We are talking about athleticism right here. He's an idiot, right?

hopefully this will turn into another thread full of butthurt rockets fan

DBrink is a troll

If by athlete, you mean running and jumping ability...Robinson was a better athlete. Hakeem was smoother and had unbelievable footwork for a big man.

Both players were among the all time elite.

You can make arguments for either one.

Please kill this thread now.

this was discussed some months ago already yes

It's about time we had this debate. This thread will go a minimum of 3 pages.

Look about 6 threads down when rocketfan crapped all over the "How Good was David Robinson" thread if you want to throw in your $0.02.

And, if you're a rocket fan make sure to blur the argument between who was the "better player" versus who was "more athletic". I love that some people don't recognize a difference.

Please, make it stop!!

Just imagine what Texags would've been like like in the 90s.

Let's run it back.

not only was he a better athlete, he is a better person

Both were all-time greats. Robinson was a little more athletic IMO, but Hakeem was the better overall player.

i think Robinson was slightly better than Hakeem, but Hakeem had a significantly better supporting cast than Robinson [especially during the title years] and that's why the Rockets won those two championships

My first NBA memory was watching Hakeem just dominate the 1995 postseason. I don't see how anybody that saw that Spurs/Rockets matchup with both guys in their prime could think Robinson was better, Hakeem danced circles around him

As a huge D Rob fan, I can admit that Hakeem was a better all around post player. But, D Rob was hands down the most athletic big man of his time.

Who will be the first to make their case that Duncan isn't the all time best PF.... It happened on the other thread

I think one would have to define athletic. That's a very ambiguous term. Anyone that does not think Hakeem Olujawan was a great athlete is just flat nuts. HIS WHOLE GAME WAS BUILT AROUND HIS ATHLETISM, not his height size or strength.

Was Robinson stronger then Hakeem? Yea, was he taller? Yea. Is he better character that I like lot more as person then Hakeem? Absolutely!! Was he quicker or faster then Hakeem? Not only know but heck no. It's not comparable in those depts.

Olujawan's number one athletic skill was how quickly the guy could move and get off the floor. Look I saw Hakeem man up on Jordan and absolutely stop him, Jordan could not get around him.

Bottom line if you are measuring 'athletism' by natural quickness, speed and coordination (which is kind of the norm for a definition of athletism) Robinsoin can't hold Hakeem's jock and the 95' playoffs proved that with out a shadow of doubt. This is just stupid.

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Who will be the first to make their case that Duncan isn't the all time best PF

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Who would even have a case against him? Malone?

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Anyone that does not think Hakeem Olujawan was a great athlete is just flat nuts.

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I don't believe anyone has ever said that Hakeem Olajuwon is anything other than a great athlete.

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Was he quicker or faster then Hakeem? Not only know but heck no.

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Based on?

Robinson was always one of the quickest and fastest Spurs until his back got really bad in 97.

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. Look I saw Hakeem man up on Jordan and absolutely stop him, Jordan could not get around him.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epPwITy_BMU
Doesn't look like Jordan or Pippen had much difficulty taking Hakeem to the hoop.

Jordan also didn't seem to have much of a problem slamming it home on Hakeem off Pippen's FT miss.

To his credit, Hakeem made a huge block to end the game.

Also, if you watch that, you will see 3-4 Vernon Maxwell highlights that would be played every day in commercials even today had Mad Max been Michael Jordan. Some absolutely ridiculously awesome plays.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5PshcoKgXQ&NR=1
Jordan drops 45 on Akeem.

Honestly, Hakeem didn't match up on Jordan on the perimeter. Especially when Elie and Maxwell were there.

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Bottom line if you are measuring 'athletism' by natural quickness, speed and coordination (which is kind of the norm for a definition of athletism) Robinsoin can't hold Hakeem's jock and the 95' playoffs proved that with out a shadow of doubt.

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That is just stupid.

The 95 playoffs proved that Hakeem had a higher peak than Robinson and that he played on a better team. It did not prove that he was more athletic than Robinson.

Umm, I'd watch those '95 highlights again if you think the "team" was the reason Hakeem embarrassed the hell outta David. It was a one-on-one clinic. I remember a quote from David after the game saying something to the effect of "I actually thought I played him pretty well." Imagine if David had a bad game, doh!

Oh, I've watched the games. I was there. I also have had the opportunity to spend time with both Robinson and Hakeem and interview them.

No matter how good a single player plays, you can't win a series without the proper team and coaching support. The Rockets had a much better team and much better coaching. Hakeem couldn't have done it on his own and he would be the first to tell you that.

Yes, but Hakeem still owned Robinson. The end.

Fascinating insight as always, Mazag.

Had to contribute SOMETHING to this thread.

Dont relly care either way but Hakeem was the better more athletic player hands down.