Shaq Vs Hakeem: Who’s the GREATER Center? (Versus Series #3)

When we evaluate the legends of history, and break down their talent, skills, stats and accolades... who comes out on top? In this video of this new series, Shaquille O'Neal squares off with Hakeem Olajuwon.
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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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I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No...
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#NBA #Shaq #HakeemOlajuwon

[@jonnyarnett]

1-on-1 Tournament: Shaq, Hakeem, Wilt, Russell, Kareem… who wins? ERROR: At one point I say Shaq was the worst Free Throw shooter in the league 8 times, but the text says 10... it is in fact 8. Sorry, its the struggle of making final edits at 2:30am. lol

[@rileymcauley6994]

Wilt

[@JuanTaughtMe]

Wilt

[@kermit1056]

Wilt

[@butter1ftw724]

I would say Shaq. I assume the 1v1 tournement would follow street ball rules, and Shaq is the biggest bully of all time.

[@torahisgood]

1.wilt 2.Kareem 3.Shaq 4.Russell 5.hakeem

[@cratwinterz200]

In the words of Shaq. “You’re not taking me over Hakeem, cause I’m not taking me over him.”

[@allanhouston6759]

*Hakeem Olajuwon lost in the First Round to the team whose best player was Dale Ellis.* Hakeem lost twice to Dale Ellis. 1987 WCSF: Sonics vs Rockets ( 4:2 ). *Hakeem lost to a team that failed to win even 40 games.* *Hakeem Olajuwon 8 times lost in the First Round and missed the Playoffs in his Prime.* Shaquille O"Neal is better than Hakeem.

[@runforrestrun7112]

@@allanhouston6759 Is this the real Allan Houston the NBA player?

[@allanhouston6759]

@@runforrestrun7112 No.

[@benjaminan1183]

@@allanhouston6759 Ben Wallace isn't much better than Dale Ellis & Shaq lost to a team lead by him, while having a top 15 player ever in Kobe on his roster. 🏀 is a team sport.

[@allanhouston6759]

@@benjaminan1183 Stop raving. Ben Wallace is much better than Dale Ellis and the Pistons are much beter than the Sonics. The Sonics were an average team.The Pistons were title contenders. 2004/2006 Pistons: Ben Wallace, Rashed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton. *Hakeem Olajuwon lost in the First Round to a fairly average team.*

[@thedude3140]

I got Hakeem he’s my dude and is the most ideal center ever

[@matthewsmith1779]

Facts

[@mallcop9979]

Kareem In my opinion amazing defender and has an unstoppable move my offense can reliably use

[@_1luljayyy]

Kareem is better but Hakeem is more skill and a better defender Kareem is just more accomplished

[@saadmanbinwarsi719]

his idol kareem is better

[@saadmanbinwarsi719]

@Robert Likesdonuts no, wilt is 2nd kareem is 1st

[@toddstamos89]

The problem with shooting and efficiency is that they need context. Shaq needed people to get him the ball and set him up. Hakeem didn’t. He could get the ball on the outside and make his own offense. He often did.

[@GABEMOORE533]

WELL SAID ,. MY. MAN . PEOPLE. KEEP. OVERLOOKING. THAT .>🎤

[@Peakfreud]

So true.

[@Stanstilly]

Not true. Shaq had nice handles for a big man. Go back and do your homework.

[@paquitocauli5229]

@@Stanstilly What kind of response is that? "Do your homework?" Seriously? Shaq does not have handles that Olajuwon have. Not even close. He can't do crossover on opposing big men AND guards. Shaq definetly doesn't have a polished outside game. Do you ever see guards (Kobe Bryant) and forwards (Le Flop) trying to learn footwork from Shaq? Guess where they try to learn their footwork from? The man was trying to say, Olajuwon can create his own offense. He can shoot a reliable 18 footer and have enough handles to embarass some guards to the hoop. Get your nose out of Shaq's ass and do YOUR homework. Clown.

[@Jburneyjr]

@@Stanstilly the amount of times Shaq brought the ball up the floor compared to Hakeem isn't even close. That's mainly because Shaq wanted to get the post up as low as possible

[@STONESGAM]

Shaq was very difficult to deal with due to his size but I enjoyed Hakeem's game a lot more. He was a better shooter and more skilled. Shaq had a legit superstar in Kobe as a teammate when he won his titles. Hakeem had a solid supporting cast but no real stars when he won his titles. I pick the dream.

[@stephonmarbury7270]

Personally I got Hakeem but much respect to The Diesel.

[@allanhouston6759]

Hakeem was very good in 1994 and 1995. But he"s no better than Shaq.

[@remynogueira8649]

Shaq

[@remynogueira8649]

@@allanhouston6759 yess Allan Houston your like the only other person in this comment section with basketball IQ Shaq is a beast and it’s and obvious decision

[@hepwo91222]

@@allanhouston6759 1995 Shaq won a scoring title, it was his 3rd season, Magic beat the Bulls in 6 on their way to the Finals. They got swept in the Finals by a 6th seed Rockets team that had the best center of his generation, Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon.

[@Defender78]

Shaq is the better singer "I'm Outstanding" and actor "Kazaam"

[@TownBwoy]

Hakeem is better in my opinion. Had the toughest road to a chip. Won back to back before Jordan came. Beat Shaq head to head. Skill set wise, Hakeem can be dominant and he had a jumper, let’s not forget the three he hit on Shaq to end the series. Also Hakeem is arguably the best defender ever. 😂 A center that is top 10 in steals and first in blocks. 2x dpoy. 3x block leader and an offensive skill set like that. Crazy.

[@bendeuitch4957]

yea same I agree

[@augustinechoi9868]

skill wise, theres no comparison. Hakeem's foot work is unmatched

[@leadbyexampleboxingandfitn2800]

Hate greats in the early 70s and prior didn't get certain stats Imagine how many blocks Nate Thurmond, wilt, walt Bellamy even the OG Mikan would have Wilt is the most dominant ever stat wise Shaq most overpowering Hakeem most skilled

[@allanhouston6759]

@@muhammadrajput3502 Stop it. Shaq is better than Hakeem.

[@TownBwoy]

@@allanhouston6759 Lemme see Shaq average 37.5 and 15.4 rebounds 2.3 steals and 2.8 blocks on 57% fg in a playoff season. Hell he swept Shaq and put 32 11 and 5 with 2 blocks and 2 steals and he had the most points in all games. 😂💀

[@silvershelbygt5006]

I loved Hakeem back in the day. He doesn't get enough love today.

[@jasondyrkacz8270]

Nobody ever faults the Rockets picking Hakeem in 1984.

[@innosanto]

Maybe because of Shaq but the comparison would require analysis.

[@markuscordova2246]

The way Dream played in 93-95 playoffs, in both those years, is the greatest center of all time.

[@neal6473]

I say from 92 to 95.

[@Unitas19]

True.

[@lamle4372]

Ask MJ. He agrees.

[@marckellough529]

How can anyone be the goat jjust based on what he did in a two year period?? That's ridiculous!! What about the other 16 years when he was eliminated in the first round 8 times?? Oh excuse me I guess that doesn't count

[@lancertheanswer6351]

What I like about this vid is that he paid respects to the greatness of Hakeem without disrespecting Shaq's.

[@davidmartinez52420]

Too many people can't seem to do that nowadays. It's to the point where often times the person you're talking to will automatically assume you're disrespecting Player B for saying Player A is better when you weren't disrespecting Player B at all. Just because someone thinks one player is better doesn't automatically mean they're saying the lesser player is trash.

[@hinika]

And he does that in all of his videos. He respects the greatness of other players without being disrespectful to others.

[@bobbysmoove4796]

RIGHT! Completely unbiased and still showing respect to both players👏🏾

[@nimaf.2177]

Hakeem: more skilled Shaq: more dominant

[@II55555]

Hakeem: better

[@allanhouston6759]

1996 WCSF: Sonics vs Rockets ( 4:0 ). Game 1, *Hakeem Olajuwon=6-Points, on 33%.* The Rockets won the title just a year ago. Hakeem had a Clyde Drexler. Hakeem is very good, but he is no better than Shaquille O"Neal.

[@FAlynn92]

@@allanhouston6759 to be fair, you did cherry pick one bad game, and the rockets (who if I recall correctly) didn't even have home court advantage in 1995 were probably not as good a team in 1996. Not a rockets fan, just pointing out that the occasional bad game doesn't diminish what a great player has accomplished, or make them inferior to someone they bested in a sweep the year before.

[@bassheadchilled1344]

shaq had a bevy of skills in the post his peak years than we all give him credit for BUT stl have hakeem ahead of o'neal all time ( 10 & 11 )

[@mandodelossantos2]

Can't be dominant if you can't shoot or defend the pick and roll

[@williamkoscielniak7871]

Hakeem won a championship with role players, and then the year after that led a team to four straight road playoff series's with victories over both David Robinson and Shaq. He also helped lead his team to the finals in '86 and was able to help his team get two wins against the legendary '86 Celtics. Give Hakeem a great wing player for his whole career and he'd be in everyone's GOAT conversation. I wouldn't take any center over Hakeem.

[@jamoa3395]

No Jordan?

[@phillipschuman4307]

@@jamoa3395 Hakeem's Rockets had a winning record v the Jordan Bulls. Their record went to 11-5, before Chicago made it closer. As Jordan said, 'we have no answer for the big African.'

[@sambeezy007]

​@@phillipschuman4307I honestly would build my team around Hakeem or 1967 Wilt over Jordan.

[@texasturner2313]

I’m taking Hakeem over any other center every time.

[@phillipschuman4307]

@@texasturner2313 Kareem dropped 40 on Hakeem in the season when he was age of 37-38-- not just once, but 3x in that season. Prime Kareem would have done more. (Hakeem did not score 40 even once vs. old Kareem.) That same year, he also put a 40 piece on Patrick Ewing. At that age, he couldn't do it all the time, at will, like he could in his prime, but when motivated he could still bring it. Hakeem was great, but several were greater.

[@Ivander85]

The fact that Hakeem was able to top all these other great C's from his era while often being a bit smaller (was he really 7ft tall? I don't think so...) and a bit lighter than all just shows how insanely talented he was. Shaq was a force of nature and had a tendency to coast a bit due to his size. I believe he could have been even better if he took his conditioning a bit more serious. Hakeem was a workhorse in comparison.

[@mikelee5900]

6"10in a half

[@calebdejoun939]

@@mikelee5900 nah his 7’0

[@mikelee5900]

@@calebdejoun939 actually he was a little over 6 10 and a half in bear feet wasn't a true 7 feet he's my all time favorite player to this day and for them to put him at 13 of all time greats is wrong top 10 for sure.

[@shaaflodi9954]

@@mikelee5900 he is 611 not 7 foot

[@mikelee5900]

@@shaaflodi9954 that's what i said he wasn't 7 foot a shade over 6 10in a half

[@samweltan3353]

I mean, Hakeem beat Shaq so bad he never disrespected him ever again.

[@CW-hq2qr]

That’s actually a pretty well known misconception. Shaq had great stats against Hakeem, but Hakeem was just that much better

[@jeremytucker8853]

Not true, Shaq averaged more points in the finals against Hakeem. He was just impressed with Hakeems foot work.

[@CW-hq2qr]

@Jackstar769 Shaq put up 28 and 13 up against Hakeem. Those r great numbers ur just misremembering that Shaq played great too. Hakeem was better that finals for sure, but it’s not like Shaq had a meltdown like Lebron did in the finals

[@jeremytucker8853]

@Jackstar769 It doesn't matter if Shaq was felt bad after that series. Facts remain the same. He wasn't even in his prime yet and he still put up better scoring than Hakeem. Not to minimize Hakeem but he has been bounced from the 1st round of the playoffs 8x in his career. Shaq, never. Shaq also dominated longer with more championships and final MVPs than Hakeem.

[@jeremytucker8853]

@Jackstar769 Shaq's team got swept by Houston. They all went limp on the big stage. From free throws to shooting the three. Shaq was the only player who's numbers were higher than regular season. Everyone else numbers were down. Houston? Every player on that roster had more stats than their regular season stats for that series. Kenny Smith set an NBA record for most 3 pointers in a finals at that time.

[@nolanscripture]

Hakeem for me. He dominated David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and Shaq in the playoffs during those two championship runs in the mid-90s. That alone puts him first in his era at his position imo. I'd only put Kareem and Wilt ahead of him at center.

[@allanhouston6759]

Shaq also dominated Hakeem. 1995 Nba Finals. Rockets vs Magic ( 4:0 ). *Shaquille O"Neal= 28- 12- 6, FG-58%.* *Hakeem Olajuwon= 33- 11- 5, FG-48%.* 1999 WCFR: Lakers vs Rockets ( 3:1 ). *Shaquille O"Neal= 29- 10- 4, FG-52%.* *Hakeem Olajuwon=13- 7- 1, FG-42%.*

[@remynogueira8649]

you mean shaq

[@FAlynn92]

@@allanhouston6759 again, I don't mean to invalidate what it is you are saying, but you are cherry picking specific examples. The Rockets won the 95 finals in a sweep, so I don't think Shaq dominated anything. He simply got his stats. and 1999 was far past Olajuwon's prime. Remember, he was drafted in 1984, that's a 15 year difference.

[@elliottpierce9823]

Bill Russel I would also put ahead.

[@allanhouston6759]

@@FAlynn92 1995 Nba Finals. The Orlando Magic were a talented team. But they didn"t have enough experience. On an individual level, Shaq was no worse than Hakeem. Hakeem did not outplayed him. 1999 WCFR: *Charles Barkley=23- 13- 4, FG-53%.* *Scotte Pippen - All-Defensive First Team ( 1999 ).* But Hakeem Olajuwon still lost even with that help.

[@jefreetaleno323]

The Dream was a beast! In my books the best center of all time.

[@basketballfan1119]

Really? Where do you have him all time then?

[@joebuck7495]

Jordan, James, Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, Jabbar, Durant...

[@jefreetaleno323]

@@basketballfan1119 none of ur business that’s where

[@ravingamer5750]

At the least a top 4 center

[@allanhouston6759]

*Hakeem Olajuwon 8 times lost in the first round and missed the Playofs in his prime.* Kareem >>> Shaq >> Hakeem.

[@VL1728]

Defense and rebounding won me over. For Shaq to never win a rebound title is astonishing

[@C.P.Brown_]

Hakeem is the BEST center that I've had the privilege of watching during my lifetime. The MOST versatile center period. & Shaq is the MOST dominant center that I've ever seen.

[@yvesgysel9834]

I agree totally with your summary. I still love Shaq.

[@masterchief5833]

What the hell do you even mean with dominant you guys are fucking confusing me.

[@takeover2x35]

@@masterchief5833 dominant like playing his role in paint like being unstoppable

[@alanpuffs5399]

@@masterchief5833 dominant as in bigger stronger than anyone else, the only men that actually attempted to bully shaq was rodman and ben wallace, david robinson tried but you seen the highlights of what shaq did to that man.

[@albertpringle4918]

I'll buy that for a dollar 💲

[@TriforceRich]

Always remember this, when MJ went out Hakeem made it clear he was next in line. That was in an era of many top 50 players of all time.

[@raymundfernandez4172]

When God is not around Titans are playing. Black Jezuz in diamond center is dominant

[@mandodelossantos2]

Olajuwon dominated Jordan up to that point won 11 out of 16 games belonged to Olajuwon

[@mandodelossantos2]

@@raymundfernandez4172 Jordan is no God to Olajuwon

[@FuShengAlex]

Pfft olajuwon was beasting in the NBA even Jordan was there

[@octopus8420]

Bulls would have lost both years. Btw MJ played 95 playoffs

[@skolcole]

BRING BACK THIS SERIES JONNY!! Wilt vs Kareem Stockton vs West Robinson vs Moses….There’s so many of these that would make great videos. You could even use current players with an *as of current year* disclaimer like Giannis vs Dirk, Curry vs Magic, Durant vs Dr. J, Kawhi vs Pippen, etc.

[@jasonsalazar9711]

Wilt West Moses Giannis Magic Durant Kawhi

[@Smoothyoki]

@@jasonsalazar9711all W

[@arigross6822]

How about: Wilt vs Shaq Hakeem vs Bill Russell Kareem vs Tim Duncan (If the last two are too one-sided, how about The Dream vs. The Big Fundamental?)

[@Milordvega]

I myself would normally pick Shaq because he was just so dominant. His 1999-200 up to 2000-2001 threepeat years with the Lakers were even better than Hakeem's peak years. But you pointed out how Shaq played with greater teammates. And I myself can't fathom how Shaq's teams (despite very good to great supporting casts) kept getting swept 4-0 in many playoff years, including to Hakeem's Rockets in 1995, to MJ's Bulls in 1996, to Mailman's Jazz in 1998 (after losing 4-1 the year before), to Duncan and Admiral's Spurs in 1999, even to the Bulls in the first round as defending champions in 2007....you get the picture. Hakeem

[@northernlight1000]

Hakeem Dominated every great big of his time: Ewing, Robinson, Malone, Kareem, and even Shaq!

[@andreaspapadakis2602]

all exept one! and he wasnt even that big at least vertically...

[@connorpugsstan3594]

This stat does need context tho

[@Rianme1ster]

Shaq wasn't in his prime though.

[@toogieross]

@@Rianme1ster shaq led the league in scoring and took magic to the finals in 94 but wasn't in his prime? What did he do differently in the prime you're referring to? Not go up against Jordan or Hakeem and added all star kobe...

[@northernlight1000]

@@toogieross exactly

[@hansonlee5847]

If I remember correctly, Inside the NBA hosts Charles Barkley, Shaq, and Kenny debated on their top 10 center picks. One time, Kenny tried to dispute why Charles didn't pick Shaq as top 10 because Charles chose Hakeem over Shaq. Even, Shaq humbly admitted that he thinks Hakeem was the better player

[@TheChosenMoose01]

Shaq has openly stated that he doesn't think he's the best center, but the most dominate player of all time.

[@TheFadedSpade35]

@@TheChosenMoose01 most dominant is Wilt or Shaq

[@Umairalimp]

Most dominant is definitely wilt. A Freaking athletic monster period.

[@davidmartinez52420]

@@TheChosenMoose01 Shaq also stated once that there were very few players he faced that he had true respect for. Hakeem was one of those players though.

[@Idontknowanyoda1]

Kenny was even a Houston Rocket player and saw it all

[@shelenanorman8411]

First of all that was the greatest era for big men in NBA history. The 80's and 90's is an era that can't be replaced. I have to go with Hakeem as well. For those of us who lived through that era.....Hakeem was the first big man I ever saw who totally EMBARRASSED...I mean EMBARRASSED big men who tried to guard him. Another thing that made him a terror was the fact that you didn't know what he was going to do from 18 feet away from the basket. He had a jumper from there, so do you stay home and give him the jumper, or do you guard the big man with the little man foot work. He was a dangerous man.

[@Peakfreud]

True, But if Duncan went by the proper position that he is he would be a top 5 center.

[@Peakfreud]

@Ryan Norman Bro, I feel your pain. I'm a Knicks Fan Hakeem use to abuse Ewing made him look slow like a telephone pole.

[@Peakfreud]

@Ryan Norman You seem like a sensible dude, who would you draft if you had to choose between Hakeem & Tim Duncan?

[@kevinthomes1046]

@@Peakfreud This is not even close. Hakeem. As great as Duncan was he is not in Hakeem's league.

[@Peakfreud]

@@kevinthomes1046 I respect The Dream, he school Ewing and my Knicks, and embarrassed Shaq a couple of times. But to say Tim ain't in his league.. I'm not so sure about that bro.

[@erickgross984]

Great Job! The Dream & any one who can Hoop during RAMADAN is head & heels above his competition

[@illwill2survive]

The argument about star teammates won me over to the dream side. I was too young to appreciate hakeem’s illustrious career. His two way abilities and the fact he won 2 titles without another all star/all pro gives him the edge over diesel

[@PhoenixAscending]

Yeah, shaq couldn't lead a team like hakeem did. I watched them both, and always thought hakeem was better. He may be the best center of all time

[@aaronc2300]

Yeah right. Clyde Drexler. Sam Cassell. Robert Horry. Vernon Maxwell. Kenny Smith. That team was loaded buddy. Shaq went to a finals everywhere he went!

[@aaronc2300]

@@PhoenixAscending Shaq was the v the team!

[@brando4422]

@@aaronc2300 look at who Hakeem played with through out his career, decent but not great. Horry isn't special if he is so is Steve Kerr also both avg.6 points. Had Drexler in 95 to 98 in his mid 30s cassel was a decent rookie in 94 good teams those 2 year's but Shaq had way way more help. Loaded Magic team then Kobe and Loaded lakers and loaded Heat he played about 15 yrs on stacked teams to Hakeems teo studded team's then old ass Barkley and Pippen when he was 34 and up. Shaq played with the 3 guys people were comparing to MJ. Penny the next in line after Jordan then it was Kobe then he played with Wade who looked like MJ dominating when he played with Shaq.

[@coloneldusty4476]

He’s overrated. He wasn’t as consistent. 8 first round exits. Including 5 in a row dead smack in the prime of his career. Shaq went 13 seasons between first round exits

[@derekgreen7319]

Hakeem has one of the single greatest seasons ever.

[@ericb7776]

MVP FMVP DPOY

[@petercook9348]

I’m a huge huge Hakeem fan. Between these 2 you are splitting hairs. I honestly think the big difference is in defence. A lot of other stats are pretty similar. But olajuwon was a superstar defender. With all defence and all nba teams. A lot of shaqs career was in an era of aging great centres or when it was weak. For Hakeem he had to beat out Ewing, Robinson, Motumbo and others to earn all nba and all defence honours.

[@lamle4372]

Defender numerous uno. Period. Jordan was an equal. And maybe Russell his superior but hard to say, different era.

[@thedreamcollector622]

@@lamle4372 Bill Russell was a great defender. Maybe the best. But was not his league on offence. Jordan, Kobe and Hakeem would battle out best 2 way players.

[@hassanbaig8734]

@@thedreamcollector622 Hakeem was better defensively than jordan and kobe what are you talking about🤣

[@UzoGeoffMediaMinistries]

Great analyst and wonderful analysis. I totally agree with you, sir.

[@Iyi..]

Jonny is the goat because of how his facts are almost always correct, isn't biased, shows the goods and bads of NBA players and doesn't exaggerate things!

[@dennisc2154]

Agree ..one of the best basketball channel right now 👍

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

We know his bias is with anything regarding the Lakers. But he tries to control that bias as much as possible.

[@bradenwright2586]

I thought it was really biased. Didn't even bring up zone defense being changed to stop Shaq!!! Biggest fact there is, they changed the rules for Wilt too. Nothing for Hakeem

[@MrE_]

@@bradenwright2586 but then again, he didn't mention that Hakeem was in the same era as Michael Fricken Jordan, which would also hinder your individual accolades

[@bradenwright2586]

@@MrE_ True dat. Although if Michael didn't retire who knows if the Rocket would have any rings, personal I think they would have still snagged one. I would have loved to see Shaq in his prime play a Jordan team in his prime. We got a little glimpse but I want more!

[@tdvu]

With his skillset and agility, can you imagine the damage he'd do in this league today?

[@bofallhihaj4745]

True, he would also add a 3-point jumper to his game! Can you imagine?!

[@NotGord]

Hakeem? Not shaq right😂

[@snock5487]

@@NotGord both actually, unless it's fat Shaq in his late years, but specially his years in Orlando he played like Giannis does, and we know how dominant that f ker is

[@bloodysunday3261]

@@snock5487 Shaq did not play like Giannis lol Jesus Christ. Could he have? Maybe a similar style, but he’s too damn big. He’d be a 7’2 Zion if anything.

[@snock5487]

@@bloodysunday3261 have you seen early Orlando shaq? For me that really looks like Giannis, he was playing way more downhill and less post ups

[@ikarugaxx3749]

From a career-long Olajuwon fan: thanks so much for putting the number of Rings Hakeew could win in a light of objectivity. He never had a team worth having him - Drexler and Barkley were near their expiration date when he got them on the team.

[@devildickdeep]

Scoring - Shaq Efficiency - Tie Rebounding - Hakeem Defense - Hakeem Accolades - Shaq Shaq is the greater player but Hakeem is the greater center, period.

[@suhailrefaye92]

I always keep oscillating between the two of them. Now I've made up my mind thanks to you. Dream all the way.

[@jasonjaeger4860]

This one of the best comparison videos out there. Thanks for the video!

[@duffypratt]

Hakeem. The one thing you didn’t mention is how they performed head to head. Not totally fair because they were at different points in their careers, but Hakeem got the better of Shaq when they met (and of every other great center - Robinson, Ewing etc…)

[@safeandeffectivelol]

Shaq had 3 full years under his belt by that time, so it wasn't like he was a rookie.

[@lamle4372]

​@@safeandeffectivelolhis skills are the same no matter age. Dominating atheleticim for his size.

[@zachlavine5606]

Hakeem is a monster with post moves

[@syedali2427]

It’s me artis lol

[@EJD339]

If Shaq would have taken care of himself and actually practiced hard, I’d imagine this debate would be closer.

[@unopaz4970]

He honestly might be the GOAT tbh

[@athom716]

Fair, but Shaq got to drop rap albums and play a kid's genie in a Hollywood movie and be an early investor in Google. He was busy playing the side quests while Hakeem was slightly better at the main mission.

[@joeyjo-joshabadu9636]

@@athom716 but Hakeem ended up making a killing in real estate after he retired so you can't say he didn't make good life choices also

[@Bigedub101]

Man I know Shaq one of the greatest Centers but during the time of Shaq prime, I felt Shaq should been as dominant as Wilt was cause if wasn't a big even close go good as him

[@arch8748]

This is my favorite video on your channel. Hakeem is so underrated. If Hakeem had Shaw’s help he would be in the goat conversation with Lebron and MJ. I liked the stat at how he is the best scorer out of all the multiple time DPOY’s. That shows his two way dominance. He is arguably the best defender ever, and arguably the most skilled offense center ever. How don’t more poeple have him top 5?

[@lamle4372]

Yes.

[@treystyles3760]

Great series. Even Shaq bows to the dream!

[@piedpiped3267]

Before starting. It’s Hakeem for me. He’s the greatest center of all time for me. Mainly for the reason that he was the best big man in the golden age of big man. While Kareem played in an era where the only good centers were him, Moses Malone, and maaaybe Dave Cowins, and Bill Walton. Same with Shaq, during the 2000s there was him, Dikembe Mutumbo, and out of prime David Robinson

[@allanhouston6759]

*Hakeem Olajuwon 8 times lost in the First Round and missed the Playoffs in his Prime.* Hakeem is not the greatest Center of all-time.

[@toogieross]

@@allanhouston6759 Kareem missed playoffs twice in his prime.

[@micahkiyimba8641]

Wilt Chamberlain is the GOAT at Center.... If not him... Kareem is better.

[@remynogueira8649]

You mean shaq

[@bazingacurta2567]

Sure, during the 2000s Tim Duncan was already retired, right? That is one case of severe amnesia.

[@Navvye]

This Video was so heavily requested by us! Thank you for delivering as always!

[@charliefierro3190]

Only player in league history to ever to win, MVP 🏆 DPOTY, and Finals MVP in the same season Perhaps the greatest season in the history of modern professional sports. Master class at the highest level. When giants still roamed.

[@tubx3805]

Hakeem is a complete player. Shaq is all about bully ball. The game has evolved to where centers like Shaq are obsolete. Hakeem remains relevant even in today's game. Mount Rushmore of great NBA centers: Jabbar, Chamberlain, Russell, Olajuwon

[@jackmeyer8656]

Also, Shaq didn’t have to play MJ for most of his career.

[@MrE_]

The one thing Shaq can say is that he was the one to eliminate MJ in his "prime" in the playoffs in '95. But then Hakeem beat the team that beat the bulls so yea...I guess Hakeem wins no matter what

[@THECaseyTroutman]

@@MrE_ It wasn't really prime MJ though he only came back for a couple weeks before that series and he wasn't quite in basketball shape yet, just look at happened in 1996

[@MrE_]

@@THECaseyTroutman *"prime"*

[@carlmitchell816]

@@MrE_ that wasnt prime mike he just got back they swept the magic the next year

[@jrsmith1998]

@@MrE_ look at all these EXCUSES that these clowns are making for MJ getting his ass kicked by the Magic 😂

[@kermit1056]

Hakeem>Shaq, close but clear

[@allanhouston6759]

1989 WCFR: Sonics vs Rockets ( 3:1 ). *Hakeem Olajuwon lost in the First Round to the team whose best player was Dale Ellis.* 1987 WCSF: Sonics vs Rockets ( 4:2 ). *Hakeem Olajuwon lost to a team that failed to win even 40 games.* Hakeem lost twice to Dale Ellis. Hakeem couldn"t even beat Dale Ellis. So how can he be better than Shaq ? ?

[@theslothboy7498]

@@allanhouston6759 watch the video

[@dashboardmoney5743]

@Allan Houston damn stop cherrypicking bad games every player has off games including shaq and you are just taking them out of context. Even the greatest like mj or LeBron has many off games

[@allanhouston6759]

@@dashboardmoney5743 Hakeem lost to quite average teams. Hakeem 8 times lost in the First Round. Hakeem is in the top ten. But he is no better than Shaquille O"Neal.

[@yvans.]

@@allanhouston6759 Give Hakeem a Kobe, Penny or D.Wade in his prime please put some context to all of that. Shaq never had a bad team.

[@milesmatthews6880]

We need more of these jonny

[@Just2GdTobiTrue]

Amazing vid thank you 🙏🏾

[@jude7709]

THANK YOU!!!! Hakeem is one of the most underrated players ever and is IMO a top 2 Center ever

[@ronaldoz-d]

ummmm bill russell. i got hakeem at 3 tho

[@ronaldoz-d]

@Max Jacob Ishimwe got him at 4 behind 1 kareem 2 bill 3 hakeem and ahead of 5 wilt

[@harmanjotsingh4230]

@@ronaldoz-d yeah I got Hakeem behind Kareem and Wilt

[@MinoSeven]

@@ronaldoz-d Hakeem can do anything Russell can do on the defense end but Is 20 times Better o offense...

[@THECaseyTroutman]

@@MinoSeven hen why does Russel have 11 rings?

[@dabarnes12]

The play that seals it for me is the Dream's block on Starks.

[@estebanrivera4786]

At the end, to sum up the video, "So, am I full of crap?" Lol priceless perfection.

[@charliefierro3190]

Facts, facts, and more facts. Couldn’t agree more, The Dream really was just that, his grace and skill on both ends of the floor was startling; it’s embedded in my memory for the rest of my days. Those back to back championship seasons, I believe Hakeem eclipsed his airness MJ, the GOAT 🐐 during that time period, was indeed Hakeem

[@eurofam7475]

Do Jason Kidd and Steven Nash next! 😁🥴🤝

[@painmaster8165]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!

[@saadmanbinwarsi719]

nash and stockton would be better because these close friends have more similarities between them against nash-kidd or stockton-kidd

[@eliekazmouz4450]

Steve wins easy

[@eliekazmouz4450]

@@muhammadrajput3502 steph no doubt

[@eurofam7475]

@@eliekazmouz4450 Scoring: Nash Passing: Tie (I haven’t done research to declare the verdict for this category) Efficiency: Nash Defense: Kidd Accolades: ?

[@siriusblack7714]

Thanks for showing the dream love, he doesnt get enough credit from mainstream media

[@64Turby]

You are 100% correct sir!!! Shaquille O’Neal was a great center and one of the best of all time but Hakeem dominated on both ends of the court . I actually believe that he is the greatest center of all time . Look at the sinners he had to go through to get both titles, that says it all!!!!

[@MrEOM41]

The 90s was golden era for Big men.

[@futureDreamer4]

To me The Dream is the greatest big man of all time.

[@karo3529]

True that. And highly underrated

[@bastadimasta]

Hakeem was the greatest of his era but not greater than Wilt

[@ave204]

not better than kareem

[@bastadimasta]

@@ave204 much better than Kareem in terms of basketball

[@ave204]

@@bastadimasta not really everyone in the history of having a brain thinks kareem is higher all time than hakeem

[@dylanszafryk8702]

Criminally underrated. Great video

[@deforestdelpech7528]

Hakeem's first Championship was the greatest achievement in NBA history.

[@morpher728]

What about dirks championship? Chamberlain's 50ppg season? Bulls double three peat in the hardest era ever? 40 pt a game in the playoffs from jordan? Quintuple double with 50pt and 27 rebs from chamberlain? 8 straight with russel? Idk I feel like a lot of them rival it.

[@tylerbuck9347]

@@morpher728 and 3-1 comeback over a 73-9 team

[@brando4422]

@@tylerbuck9347 He's probably meaning roster wise and how those two played.

[@-ac-8296]

@Aaron9 Scottie Pippen was an all star the season before and the season after and it's just a popularity contest anyway

[@the757general2]

@Aaron9 Draymond is a dirty ass player. He's lucky he didn't get suspended the previous round after kicking Steven Adams in the nuts.

[@tkjones3167]

2 of the best bigs ever,we will never see another Dream or Shaq, golden years of the NBA

[@Peakfreud]

Giannas reminds me of Hakeem more that any other player. Giannas play style is different because the league is different Giannas would have been designated to the post back in those days.

[@ostuw]

This is a really great video these centers are some of the best ever

[@energyzer_bunny1913]

Fundamentally: Hakeem

[@mutazzabduljalil1172]

Hakeem was a 7 ft Jordan

[@pattyweston-mg8kz]

I know how old this is but damn I appreciate your videos. You are the true exception to all the Lakers fans haha

[@43vert]

Thanks for the video, very well done ! You must do a ton of research. Wilt will always be my favorite as I lived through that era but I enjoy learning about these players in various eras.

[@carrastealth]

Shaq had a great surge of his unstoppable prime. Mostly the 99-2002 version of himself. But you could argue that after his first Championship his work ethic went with it. Had Shaq had the work ethic or even 70% of the work ethic of Kobe, he could have been the GOAT. But he didn't, which is why he falls behind Hakeem imo. Shaq had the more explosive 2-3 seasons of being unstoppable but he couldn't sustain it. Hakeem sustained both offensively and ESPECIALLY defensively. And yeah if Hakeem had the same teams Shaq did, he'd probably have had 6-7 titles. He wouldn't have gotten surgery "on company time" he wouldn't have showed up to camp out of shape, he wouldn't have forced his way out of Los Angeles. I think Prime Hakeem and Prime Kobe with Phil Jackson coaching could probably have won more than 3 titles. Look at what Kobe did with Gasol, imagine if that was Hakeem.

[@Ali-on8dc]

Shaq never forced himself outta LA Kobe was the one who ran him off the team after 04 let’s be Fr here for a second

[@carrastealth]

@@Ali-on8dc Shaq forced himself out of LA. He was the one that tried to leverage Jerry Buss for more money. He was the one that made a scene during pre-season screaming at him "EFFING PAY ME!!" and trying to pressure him into giving him much more money than he at the point in his career he was at was going to get. One thing you don't do, is you don't leverage Jerry Buss. Shaq tried to do that, and Buss traded him. Meanwhile Kobe was at Baskin and Robbins when he heard the news. Don't always trust the narrative, as the years went on the true story came out. Shaq got traded because he was being stupid towards Jerry Buss, not because Kobe 'forced him out'. So if you're being Fr, you'd know Kobe had nothing to do with Shaq's departure.

[@Ali-on8dc]

@@carrastealth yes Shaq wanted more money but Kobe always wanted the team for himself and was tired of being under Shaqs shadow Kobe didn’t just run Shaq off the team he ran the whole 3 peat lakers off as well including phil Jackson lmao that’s the fact of the matter at the end of the day Kobe went to the owner and told him it’s either me or Shaq and obviously Kobe was younger and in his prime Shaq was getting older so they chose Kobe. But yeah Kobe was the main factor in running the whole team off not just Shaq even Phil Jackson himself said it.

[@Ali-on8dc]

@@carrastealth so let’s stop with the fanboy shit I get it Kobe’s dead or whatever and y’all wanna defend his name and respect him or what not but this ain’t no narrative everyone knows Kobe was the one who ran Shaq and the whole 3 peat lakers team off cause Kobe wanted the team for himself and Kobe wanted to know what it felt like to be like the jordan who won scoring titles in the 80s so Kobe wanted to take as much shots as possible and win scoring titles so he could feel like what his idol jordan felt when jordan was winning scoring titles in the 80s once Kobe realized that don’t win u shit he got Phil Jackson back and got gasol and Bynum and Odom etc to come to the team so he could start winning again that’s the reality of the matter.

[@carrastealth]

@@Ali-on8dc Sorry to tell you, but Kobe didn't run Shaq off the team. Shaq ran himself off the team by trying to leverage Jerry Buss. Shaq has pretty much said it himself that it was him asking and trying to leverage Jerry Buss more money and then Jerry Buss giving him the response that they were trading him. He even jokes about it now. Want to know what will really blow your mind? Shaq was the one that demanded a trade from the Lakers. He bashed the Front Office, he bashed Mitch Kupchak. He still had 2 years left on his deal with the Lakers but Shaq was the one that said and I quote "The direction they're going in, if they're going to continue to go in the same direction, I don't want to be a part of this. This team, it ain't about me. It ain't about Phil. It's supposed to be about team." Mitch Kupchak even spoke out and said that if that's what Shaq wanted, then he would be open to trading him. Contract negotiations on how much Shaq wanted vs how much the Lakers were willing to pay him at 32 also fell apart. That and Shaq was admittedly upset that the Lakers were prioritizing re-signing Kobe in Free Agency (because he was an UFA at the time) as opposed to focusing primarily on his extension. He was 32 and couldn't deal with that. So less than a week after the Detroit loss Shaq was yelling and screaming for the Lakers to trade him. Then he gets in his feelings that they are focusing on re-signing Bryant during free agency as opposed to focusing on his extension (despite Shaq having 2 years left with a player option on the 2nd year). So I'm sorry it doesn't fit your narrative of "Kobe forced Shaq out" but Shaq started demanding a trade less than a week after they lost to the Pistons. Then he tried to leverage the Lakers for an obscene amount on his extension and Jerry Buss had enough. So like I said, Shaq forced himself out, not Kobe.

[@MyYTwatcher]

Shaq will remain unforgetable player in NBA. But Dream is much better basketball player. Shaq got where he got using his physique. Dream had skill.

[@bassheadchilled1344]

shaq also developed post skills in the threepeat years thag enabled him to pass out of double teams more consistently and sometimes use finesse post moves, he had nimble feet too

[@MyYTwatcher]

@@bassheadchilled1344 Oh he was excellent athlete for his size. He was unbelievably quick and agile. But basketball skill wise he was light years behind Hakeem. Please do not take this that I consider Shaq as a bad player. I am quite confident that he knew what were his strong and weak sides and he knew how to use/avoid them.

[@bassheadchilled1344]

@@MyYTwatcher not at all I just want to inform other people that shaq had skills too it's just that he was too dominant for casual fans to notice but yeah hakeem was just too damn skilled with his footwork

[@bassheadchilled1344]

@The Ultimate you needed correct spelling more than shaq needed refs

[@manemane5642]

@@bassheadchilled1344 Your rite but if look at Shaw's Skill set minus his Dunks he was at times a bigger Version of Hakeem !!

[@BansandtheHumansPodcast]

YOU GOT THIS SPOT ON!!! Great analysis!

[@derrickcooper6943]

This just made me subscribe to your page! Good job Bro I like your delivery and facts! Even tho I already knew some of this you made it interesting to refresh my memory for my next barber shop debate!

[@yshrha10]

My greatest dilemma. Who was the better center??? So glad Jonny's covering this! lol

[@jamesbeh1688]

Shaq is one of my top 3 favorite players ever........But the fact that Hakeem won back-to-back with not ONE other all-star...........damn

[@allanhouston6759]

1995 Rockets: Hakeem had a Clyde Drexler. By your logic, Dirk Nowitzki is in the top ten. 1996 WCSF: Sonics vs Rockets ( 4:0 ). Hakeem 8 times lost in the First Round and missed the Playoffs in his Prime. Hakeem is very good, but he is not better than Shaq.

[@nolanscripture]

@@allanhouston6759 Dirk never won back to back so not sure where that comparison comes from.

[@allanhouston6759]

@@nolanscripture 1995 Rockets: Hakeem had a Clyde Drexler.

[@nolanscripture]

@@allanhouston6759 Not an all-star that season. Jonny even said as much in the video.

[@allanhouston6759]

@@nolanscripture Clyde Drexler HoF.

[@liontasouou]

The Hakeem block on Malone (7.09) while the mailman does the hand on the back of his head signature move is so satisfying. The fact that I hate Malone probably helps

[@ivinolove3960]

Perfect video, agree on everything!!

[@Adotch]

Gotta be the dream imo

[@mrargue8946]

The Dream Shake

[@FAlynn92]

Olajuwon's offensive arsenal and his great defensive anticipation alone would make me put him above shaq. Add in the fact that he accomplished a lot and I rank him several spots ahead of shaq when it comes to all-time Centers

[@Jordan9618]

INCREDIBLY DONE. 😃👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@alexjenkinson5813]

Just a suggestion to use PER for the efficiency category. It’s literally THE category to measure how efficient a player is

[@janirosario5751]

Bro this is the reason I love ur videos. Ur detailed analysis is amazing. I had Shaq ahead of Hakeem on my list but u literally changed my mind. Keep em coming.

[@lasahe4440]

The greatest center is Hakeem. Shaq was a beast , though.

[@Gotdamnmerica]

Great video! You’ve definitely earned a sub

[@GuitarTablatureSkill]

Hakeem of course. Balanced off and def, one of NBA greatest versatile Center.

[@enochp.3547]

I love your videos Jonny❤keep putting more content out I'm loving it

[@lazyymaster0390]

This dude Arnett.. truly a great channel that can't be compared to any other.. great job and thank you.

[@mikeevans4341]

It is also worth noting that Shaq benefited heavily from playing in the slowest paced Era of all time, because if he played in the late 80s or nowadays NBA, he would still be dominant, but he wouldn't have the stamina to play for more than 30 minutes without losing in production significantly, and unlike Shaq, I think Hakeem would have benefited from playing today, his overall skillset would allow him to be the best defensive player while also being un elite scorer in post. And I bet he could have a decent 33-35% 3pt shot if he worked on it as well.

[@hardwoodthought1213]

When Shaq was drafted he was an athletic freak, people act like 2003 Shaq was how he always played. Dude legit was like 6% body fat when he was drafted

[@bmp254]

@@hardwoodthought1213 Yeah, but that Shaq only lasted for about 3 years. After that he just acted and looked like an anchor.

[@ironangel667]

One year, I believe 95, he started shooting 3s in game, but only when it didn't matter. He didn't shoot very many but for the year he was 42%.

[@vshrum]

You got this one right! Nice video 👍🏻

[@Umairalimp]

Jonny ur videos are superb maann.!! No bias..true to facts..polite n candid presentation. Kudos.! U r worthy a million subs atleast. Basketball fan frm India and Jonny one of ma favourite youtuber.

[@MrDarknesstolight]

Great analysis. Totally agree. Always loved Hakeem

[@CagedMan69]

Forgot the fact Hakeem not only beat but sweeped shaq in the finals!

[@iamdantediaz]

Word ! Hahaha that’s a Fact! Forgot about that . Hakeem over shaq

[@the757general2]

@@iamdantediaz Shaq was only in his 3rd season. Prime Shaq on the Lakers would've dusted Hakeem let's get real.

[@hassanbaig8734]

@@the757general2 nope

[@jraelien5798]

Well done! Great video!

[@danielarmenta7945]

Love this video. This has always been something I've gone back and forth with.

[@kylelowry1521]

Its not even a day old

[@samuelsmith25]

@@kylelowry1521: I think you misunderstood the comment

[@NewAgeSlaves]

The moment we've all been waiting for

[@EricDickersonGuitar]

Great analysis!

[@v3rlon]

1. Wilt 2. Wilt (he was dominant enough to hold 2 spots) 3. Hakeem (better footwork and defense letting him edge out…) 4. Kareem (in his prime an offensive force of nature, but the two guys above him actually could and did block the sky hook) 5. Shaq (who straight up admits that Hakeem was his biggest challenge, and who lost to Hakeem in the championship) 6. Russell (no sleight intended, but a prime Shaq would beat up the smaller man in this case, I think, in 1v1).

[@drod1167]

Jonny with another banger mayne. I'd have to pick Hakeem

[@animeguitarguy]

MJ said Hakeem was the player he thought was most skilled (outside himself) which says it all for me. And I LOVE Shaq

[@blueorange31]

They are the best for separate reasons. You really can’t go wrong with either. They excel in the thing they need to do. But preference-wise, Hakeem’s finesse is really beautiful and i just really like his play style more.

[@kevindoyle8232]

Your take is absolutely legit.

[@seanrc8642]

Both great, great players and terrific athletes. I’d also say they were both underrated mentally; time and time again they played intelligent ball. Shaq was the strongest player I ever witnessed, and remarkably agile for his size. He also had the will to dominate. But Hakeem was the most skilled and fluid big man to ever play. In the regular season, they were pretty equal scorers in their primes, but Hakeem was a much better playoff scorer. And I agree that defensively, it’s not even close. NBA players are too little rated on their play on both ends of the floor. Only Jordan and Wilt are better than Hakeem as a two-way player. Shaq was great but Hakeem was greater: the best big in the modern era.

[@bobmarley5138]

Really happy you chose Hakeem,Great video as always. He could be the best two way player and nobody talks about it

[@jughound7923]

NAILED IT !

[@jlrob85]

My GOAT team C-Hakeem PF- Duncan SF-Pippen PG-Magic SG-Jordan