offense-rolled into one. I'll give it to Wilt (or Kareem for his overall dominance since high school to the pro's) due to his ridiculous sway over the statbook. LOL

  • @prometheus1711
    @prometheus1711 Před 3 lety +47

    My unpopular opinion: Hakeem Olajuwon is the GOAT

    • @abbot-bockapollo-silvero4154
      @abbot-bockapollo-silvero4154 Před 3 lety +1

      Yeah unpopular opinion gang I personally think wilt but Hakeem is the finesse and footwork goat

    • @charlieschool3073
      @charlieschool3073 Před 3 lety

      @@abbot-bockapollo-silvero4154 dude wilt isnt even top ten

    • @Biggrittz
      @Biggrittz Před 3 lety

      @@charlieschool3073 thank you

    • @robloxstephencurry2148
      @robloxstephencurry2148 Před 3 lety +1

      my unpopular opinion: Kareem is the Goat

    • @drdre4397
      @drdre4397 Před 3 lety +1

      @@charlieschool3073 Lol how can you possibly quantify that statement? Do you know how many records he broke? He could run 100m in 10.9 seconds at 7' 1". I get you are clearly uneducated on the subject matter but do some research. He led the league in assists the season after he was told he wasn't a team player. He averaged 50ppg. They didn't even records blocks properly back then so he likely has a lot of those.
      Don't say he played in a weak era because that is easily disproven.
      Either than ignorance, whatvreason do you have for not having Wilt top 10? If nothing else his impact. I get it was 60 years ago but it's important.

  • @jimmyjones9962
    @jimmyjones9962 Před 4 lety +58

    Most compete center there ever was

    • @Amick44
      @Amick44 Před 4 lety

      Offensively yes.

    • @pinheadsquarefriend4189
      @pinheadsquarefriend4189 Před 4 lety +7

      Mick A and defensively, his block average was absolutely insane

    • @lucasnogueira1137
      @lucasnogueira1137 Před 4 lety +3

      @@Amick44 he was the best shot blocker in the league for a while plus the only C at the time who got steals

  • @chrislane9615
    @chrislane9615 Před 4 lety +7

    You need another season of the Goat series for shaq, Hakeem, and Big O

  • @pennyhardaway5628
    @pennyhardaway5628 Před 4 lety +1

    I love the piano at the beginning of your videos!!

  • @neilsmith9066
    @neilsmith9066 Před 4 lety +2

    The Dream still my favorite player of all time. So smooth

  • @moety2
    @moety2 Před 4 lety +5

    I’m taking the dream over all centers. You put him on any of the teams the great winning centers had and he makes them better. But I will leave a question mark with Kareem.

  • @americangraffiti3971
    @americangraffiti3971 Před 4 lety +3

    In Spain we know him as Hakeem "Hola-jugón", a word trick that means something like "Helll-great-player".

  • @davidberlin3042
    @davidberlin3042 Před 4 lety +1

    That was some great analysis! I would say in that 1984 draft that two of the first three picks were top 10 All Time great players!

  • @jacobpitsenbarger4763
    @jacobpitsenbarger4763 Před 4 lety +2

    Hakeem is literally a dream player. He could put up 26 ppg, 13 rpg, 5 apg, 4 bpg, 2 spg. He was all over the place. Had the skills, leadership and iq of Duncan, but far more explosive and athletic.

  • @grantrmoore
    @grantrmoore Před 4 lety +22

    Tbh I put him right there with Kareem & Wilt

    • @emilantipay6877
      @emilantipay6877 Před 4 lety

      Wilt was good only during his time, but if you put him in the 80's and 90's he will be just another big man. Think of it, Wilt could not stay inside the paint as he did during his time, look how he dribble the ball. Again he cannot do the blocking as what he oftenly did during his time, it will be goal tending - He will be guarded by the likes of Robinson, Ewing, Olajuwon, Shaq, Parish and many 7footers of the 80's and 90's. Plus just take a look at the power forwarss of the 80's and 90's 6'9" with powerfull body frames. He will be prone to steals and blocks from the rear. No disrespect to WILT but man, the game of basketball is way way different from his time. Take a look at the olympics, only college players were sent by the USA Team during those times and they always won until USA team was beaten. So if you put NBA players of the 80's and 90's during wilts'time, how can they guard big man who can dribble, should jumpshots, spin, layup and shoot 3points?HOW?even if you apply their old rules in blocking and shot clocks, still the big men of the 80's and 90's can do well.

    • @noah_256.
      @noah_256. Před 4 lety

      Duke Gali fax wilt is so overrated

  • @kostastube2010
    @kostastube2010 Před 3 lety +3

    He spanked Shaq, Robinson and Ewing in the same year on his road to the ring, so he was damn good, actually having a case for best Center ever.

  • @serenityloyalty3699
    @serenityloyalty3699 Před 3 lety

    Been saying this for years thanks for this video. Best centre of all time. Especially in the era dominated by bigs.

  • @bigezy42
    @bigezy42 Před 3 lety +4

    Hakeem is actually my favorite center of all time and I also think he's the greatest. So I wouldn't put any center ahead of him.

  • @armandodelossantos736
    @armandodelossantos736 Před 4 lety +22

    He's the greatest basketball player of all time, hands down!

  • @dabarnes12
    @dabarnes12 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video. Hakeem is the goat. One big thing that may say it best, is who he went through to get there. Hakeem beat dominated every great center of his era.

  • @ryanjiii
    @ryanjiii Před 4 lety +5

    Olajuwon in his prime was the greatest center of all time. period.

  • @tonedefhimfan
    @tonedefhimfan Před 4 lety +5

    during the best era the dream proved on the court he was the best. he is the goat. gbye.

  • @seanflaherty5973
    @seanflaherty5973 Před 4 lety +17

    I would't take anybody before hakeem the dream

  • @timfrancisco7640
    @timfrancisco7640 Před 4 lety +1

    I often get into conversations with young basketball fans who ask who my starting 5 would be all time. My choice for centre usually bounces between Shaq and Hakeem. I am always tempted by Shaq. But no matter how happy I think I am with my decision I always hear the same thing in the back of my mind. "Hakeem led the league in steals and blocks in the same season and can score with more versatility than Shaq." This has always and will always bring me back to Hakeem. I also watched a video from "Open Court" where they talk about Hakeem. Even Shaq seems to have a "man crush" on Hakeem and they talk about more than just his play but also his character. Hakeem is the answer for every aspect of a great big man. Thanks for the video. I appreciate it.

  • @javigar133
    @javigar133 Před 4 lety

    Greatest Big Man ever, top 5 all time, unquestionale. He was unbelievable, played on skates and blocked everyone you threw at him. Great review!!!

  • @chedda45
    @chedda45 Před 4 lety +5

    About time you made this video!!,

    • @jonnyarnett
      @jonnyarnett  Před 4 lety +7

      Thanks for waiting patiently, CJ! Just been tired between YT and my full time job. After Christmas Day, I'm back on the grind and putting out frequent videos :)

    • @chedda45
      @chedda45 Před 4 lety +3

      @@jonnyarnett I appreciate you. Keep up the good work!

    • @camaradiop3731
      @camaradiop3731 Před 4 lety +1

      @@chedda45
      You are so correct, sir!

  • @arnoldmojados399
    @arnoldmojados399 Před 4 lety

    He is a ballader in motion..it's poetry..top 10 GOATS

  • @jerrysmith8436
    @jerrysmith8436 Před 3 lety +1

    Hakeem is the best moving center of all time. How many times can I say this? Great video brother. Stay safe.

  • @jimmyjones9962
    @jimmyjones9962 Před 4 lety +10

    Him and Kevin McHale were the best post players

    • @j34xalphaking87
      @j34xalphaking87 Před 4 lety +1

      McHale is a Post BEAST!!

    • @jadonphillips8122
      @jadonphillips8122 Před 4 lety +4

      You really know basketball because you're exactly right, Dream and McHale's post moves were a sight to see. The 2 best ever.

  • @revjim77
    @revjim77 Před 4 lety +5

    I love Hakeem. When I coached my daughter’s basketball team from elementary school to j.v. high school, I recommended to all my players that they play soccer in the autumnal months because of Olajuwon. His footwork was amazing which had a lot to do with his time on the pitch. It didn’t hurt that soccer players gain an understanding of how to fill a lane correctly.
    That being said, I have one huge issue with this video. There is no guarantee that Hakeem would’ve won even a single title, let alone multiple titles after the two titles he achieved if he had young Kobe or Wade on his team in the 90’s.
    You could say the same about the Pistons in 2003 if the drafted Wade or Melo, but they could’ve messed up their chemistry which resulted in them losing in ‘04.

    • @morecowbell235
      @morecowbell235 Před 2 lety

      Sure, chemistry means a lot. That is what made his 2nd title so interesting. They basically broke up that team to bring in Clyde and it was clear things were out of sync a bit. They really didn't start to jell until towards the end of the year and were a 6th seed when the playoffs started. Not exactly a recipe for success

  • @clementomoregie9093
    @clementomoregie9093 Před 4 lety +2

    Most underrated player in NBA history and the greatest center of all time

  • @tlharris40
    @tlharris40 Před 2 lety

    Your content is on point and I agree with everything you said. But, to truly appreciate the greatness of Hakeem you had to watch him in his prime. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.....

  • @jingqi9106
    @jingqi9106 Před 4 lety +3

    There is no doubt Hakeem is the greatest center of the modern era and the most fun to watch. I remember when the Celtics spanked the Rockets in '86 and McHale was great on the low block with his post moves and footwork. One of Dream's greatest attributes was ability to learn and later you could see Mchale's influence in his game as Hakeem developed the Dream Shake and other post moves...what a great player.

  • @Homer-OJ-Simpson
    @Homer-OJ-Simpson Před 4 lety +3

    Johnny, another great video. Hakeem is better than Shaq and Kobe and yet Hakeem is talked about far less. Among centers, I think he is 4th behind Kareem, Wilt and Bill with Shaq in 5th.

  • @zepets
    @zepets Před 3 lety

    Great video, I love Olajuwon a lot with regards to his footwork and fake move. Thanks for sharing it. Only one thing need to justify is he is not the only superstar in his team. Clyde Drexler who used to be 10 times all star was in his team in Houston.

  • @arvinbeckers5
    @arvinbeckers5 Před 4 lety

    yooo your channel is fire man, great video, you got yourself a new subscriber

  • @aftastosk6016
    @aftastosk6016 Před 4 lety +52

    There is no comparison between Hakeem and shaq.

    • @TheTariqibnziyad
      @TheTariqibnziyad Před 4 lety +16

      Yup, Hakeem owns Shaq

    • @mattbenson2034
      @mattbenson2034 Před 4 lety +8

      They went head to head and shaq himself said hes the greatest center hes ever seen

    • @nonyobussiness3440
      @nonyobussiness3440 Před 4 lety +1

      Shaq was better

    • @kielmaguire5121
      @kielmaguire5121 Před 4 lety +7

      Shaq was more dominate, The Dream was the better player tho

    • @aftastosk6016
      @aftastosk6016 Před 4 lety

      This is total nonsense, back in the day there was a total frenzy for drafting Shaq because agruably was the strongest man ever to enter in the NBA but even his best fans couldn't even dare that his basketball skills were as good as any of the other dominant centers of the day. And by saying "dominant", I am not talking only about Olajuwon, Ewing or Robinson. Even players that in the end of their careers by that time (Parish, Cartright, Edwards) or players that were injury plagued (Daugherty, Ellison) or players that were too lazy or loving pizza too much to be serious professionals (Duckworth - RIP- , Benjamin, Stanley Roberts) were considered better skilled than Shaq in the basketball fundamentals. But Shaq could run among the best of them and outpower all of them, so a frealy athlete, that's what he was.