Best NBA Center in the last 20 Years.

[Caleb Cattivera]

This stems from a discussion this afternoon...and yes someone argued that two of these guys even belonged here.

and explain why you picked who you picked.

[Brownpants06]

Shaq obviously. His influence is huge for every team and almost automatically made the Heat a championship contender. Not to mention his rings with the Lakers.

[somethingyellow]

this is more of an obvious answer than your last poll with rodman

[preppyak]

You have David Robinson twice btw..

But, I went with Shaq because of his sheer dominance. Hakeen and Robinson were great, but when the career stats roll back, I bet Duncan turns out better than Robinson, and with more rings to boot.

[itsjdiggity]

Shaq...cause I hate Andrew Bynum

[LeftWideOpen]

Shaq ...but Hakeem Olajuwon is a close, close 2nd. His agility for a big man is unparraleled in NBA history.

[itsjdiggity]

Shaq ...but Jerome James is a close, close 2nd. His agility for a big man is unparraleled in NBA history.

100% correct

[Spicoli hey bud]

Shawn Bradley is a better shotblocker than Shaq, therefore he is the best center of all time

[fluke182]

Hakeem personally, he won less championships, but the Dream was more consistently dominant at both sides of the ball. If you look at lifetime stats, Hakeem averaged nearly two steals a game and over three blocks, with 22 points a game and 12 rebounds, and that is with the end of his career (Which Shaq has still not seen), which severely dropped his stats. Shaq was more dominant I'd say, but the best Center in my opinion would have to be Hakeem. Or Rik Smits. Obviously Rik Smits in fact.

Edit: Looking at BasketballReference.com, they favor Shaq at this point, which would make me rethink a little bit. I just have always thought that although dominant, Shaq was not rounded enough (Besides literally) to be considered the greatest. However, Shaq clearly leads in the PER efficiency and the Hall of Fame monitor on BR, so it's hard to argue those. Also, I suppose if you posed the question, given a choice to draft Shaq or Hakeem, who would you draft, I'd go with Shaq because of his dominance. So needless to say I'm conflicted.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Hakeem personally, he won less championships, but the Dream was more consistently dominant at both sides of the ball. If you look at lifetime stats, Hakeem averaged nearly two steals a game and over three blocks, with 22 points a game and 12 rebounds, and that is with the end of his career (Which Shaq has still not seen), which severely dropped his stats. Shaq was more dominant I'd say, but the best Center in my opinion would have to be Hakeem. Or Rik Smits. Obviously Rik Smits in fact.

good argument...but rik smits. ha.

[fluke182]

good argument...but rik smits. ha.
I'm a Pacers fan so I'm unreasonable.

[YouMadeTheScene]

The Dream. Don't forget he beat up on Shaq. He was amazing.

[fluke182]

The Dream. Don't forget he beat up on Shaq. He was amazing.
Good point. In the...what was it, 95-96 playoffs, Houston absolutely dominated Orlando, mainly because Hakeem owned Shaq.

[YouMadeTheScene]

Good point. In the...what was it, 95-96 playoffs, Houston absolutely dominated Orlando, mainly because Hakeem owned Shaq.

It was one of the crowing points in Hakeems career. Upstart O'Neal vs. The Dream.

http://www.famousmuslims.com/hakeem_files/image004.jpg

Houston had a sick team. Hakeem, Clyde, Otis Thorpe, Vernon Maxwell, Kenny Smith, Robert Horry, and Sam Cassell.

In the 94-95 Playoffs Hakeem averaged 33 Points 10.3 Rebounds 4.5 Assists 1 Steal and 3 Blocks...That is just sick. He played 18 seasons but from 84-85 to 96-97 he was absolutely amazing.

[Scott Weber]

As much as he bothers me, how can you not say Shaq.

[bones jones]

shaq.

but amen to the rik smits love. the dunkin' dutchman is the only successful basketball alum of my school

[fluke182]

shaq.

but amen to the rik smits love. the dunkin' dutchman is the only successful basketball alum of my school
Marist represent!

[YouMadeTheScene]

Thought I'd compare Hakeem and Shaqs first 13 seasons in the league. Take into mind Shaq started 2 years younger.

Hakeem- 75 Games A Year 24.2 PPG 12 RPG 2.7 APG 1.9 SPG 3.4 BPG
Shaq-68 Games a Year 26.7 PPG 11.3 RPG 2.8 APG .7 SPG 2.6 BPG

Pretty similar stats. Shaq is a tad bit better Offensively but Hakeem is better defensively. I'd like to add between 97-98 and 02-03 Shaq dominated the league. And that is when Hakeem really fell off. Shaq didn't have any actual competition and just owned.

[LeftWideOpen]

[QUOTE=YouMadeTheScene]Thought I'd compare Hakeem and Shaqs first 13 seasons in the league. Take into mind Shaq started 2 years younger.

Hakeem- 75 Games A Year 24.2 PPG 12 RPG 2.7 APG 1.9 SPG 3.4 BPG
Shaq-68 Games a Year 26.7 PPG 11.3 RPG 2.8 APG .7 SPG 2.6 BPG

Pretty similar stats. Shaq is a tad bit better Offensively but Hakeem is better defensively. I'd like to add between 97-98 and 02-03 Shaq dominated the league. And that is when Hakeem really fell off. [B]Shaq didn't have any actual competition and just owned.[QUOTE]

That's an important distinction to make ...Hakeem played in a great age of centers, with Ewing and Robinson in the league and in their prime also. Shaq faces a much weaker crop of big men these days.

[YouMadeTheScene]

That's an important distinction to make ...Hakeem played in a great age of centers, with Ewing and Robinson in the league and in their prime also. Shaq faces a much weaker crop of big men these days.

Not to mention tough defensive guys like Derrick Coleman, Charles Barkley, Rik Smits, Horace Grant, Karl Malone, Alonzo, Shawn Kemp, Dikembe Mutombo, and so on.

When Shaq was in LA he had no one who could stop him, literally no one.

[bigmike]

shaq. discussions over.

and Bill Laimbeer > David Robinson.

[somethingyellow]

shaq. discussions over.

and Bill Laimbeer > David Robinson. i would rather have robinson

[bigmike]

i would rather have robinson

that's fine. The Admiral was the softest center in the league. He should have had the blame for the failure of the spurs when him and rodman were together, not rodman.

Kind of a coincidence that he never won a title until tim duncan got there.

[somethingyellow]

that's fine. The Admiral was the softest center in the league. He should have had the blame for the failure of the spurs when him and rodman were together, not rodman.

Kind of a coincidence that he never won a title until tim duncan got there.its not like laimbeer was leading the pistons to titles, i would rather have a "soft player" then somebody who plays dirty

[bigmike]

its not like laimbeer was leading the pistons to titles, i would rather have a "soft player" then somebody who plays dirty

if you're not cheating, you're not trying.

[somethingyellow]

if you're not cheating, you're not trying.:rolleyes:

[Caleb Cattivera]

those of you who are saying hakeem dominated shaq in the finals...wrong.

shaq was 22 years old. he put up 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 apg and 2 bpg. if that's domination

now had hakeem held shaq to something like 10 ppg and 5 rpg...that'd be domination...

if anything, i'd say experience beat out youth in that finals. drexler, hakeem, thorpe, vernox maxwell.

the magic were lead by two guys, penny and shaq. shaq had been in the leauge three years, penny two.

i still think shaq wins this. put shaq in his prime against the dream...id say shaq wins.

[bigmike]

those of you who are saying hakeem dominated shaq in the finals...wrong.

shaq was 22 years old. he put up 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 apg and 2 bpg. if that's domination

now had hakeem held shaq to something like 10 ppg and 5 rpg...that'd be domination...

if anything, i'd say experience beat out youth in that finals. drexler, hakeem, thorpe, vernox maxwell.

the magic were lead by two guys, penny and shaq. shaq had been in the leauge three years, penny two.

i still think shaq wins this. put shaq in his prime against the dream...id say shaq wins.

I just don't see how anyone can honestly say shaq in his prime would lose against any other center in his prime.

[YouMadeTheScene]

those of you who are saying hakeem dominated shaq in the finals...wrong.

shaq was 22 years old. he put up 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 apg and 2 bpg. if that's domination

now had hakeem held shaq to something like 10 ppg and 5 rpg...that'd be domination...

if anything, i'd say experience beat out youth in that finals. drexler, hakeem, thorpe, vernox maxwell.

the magic were lead by two guys, penny and shaq. shaq had been in the leauge three years, penny two.

i still think shaq wins this. put shaq in his prime against the dream...id say shaq wins.

From the way Shaq was playing in the playoffs previous to the championship game, Shaq was shut down. He was destroying teams. And Hakeem kept him in check. Yeah he played well, but Hakeem played better. And while now you look back and say 'ew' at the time Orlando had Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, and Horace Grant. THey had a solid starting lineup.

Like i posted their stats are very similar and O'Neals could said to be inflated due to the domination over the lack of competition he had while he was in the West.

[somethingyellow]

shaq. discussions over.

and Bill Laimbeer > David Robinson.just curious why you would think laimbeer was better robinson

[Emopunkthrice]

I voted for the admiral cuz I'm biased.

[somethingyellow]

bill laimbeer = troy murphy with more height yet slower

[itsjdiggity]

Dikembe needs to take a speech class.

[fromwithin]

shaq. period. no one can dominate a game like he can.

[NameTaken69]

have to go with shaq just because he has been the most dominant, but a strong case for hakeem can be made. i love the bill laimbeer option as well

[NameTaken69]

How about chris dudley, career 45% FT shooter, check out the 89-90 season where he shot 30% http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chris_dudley/

[weezer182]

How about chris dudley, career 45% FT shooter, check out the 89-90 season where he shot 30% http://www.nba.com/playerfile/chris_dudley/i remember his free throws too. so embarassing

[yeat182]

Shaq. but Robinson is def. 2nd. also, Robert Parrish should probably be somewhere on the list.

[dontgrabtindy]

shaq.

[Ravenna]

kareem should be on that list too.

[Doug]

shaq, most dominating. hakeem was so so good though.

[Caleb Cattivera]

shaq, most dominating. hakeem was so so good though.

dude...doug you idiot. mark blount is the best center ever.

[Doug]

dude...doug you idiot. mark blount is the best center ever.

well, duh. i mean, it's clearly a competition between mark blount and raef lafrentz.

[itsjdiggity]

dude...doug you idiot. mark blount is the best center ever.

he's not even the best blount
http://www.nba.com/media/act_corie_blount.jpg

[radiofriendly]

Ewing and Robinson were two of the more overrated centers i've watched.

shaq conquers all. literally. shaq conquers all. can anyone be that huge and play that well...im waiting...oh wait it's not possible. how shaq hurled up that huge megaton body for 12 rebounds a game and 26.5 points against agile, quicker and more nimble defenders for 13 seasons is unparalleled. their hasn't been a single rebound, block, many times points, that shaq didn't have to perfectly time and work for because of his framework.

[Ratherbedead22]

david robinson. shaq is just a huge fucking piece of shit who sits under the basket.

[mikeford]

Shaq. Its not even close.

[Scott Weber]

david robinson. shaq is just a huge fucking piece of shit who sits under the basket.
You better be prepared to get destroyed with that argument

[Caleb Cattivera]

david robinson. shaq is just a huge fucking piece of shit who sits under the basket.

hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. hahahahahahahahaha. hahaha. ha ha h.

wow. david robinson is not even second on that list dude. shaq dominated david robinson.

[YouMadeTheScene]

I guess most people who aren't old basketball fans have little to no idea how great Hakeem really was.

[yeat182]

You better be prepared to get destroyed with that argument

robinson had more overall talent and was a better basketball player, shaq was just so huge he could dominate, and that domination makes him the "best".

[Caleb Cattivera]

robinson had more overall talent and was a better basketball player, shaq was just so huge he could dominate, and that domination makes him the "best".

robinson was weak, probably the most pussified center up there.

[Caleb Cattivera]

I guess most people who aren't old basketball fans have little to no idea how great Hakeem really was.

hakeem was great. but i still think shaq was an overall better player than him.

everyone has to love the dream shake though.

[Scott Weber]

robinson had more overall talent and was a better basketball player, shaq was just so huge he could dominate, and that domination makes him the "best".
Everyone passes off Shaq being "huge" as the only reason he's good. I have one question for you, and everyone else who says this, I apologize in advance for being harsh.

Are you a fucking idiot?

Do you know how many people there are in the world that are huge like Shaq? Think about all the giant bodies in the NBA that didn't do shit...think about all the players that are bigger than Shaq that never made it to the NBA...yeah, Shaq has no talent, he's just big. Shaq has incredible offensive awareness, he's a good distributor for his posistion, and he knows his game and performs his role to a T. Why would you take outside shots if you are the master and banging around inside and making shots within 6 feet of the hoop? If Robinson were as good as Shaq was inside the basket, he wouldn't have to step out and take jumpers all the time.

[yeat182]

robinson was weak, probably the most pussified center up there.

no.

[NameTaken69]

robinson was weak, probably the most pussified center up there.
thats a bold statement, i wouldnt say he was weak, maybe not as dominant as the others up there, but he wasnt weak

[yeat182]

Everyone passes off Shaq being "huge" as the only reason he's good. I have one question for you, and everyone else who says this, I apologize in advance for being harsh.

Are you a fucking idiot?

Do you know how many people there are in the world that are huge like Shaq? Think about all the giant bodies in the NBA that didn't do shit...think about all the players that are bigger than Shaq that never made it to the NBA...yeah, Shaq has no talent, he's just big. Shaq has incredible offensive awareness, he's a good distributor for his posistion, and he knows his game and performs his role to a T. Why would you take outside shots if you are the master and banging around inside and making shots within 6 feet of the hoop? If Robinson were as good as Shaq was inside the basket, he wouldn't have to step out and take jumpers all the time.

just because shaq is huge doesn't mean someone else the same size would be equally dominate. he obviously has basketball skills, i didn't say otherwise, all i said was that robinson had more talent and was a better basketball player, shaq's size gave him the advatage to over come his talent level. that isn't to say he is a stiff that can't play, but with out his size he'd be an average basketball player.

[Caleb Cattivera]

no.

yes. ask any nba anaylyst or anyone that played against david robinson. alot of people question if he really even enjoyed playing basketball. robinson was good...but in no way, shape form or fashion is he half the center shaq is.

[Scott Weber]

just because shaq is huge doesn't mean someone else the same size would be equally dominate. he obviously has basketball skills, i didn't say otherwise, all i said was that robinson had more talent and was a better basketball player, shaq's size gave him the advatage to over come his talent level. that isn't to say he is a stiff that can't play, but with out his size he'd be an average basketball player.
wrong on so many accounts I barely know where to begin. First, Shaq is huge, which certainly helps his post ablility, the same goes for Robinson being able to lift those jumpers over defenders, his 7 foot height sure helped him with that. Shaq is an incredible rebounder, defender, shot blocker...those things don't come with size, they come with instinct, they come with talent. Even if Shaq was 6'7'' he'd still bust people up all night long...he'd be like Barkley.

[Caleb Cattivera]

Everyone passes off Shaq being "huge" as the only reason he's good. I have one question for you, and everyone else who says this, I apologize in advance for being harsh.

Are you a fucking idiot?

Do you know how many people there are in the world that are huge like Shaq? Think about all the giant bodies in the NBA that didn't do shit...think about all the players that are bigger than Shaq that never made it to the NBA...yeah, Shaq has no talent, he's just big. Shaq has incredible offensive awareness, he's a good distributor for his posistion, and he knows his game and performs his role to a T. Why would you take outside shots if you are the master and banging around inside and making shots within 6 feet of the hoop? If Robinson were as good as Shaq was inside the basket, he wouldn't have to step out and take jumpers all the time.

oliver miller anyone?

[Scott Weber]

tractor traylor?

[Caleb Cattivera]

big country bryant reeves?

[Scott Weber]

Yinka Dare?

[Scott Weber]

fact: in 1996, Yinka Dare played in 58 games, starting 23 of them, and did not get a SINGLE ASSIST. not even 1.

[bigmike]

robinson was weak, probably the most pussified center up there.

Dennis Rodman at center would be better than david robinson.

[bigmike]

fact: in 1996, Yinka Dare played in 58 games, starting 23 of them, and did not get a SINGLE ASSIST. not even 1.

that is insane.

[somethingyellow]

laimbeer shouldnt even be on the list, whoever voted for him is an idiot

[weezer182]

big country bryant reeves?hahaha vancouver represent

[radiofriendly]

David Robinson could never guard his own man. all his blocks were weak side. he couldn't pass or handle. he shot jumpers because he only had one hoop drive weapon: a left hand head fake that opponents rarely bought. and not to mention that the man was an apparition in the paint more than not.

[somethingyellow]

David Robinson could never guard his own man. all his blocks were weak side. he couldn't pass or handle. he shot jumpers because he only had one hoop drive weapon: a left hand head fake that opponents rarely bought. and not to mention that the man was an apparition in the paint more than not. yet he is good enough to make the hall of fame. You make him out to be a shitty player when he fact he was far from :shake:

[Caleb Cattivera]

yet he is good enough to make the hall of fame. You make him out to be a shitty player when he fact he was far from :shake:

but...

all of those things are very true about robinson.

[itsjdiggity]

tractor traylor?

i can't believe Milwaukee traded Dirk to get this fat shit

Jesus Shuttlesworth + Dirk Diggler = Dynasty

[yeat182]

wrong on so many accounts I barely know where to begin. First, Shaq is huge, which certainly helps his post ablility, the same goes for Robinson being able to lift those jumpers over defenders, his 7 foot height sure helped him with that. Shaq is an incredible rebounder, defender, shot blocker...those things don't come with size, they come with instinct, they come with talent. Even if Shaq was 6'7'' he'd still bust people up all night long...he'd be like Barkley.

he's an incredible rebounder and defender because he's over 300 pounds. you can't box him out and you can't post him up. it has almost everything to do with size because there isn't anyone in the league that even comes close. you can't move him, simple as that, and if he wants to move you, you are moving. i'm not saying he doesn't have talent, but other guys have more pure talent, shaq's entire game is based on him being bigger than everyone else in the NBA.

[yeat182]

yet he is good enough to make the hall of fame. You make him out to be a shitty player when he fact he was far from :shake:

thank you.

[yeat182]

but...

all of those things are very true about robinson.

late in his career, not in his prime.

[NameTaken69]

everyone is trashing on david robinson, i dont get it, last i checked he was one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, he cant be that bad.
"Is the only player in NBA history to be named to both an All-NBA Team and an NBA All-Defensive Team in each of his first seven NBA seasons." i found that to be an interesting fact.

[somethingyellow]

everyone is trashing on david robinson, i dont get it, last i checked he was one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, he cant be that bad.
"Is the only player in NBA history to be named to both an All-NBA Team and an NBA All-Defensive Team in each of his first seven NBA seasons." i found that to be an interesting fact.neither can I, he obviously isn't as good as shaq but give him some credit he was a great player

[yeat182]

everyone is trashing on david robinson, i dont get it, last i checked he was one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, he cant be that bad.
"Is the only player in NBA history to be named to both an All-NBA Team and an NBA All-Defensive Team in each of his first seven NBA seasons." i found that to be an interesting fact.

i don't know how old everyone on here is, but i'm assumeing most are 16-20 and probalby only really saw him play at the end of his career.

[radiofriendly]

David Robinson was a good player. he was a great player. i wouldn't argue hall of fame. i just thought that considering all the recognition he's received, he was overrated. his one on one defense and his game in the paint would never have been enough to carry a team, let alone win in the playoffs without a player of Tim Duncan's calibur. Robinson's coaches would tell you something very similar as well.

[Scott Weber]

he's an incredible rebounder and defender because he's over 300 pounds. you can't box him out and you can't post him up. it has almost everything to do with size because there isn't anyone in the league that even comes close. you can't move him, simple as that, and if he wants to move you, you are moving. i'm not saying he doesn't have talent, but other guys have more pure talent, shaq's entire game is based on him being bigger than everyone else in the NBA.
I thought I'd seen the most ignorant, least informed poster about the NBA in beLIEve, but now I might have to re-think my logic. Do I really need to pull out a list of all the players who've played in the NBA that are over 300 pounds and are nowhere as good as Shaq? Or how about all the college players who never made it in the NBA? Or how about every fat fuck on the street? Why aren't offensive linemen good NBA players? You're right, Shaq's ENTIRE GAME is based on him being huge - you're ridiculous. I try and restrain myself in heated debates, but when I see shit like this, I just lose it. Talent is based around the body that you have. Shaq uses his size to his advantage, and he's more talented at doing so than anybody big man in the NBA - period.

[itsjdiggity]

Jerome James needs to gain some weight and dominate.

[weezer182]

shaq also is very agile for his size

[somethingyellow]

David Robinson was a good player. he was a great player. i wouldn't argue hall of fame. i just thought that considering all the recognition he's received, he was overrated. his one on one defense and his game in the paint would never have been enough to carry a team, let alone win in the playoffs without a player of Tim Duncan's calibur. Robinson's coaches would tell you something very similar as well.i still do not think he was overrated. His career average 21 pts and 10.5 rebs a game not to mention had a game where he scored 71 points and a year where he averaged almost 30 a game. Robinson was a back to the basketball player so he wasnt getting all his points from the outside so his inside game must have been pretty good. Again you can go on and on about how he never won any championships without duncan yet i could say the same thing about jordan not winning any championships without pippen, or shaq not being able to win one without kobe so that argument is pretty weak

[yeat182]

I thought I'd seen the most ignorant, least informed poster about the NBA in beLIEve, but now I might have to re-think my logic. Do I really need to pull out a list of all the players who've played in the NBA that are over 300 pounds and are nowhere as good as Shaq? Or how about all the college players who never made it in the NBA? Or how about every fat fuck on the street? Why aren't offensive linemen good NBA players? You're right, Shaq's ENTIRE GAME is based on him being huge - you're ridiculous. I try and restrain myself in heated debates, but when I see shit like this, I just lose it. Talent is based around the body that you have. Shaq uses his size to his advantage, and he's more talented at doing so than anybody big man in the NBA - period.

what about this don't you understand, i didn't say he had no talent, he does, i just think there are guys on the list that had more talent and didn't have the advantages of being the biggest guy in the NBA. his game is based soley on his size, he can't be moved out of the lane, he can't be boxed out, he can't be posted up, its a simple fact. i never said he was a "fat fuck", to the contrary he's a physical specimen. you said exactly the same thing i've been saying, "Shaq uses his size to his advantage".

[yeat182]

i still do not think he was overrated. His career average 21 pts and 10.5 rebs a game not to mention had a game where he scored 71 points and a year where he averaged almost 30 a game. Robinson was a back to the basketball player so he wasnt getting all his points from the outside so his inside game must have been pretty good. Again you can go on and on about how he never won any championships without duncan yet i could say the same thing about jordan not winning any championships without pippen, or shaq not being able to win one without kobe so that argument is pretty weak

yeah, the spurs didn't really have a lot of help for Robinson when he was in his prime, not to mention, he was playing against some great teams at the time.

[yeat182]

i still do not think he was overrated. His career average 21 pts and 10.5 rebs a game not to mention had a game where he scored 71 points and a year where he averaged almost 30 a game. Robinson was a back to the basketball player so he wasnt getting all his points from the outside so his inside game must have been pretty good. Again you can go on and on about how he never won any championships without duncan yet i could say the same thing about jordan not winning any championships without pippen, or shaq not being able to win one without kobe so that argument is pretty weak

here are a few more david robinson fun facts:

NBA champion (1999, 2003); MVP (1995); Defensive Player of the Year (1992); Rookie of the Year (1990); All-NBA First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-NBA Second Team (1994, '98); All-NBA Third Team (1990, '93, 2000, '01); All-Defensive First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-Defensive Second Team (1990, '93, '94, '98); 10-time NBA All-Star; NBA Sportsmanship Award (2001); Three-time Olympian (1988, '92, '96); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

[radiofriendly]

here are a few more david robinson fun facts:

NBA champion (1999, 2003); MVP (1995); Defensive Player of the Year (1992); Rookie of the Year (1990); All-NBA First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-NBA Second Team (1994, '98); All-NBA Third Team (1990, '93, 2000, '01); All-Defensive First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-Defensive Second Team (1990, '93, '94, '98); 10-time NBA All-Star; NBA Sportsmanship Award (2001); Three-time Olympian (1988, '92, '96); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

wow. once again, im not saying David Robinson isn't an incredible player. but nobody's refuting anything i've said. it seems all i get instead are his accomplishments. it's a definition of overrated we're having a problem with. im saying given these illustrious career acheivments, he wasn't a calibur player that really deserved all of them. he played excellent ball on a team that couldn't get past the playoffs. a lot of average centers could have got similar stats on that spurs team. the true test for Robinson would come when he had some help. Shaq teamed with Kobe and both had monster careers. Pippen teamed with Jordan and both had monster careers. Robinson teamed with Duncan and he promptly dissapeared. was it Robinson's career coming to a solid end? could've been. but the fact still stands that nobody can refute what im saying. Robinson had a problem guarding his own man and standing his ground in the paint. i don't care about all his accolades, they didn't matter. He put up the numbers but couldn't back with the D when he needed to. that's why he's overrated. because somebody he was all defensive material when at times he wasn't.

[yeat182]

wow. once again, im not saying David Robinson isn't an incredible player. but nobody's refuting anything i've said. it seems all i get instead are his accomplishments. it's a definition of overrated we're having a problem with. im saying given these illustrious career acheivments, he wasn't a calibur player that really deserved all of them. he played excellent ball on a team that couldn't get past the playoffs. a lot of average centers could have got similar stats on that spurs team. the true test for Robinson would come when he had some help. Shaq teamed with Kobe and both had monster careers. Pippen teamed with Jordan and both had monster careers. Robinson teamed with Duncan and he promptly dissapeared. was it Robinson's career coming to a solid end? could've been. but the fact still stands that nobody can refute what im saying. Robinson had a problem guarding his own man and standing his ground in the paint. i don't care about all his accolades, they didn't matter. He put up the numbers but couldn't back with the D when he needed to. that's why he's overrated. because somebody he was all defensive material when at times he wasn't.

when robinson paired with duncan, he was at the end of his carreer, jordan/pippen shaq/kobe were all in their prime. if robinson had been paired with another superstar in the early 90's he'd have won more playoff games. how can you say he had trouble defending when he was a 4 time All Defensive first team player, and a 4 time All Defensive 2nd team player, as well as defensive player of the year?

[NameTaken69]

here are a few more david robinson fun facts:

NBA champion (1999, 2003); MVP (1995); Defensive Player of the Year (1992); Rookie of the Year (1990); All-NBA First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-NBA Second Team (1994, '98); All-NBA Third Team (1990, '93, 2000, '01); All-Defensive First Team (1991, '92, '95, '96); All-Defensive Second Team (1990, '93, '94, '98); 10-time NBA All-Star; NBA Sportsmanship Award (2001); Three-time Olympian (1988, '92, '96); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
wow thats a pretty impressive resume, i dont think he is overrated one bit, i mean hes obviously no shaq, but people were saying he was a pussy, you dont get those ^ awards by being a pussy. Also:
David Robinson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the only two players in NBA history to win a rebounding title, blocked shots title, and a scoring title during their careers.

[radiofriendly]

how can you say he had trouble defending when he was a 4 time All Defensive first team player, and a 4 time All Defensive 2nd team player, as well as defensive player of the year?

over rated.

i can only assume you watched David Robinson play, right? doesn't matter when. enough awards. it's irrelevant. you can give me his achievments off the court all day long. that's precisely the argument. come awards time, Robinson faired a lot better than i thought he did on the court. i want to hear somebody disagree with me on his gameplay. not at any time am i questioning his status as an incredible player or a defender for that matter. just not as good as everybody days, hence the definition of overrated.

[yeat182]

over rated.

i can only assume you watched David Robinson play, right? doesn't matter when. enough awards. it's irrelevant. you can give me his achievments off the court all day long. that's precisely the argument. come awards time, Robinson faired a lot better than i thought he did on the court. i want to hear somebody disagree with me on his gameplay. not at any time am i questioning his status as an incredible player or a defender for that matter. just not as good as everybody days, hence the definition of overrated.

yes i watched him play, and his awards aren't irrelevant, you don't win defensive awards if you can't play defense. no one ever brought up his off the court achievements. If you don't think he's as good as everyone else does, thats fine, everyone has their opinion. i happen to disagree but as long as you admit he was an incredible player, then i don't have a problem with you saying he's overrated.

and for the record, i voted for shaq as the best center, i just said robinson was the better overall basketball player.

[radiofriendly]

you don't win defensive awards if you can't play defense.

gary payton?

sorry man, not trying to argue anymore. i see what you're saying. D.R. was great. just wasn't ever quite sure he was Top 50 legendary. but to each his own.

[weezer182]

gary payton?

sorry man, not trying to argue anymore. i see what you're saying. D.R. was great. just wasn't ever quite sure he was Top 50 legendary. but to each his own.wow you are an idiot if you think gary payton couldnt play defense

[radiofriendly]

wow you are an idiot if you think gary payton didnt play defense

nah, i was just being sarcastic.

but for the record, the same year Payton won defensive player of the year, he was promptly dismembered by the Chicago Bulls. He played great contain defense("the glove" obviously), but was gambler for steals, and it ended up costing his team a lot.

[weezer182]

nah, i was just being sarcastic.

but for the record, the same year Payton won defensive player of the year, he was promptly dismembered by the Chicago Bulls. He played great contain defense("the glove" obviously), but was gambler for steals, and it ended up costing his team a lot.i wouldnt go as far as costing his team a lot. he shut down pgs and the bulls team didnt really have a great point guard

[radiofriendly]

i wouldnt go as far as costing his team a lot. he shut down pgs and the bulls team didnt really have a great point guard

i see what your saying, but i don't the Bulls really had a stellar pg before payton, and besides they stuck Payton on MJ duty a lot during the series, and MJ pretty much did what he wanted. i know that sounds like what MJ normally did, but payton was simply a non factor.

[yeat182]

gary payton?

sorry man, not trying to argue anymore. i see what you're saying. D.R. was great. just wasn't ever quite sure he was Top 50 legendary. but to each his own.

gary payton was a great defender, he led the league in steals several times.

[yeat182]

i see what your saying, but i don't the Bulls really had a stellar pg before payton, and besides they stuck Payton on MJ duty a lot during the series, and MJ pretty much did what he wanted. i know that sounds like what MJ normally did, but payton was simply a non factor.

yeah but he was guarding the greatest player to ever dribble a basketball, no one shut him down, so you can hardly blame payton for that.

[Caleb Cattivera]

gary payton was a great defender, he led the league in steals several times.

actually payton only lead the leauge in steals once. in 96 i believe...but he was still a great defender.

i do agree with radiofriendly on the DR issue. he was a great player...but he couldnt guard his man in the paint. it's a fact.

[weezer182]

i see what your saying, but i don't the Bulls really had a stellar pg before payton, and besides they stuck Payton on MJ duty a lot during the series, and MJ pretty much did what he wanted. i know that sounds like what MJ normally did, but payton was simply a non factor.payton gives up a lot of height on jordan anyways. you cant expect him to shut jordan down. he usually guards point guards anyways. he is a great on ball defender

[Scott Weber]

what about this don't you understand, i didn't say he had no talent, he does, i just think there are guys on the list that had more talent and didn't have the advantages of being the biggest guy in the NBA. his game is based soley on his size, he can't be moved out of the lane, he can't be boxed out, he can't be posted up, its a simple fact. i never said he was a "fat fuck", to the contrary he's a physical specimen. you said exactly the same thing i've been saying, "Shaq uses his size to his advantage".
And the thread is BEST CENTER, not most talented. Best = results. Best = domination. Shaq wins, no contest.

[Scott Weber]

actually payton only lead the leauge in steals once. in 96 i believe...but he was still a great defender.

i do agree with radiofriendly on the DR issue. he was a great player...but he couldnt guard his man in the paint. it's a fact.
Yeah, but he consistently was in the leaders in steals, his career average is almost 2 per game. Then there's Nick Van Exel with his grand total of 3 seasons cracking 100 steals ;)

[yeat182]

And the thread is BEST CENTER, not most talented. Best = results. Best = domination. Shaq wins, no contest.

and for the millionth time, I PICKED SHAQ.

[weezer182]

Yeah, but he consistently was in the leaders in steals, his career average is almost 2 per game. Then there's Nick Van Exel with his grand total of 3 seasons cracking 100 steals ;)haha got to love van exel ;).

[Caleb Cattivera]

Yeah, but he consistently was in the leaders in steals, his career average is almost 2 per game. Then there's Nick Van Exel with his grand total of 3 seasons cracking 100 steals ;)

hahahaha. i love you.

im not taking ANYTHING away from payton, you know from past arguments that i think he's a sure fire HOF'er. IMO he's the best modern defense first PG in a long time. i love payton.

[Scott Weber]

and for the millionth time, I PICKED SHAQ.
So shut up about David Robinson?

[Talib Scottie]

Hakeem Olaguwon is a more skilled center, Shaq is just a beast.

I decided to chose Hakeem basically upon the fact that he may be the most versatile center in NBA history (followed by David Robinson), and also because Shaq is already dominating this polls. Hakeem needs more love.

[somethingyellow]

i still want to know who voted laimbeer

[Scott Weber]

Hakeem Olaguwon is a more skilled center, Shaq is just a beast.

I decided to chose Hakeem basically upon the fact that he may be the most versatile center in NBA history (followed by David Robinson), and also because Shaq is already dominating this polls. Hakeem needs more love.
but...this is best, not most versatile.

[yeat182]

So shut up about David Robinson?


why? he deserves to be on the list, and he's a better talent than shaq.

[yeat182]

Hakeem Olaguwon is a more skilled center, Shaq is just a beast.

I decided to chose Hakeem basically upon the fact that he may be the most versatile center in NBA history (followed by David Robinson), and also because Shaq is already dominating this polls. Hakeem needs more love.

thank you. finally someone that gets it.

[Caleb Cattivera]

why? he deserves to be on the list, and he's a better talent than shaq.

at least shaq can guard his man. robinson is good...but more talented than shaq. no.

[Scott Weber]

why? he deserves to be on the list, and he's a better talent than shaq.
He's on the list, I don't see what you're doing here.

[yeat182]

He's on the list, I don't see what you're doing here.

why are you argueing with me then? if you don't care what we think about robinson, why respond to our posts?

[Scott Weber]

because you insist on defending Robinson in an argument that doesn't exist. If you want to debate about who's the more talented Center, create a new thread. This is about best Center, and if you voted Shaq, then take it elsewhere.

[Emopunkthrice]

I haven't read the whole thread but is this one of those arguments where you must side with caleb or a debate goes on and on.

[Caleb Cattivera]

I haven't read the whole thread but is this one of those arguments where you must side with caleb or a debate goes on and on.

hahahaha.

[bigmike]

I haven't read the whole thread but is this one of those arguments where you must side with caleb or a debate goes on and on.

or try to argue with caleb, because scott's kind of owning kids the past day or two in this thread.

[Scott Weber]

or try to argue with caleb, because scott's kind of owning kids the past day or two in this thread.
haha

[Caleb Cattivera]

haha

yesss. you've been the king of absoluteownage the last two days.

[Scott Weber]

yesss. you've been the king of absoluteownage the last two days.
haha. i deserve my own thread.

[IcedOpethBlind]

Hakeem The Dream

[xbrokendownx]

sup 5.5 year bump!

[Spicoli hey bud]

tractor traylor?
Ouch.

[LucasOMH]

Shaq. Hakeem second. The only person you could even argue had his skill set (agility with that kind of size, strength, even speed at one point) was Wilt. He was also a very good passer for someone his size and had a pretty high basketball IQ. People always talk about how we was a one-dimensional player offensively, but no one ever stopped that one dimension..so why do anything else? That's why he was so efficient. Defensively, Hakeem was a better help defender, but no one dominated the paint, intimidated, and altered the game the way he did.

[Scott Weber]

Ouch.
hahaha

[allisterkid]

Hakeem The Dream

This times four billion gazillion.

[____]

When I was little and heard Hakeem was fasting because of his religion, I stopped eating lunch at school and teachers asked why and I said because of my religion loll. I think that sums up my choice.

[MIKEY_HORROR]

Although he position jumped...I have to say my boy Tony Kukoc wins this title.....


Ok maybe Shaq, but still....War Kukoc!!!

[joshseleski]

Nene

[Equality72521]

Yep.. Shaq.

[gavinschriver]

Hakeem......thaaaa Dream........ Ooooooollaaaiijuuwwonnnnnn