Considering his worship of stat hog Wilt Chamberlain yeah. Just check the season he led the league in assists to see why he isn’t top 10. A truly great player doesn’t let external factors like that get into his head. It’s why bill beat him senseless and he didn’t win a title until his 30s.
I love the content and the way you think about the game. Constructive feedback: For the number-intense moments, an on-screen graphic would really help viewers with the audible + visual aspect. I understand it takes some capital/human capital to make it happen, but just thought I'd throw that out there. Keep it up!
Sir, I have been looking forward to your top 50 every week. So well broke down. Your passion for the game comes through in this podcast more than anywhere else. I love it- with the the exception of that puzzling luka take. Too early. Way too early. Keep up the beautiful work. P.S. more tennis content please!
when you are a center who has such good foot work players like kobe bean bryant goes to have you mentor him in footwork you know you are just in the pantheon of all time greats
There's a saying in sports - it's who you beat. The 90s were a "Golden Age" of centers. When Hakeem Olajuwon won his two NBA Championships he went through by outplaying and defeating centers who were picked No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft: Patrick Ewing (1985 Draft), David Robinson (1987 Draft), and Shaquille O'Neal (1992 Draft). With Hakeem Olajuwon as a No. 1 overall himself he established as the best center of his generation.
Im a houston native and i was born in 96 so I missed all of Hakeem. When I a little I was given a Olajuwon jersey and was told he was a bad man, and now I understand why my parents said that
I was arguing with someone about Steph vs The Dream and I was listing some defensive stats that obviously favor Hakeem, and they said why don't I list something like steals which favors Steph...and I was like huh? Hakeem is literally hundreds of steals ahead of Steph. Little known fact about him. Dude retired top top in Points, Rebounds, blocks and Steals. Nobody else in NBA history retired top 4 in all those stats. One of the very greatest players ever.
@@unggading6990 Let me introduce you to a place called the internet bruh. If you watch the TV show First things First Chris Broussard put Steph over Hakeem. I don't think Steph is better than Hakeem but there are DEFINITELY 100% people out there who believe it ruclips.net/video/Yx5nMSTc6sg/видео.html
Glad Nick got this right. Both Shaq and Hakeem were truly special and one of a kind. But if you were to draft someone to build around, you take Hakeem.
No other center in top 60 in the league in steals!! That really is an incredible stat! Although to be fair KAJ had blocks recorded from his 5th season. If we factor in 3 blocks per season he d have 4000+ blocks. He is probably the actual blocks leader of the nba. Though KAJ had lower blocks per game. Hakeem is 3rd all time with 3.07.
@@XaviorJordan thats probably true. Bill Russel and Wilt maybe block per game leaders. But they played 13-14 seasons only so not so sure about total blocks. We ll never know i guess. 😅
@@SaurabhSingh-zr2tw Wilt has three seasons where blocks were recorded and he averaged 8.8 blocks a game for 1672 total blocks. He played for 11 more seasons. He is the all time blocks leader.
@@stevenmontoya7275 I have seen those stats but they are unofficial. NBA stats sites do not display them or recognize them. Anyways, they probably are true. Like i already said Russel Wilt maybe all time blocks per game leaders. And if these numbers are right they maybe total blocks leaders as well. Although there s something to be said about the quality of play in that decade and floor soacing.
As great as he was Shaq underachieved so much which is crazy. IDT people realize he could have been the GOAT, but he just did not take training seriously.
Y’all got to stop judging Shaq by his later years he was unstoppable and an elite playoffs competitor until he was 34, same time every great player deteriorate (Jordan Kobe the same) lebron and Kareem the only two last being that great. Kobe created that narrative and y’all ran with it but that’s not the case he was the best player in the league for a good 8 year stretch and won 4 titles how did he underachieve, you can absolutely say he’s the goat, what else was he supposed to do besides put up video game numbers
@@tjmaxdon7702 Stop. Shaq himself has said that he underachieved. After the Lakers won in 1999-2000, he frequently showed up to training camp out of shape, which was a factor in the rift between Shaq, Kobe and Phil Jackson that eventually led to the dissolution of that team. Shaq could have played at an All-Star level for a longer period of time, but he never wanted to be the best. He wanted to dominate, win a few rings and also enjoy the celebrity lifestyle that came with his success - moreso than others. There's nothing wrong with that, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think Shaq could have had a better "back nine," if you will, had he stayed in shape consistently throughout his career.
The best way I’ve heard his career is described is like this: “Shaq was the guy who was smart enough to get a 4.0 gpa in college and be the valedictorian of his class, but preferred to go out in and have fun and was fine with a 3.5 gpa.”
This is why Shaq can NEVER be above Kobe. Put Kobe in Shaqs body & he would have easily been the GOAT. Put Shaq in Kobes body & he wouldnt even be Kobe.
love the episode nick. great series and i agree with most of the list honestly! Glad it is so long, we get to see more of you and your knowledge. I hope 1-3 is an hour long 😂
Yeah Nick, I got to agree with ya on Hakeem. That 9th in steals statement blew my mind. Another point about Hakeem is no body carried their team like Hakeem. Those two titles - he did it without an all-star on his team . I do not think anyone has done that.
@@RustyShackleford997 Only for the 95 run and that 95 run was as a 6th seed against 60 win teams led by HOF'ers on the road every series so having 1 all-star on the downside of his career isn't much to ask for. He led a team of role players in 94. Dirk did it also, but that team had a lot of former all stars and a dpoty. I want to say Otis Thorpe made 1 all star game as an injury reserve selection when he was with the Kings 5 years before the '94 ring. Hakeem had far less help than anyone else in the top 20. Chuck was past his prime and so was Clyde and Hakeem was declining by the time they got together. Duncan and Kareem aged in their mid 30s to late 30s better than Hakeem, but prime Hakeem is better individually.
Hello mr. Wright I have to say I absolutely love your content your takes and your edge that you bring to these videos. I just wanted to say I thought the ending was amazing!!!! You are a well spoken and ejected individual that is an amazing analyst on all your shows I think the people on here just can’t appreciate the work of a truly driven individual. Keep doing what your doing making the best/and most accurate NBA list of all time. P.S. maybe instead of football which people probably want next maybe hockey or baseball (and baseball make pitchers a whole other list so)
my prediction for the rest (using nick’s logic) 7. kobe 6. duncan 5. bird 4. magic 3. kareem 2. jordan 1. lebron with a 90 minute episode detailing every playoff, all star, and preseason game
It’s amazing that by the time he does the big reveal of 3-2-1, we’ll be that emotionally invested that we’ll probably either let him off the hook or stop watching the show for which he’s already got a lot out of us and not much to gain. Nick’s a true salesman
If you love the game you appreciate this content- these guys are sooooooo good especially when it counts - those First Shaq / Phil years we’re just pure dominance - Yhe Dream been a problem since day 1 - 2 of the best to ever do it - and salute to Nick for making sure he is highlighting the do or die games - in a series those are the games where greatness is DEFINED 🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆🏆
Nick Wright you actually got it right with Hakeem the dream at 8th all time I really appreciate that you recognize one of the greatest centers of all time👍👍👍
Shaq has always been my favorite player on and off the court. Because I value defense higher in the nba since it is harder to play consistently I also consider Hakeem higher in all time rankings. Plus Shaq had another top 10 player for majority of his titles even though he was the best.
Nick, well done sir. Hakeem is so underrated by most media panelists. I am very happy that you did your homework and got it right. I real admire Shaq as a person, but Hakeem was a better all around basketball player. I don’t think it should even be an argument. Shaq had physical size dominance, but Hakeem had better pure basketball skills. I will rest Nick’s argument on these three points. - #1 Hakeem defense gives him the edge. Those steals numbers is mind blowing. #9 all time, think about how more defensive guards in the NBA that he had more steals than. - #2 Shaq played with better talented players, one of which (Kobe) will be ranked higher than Shaq on Nick’s list. Hakeem single handed led his team to the promised land. - Hakeem swept Shaq in the finals (head to head), after he has already went through the best players in that era to get to Shaq.
For the Dream, there is not much to say: Houston drafted him ahead of Jordan, and the only regret they have is not having drafted them both. For Shaq, he's basically the answer to "what if Wilt played in a more modern era?". No stat, but both sentences sound say enough for the two guys here. I think they're both behind Wilt and Russell in the all time list, but they're truly few of the greatest all time.
Imagine being drafted before the greatest player in the history of your sport and nobody questioning it in even in hindsight its just like "yea I would have drafted dream to it's ok fair mistake" lol
The greatest feat never talked about is how Hakeem won in 94 without any all-star or HOF player next to him. No other player in the history of the league can ever say they won with less.
@@bboyzhoop8455 yep, the Pistons were all all-stars together lol 4 of their starting 5 and Tayshaun was a 1st team defensive team... Dirk had a ton of former all stars a future HOFer and a DPOTY.
Imagine being the only person to go toe to toe (I mean man to man, not team to team) with Shaq and come out on top. That might be the bragging right of all bragging rights.
I feel educated after this one. Although I watched Shaq in 01 over and over again, it was from an Iverson perspective, so it’s difficult to factor in how good Shaq was. Hakeem was just legendary! Simply brilliant at what he did. I just wish all players were on comparable teams 🤔
What Shaq did in 00-02 is enough to be ahead of Hakeem. Shaq was so dominant he diminished Kobe Bryant in some people's eyes. They were wrong but that's how dominant he was
I mean Kobe was outright bad in the first finals that Shaq and Kobe played together, and he was also pretty bad in the last finals they played together.
That's what im saying lol. Hakeem lost in the first round 7 times and didint have that much playoff success outside of 94 and 95. Shaq's prime was clearly better and they were both all star level calibre players for 10 years or so. There's nothing Hakeem has over shaq other than skill, but by that logic KD or Kyrie should be top 10
@@USALeonHeart AND YET YOU IGNORE THE TWO WHERE HE WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR 2 OF THE 3 RINGS AND THE ONE IN THE FIRST FINALS WHERE HE MADE KEY CONTRIBUTIONS TO GET THEM THAT RING. IT STILL STANDS SHAQ WITH KOBE FOR 3 RINGS AND PRIME DWADE FOR ONE. STOP THE WEAK DEFLECTIONS. SAYING KOBE WAS BAD FOR THE LAST RING WHERE THEY LOST AND SHAQ DIDN'T GET THEM OVER DETROIT ONLY PROVES THE POINT.
Love the amount of Hakeem love! He really was an extraordinary player and comfortably sits at the table of all time greats. As for the hint on players 5 and 6… I think 6 is Kobe and 5 will be Duncan… or vice versa
It should also be noted he could have had a higher block total than he already has because a lot of his steals are him blocking shots and palming the ball out of peoples hands. It’s insane to watch how good he was on defence
First off....... Hakeem was THE most skilled big man of all-time! His footwork was as good as it gets! Hakeem could shoot......he had a good looking jumper on him, and if centers actually took threes back then, I'm sure he woulda been a decent enough three point shooter for a big man, at least a high 20% to low 30% shooter. He was a good enough foul shooter to be trusted in crunch time. He was an all-time great defensive guy who could guard multiple positions. Shaq was just a physical specimen. He was just so big no one could guard him. Kinda like Wilt being so tall and athletic. No saying Shaq didn't have any skill, but compared to Dream his skill was laughable! His free throw shooting was bad. He wasn't a shooter. He had a decent enough jump hook and he dunked it. If bigs shot threes back then Shaq woulda been atrocious! Shaq would get cooked by most guards, where Hakeem was quick enough to stay with them. As far as teammates, who did Hakeem EVER have that was as good as Kobe or D-Wade? An out of his prime Drexler? And Clyde is my favorite player ever! He was still good, but he was no Kobe or D-Wade at that point in his career! Hakeem went through Clyde Drexler and the Blazers just two years removed from the finals, Barkley and the Suns a year removed from the finals, Stockton and Malone, and then Ewing's Knicks for one chip and Stockton and Malone then Barkley again before humiliating MVP David Robinson before sweeping Shaq in the finals! How many DPOY awards did Shaq win? Dream probably shoulda won more than he did! No contest! Dream was WAY better! Kareem was better than Shaq. Wilt was better than Shaq. Russell may have been better too!
It may be farther down the comment list, but Shaq’s apex included a guy even higher on the top 50 list than him. Hakeem did his most dominant work alongside Vernon Maxwell. We should put Hakeem ahead if for nothing more than he was able to drag average talent to titles where Shaq got swept.
I go back and forth with these 2 on my list as well. I hate using the '95 Finals as a deciding moment though. Firstly, that's apex Hakeem vs. a young Shaq. And secondly, it's not like Hakeem beat Shaq down the way he did Ewing and Robinson. Shaq averaged 28,12.5 and 6 with 2.5 blocks in that series on 60% shooting. Hakeem just went supernova shooting and Drexler far outplayed anyone else on Orlando.
An eighteen year old walking around today never saw jordan play in real time. Does that stop him or her from putting him at the top of their greatest list? that argument is weird to me. While I disagree with nick about Dirk being a better player than KG, I happen to agree that the dream was better than Shaq.
Nick u the real mvp. Thanks for doing research and refreshing my memory. U have nothing to prove to the trolls. U made it big from kc by doing research.
The real top 10 of all time 1. Michael Jordan 2. Lebron James 3. Hakeem 4. Shaq 5. Tim Duncan 6. Kobe bryant 7. Kareem 8. Magic Johnson 9. Steph Curry 10. Kevin Durant
When comparing Shaq, Hakeem haters will say he played against a baby Shaq...That somehow a much fatter, slower, outta shape version of the same player later on was better for some reason
lol biggest Hakeem stat is I still believe no one thinks michael jordan should've been picked by Houston in the 1984 draft think about it the best player ever in a draft that even if you redraft it Hakeem still goes number 1
Hakeem was the only player EVER to win a ring without another HOF player on his team when he won in 94! He didn’t even have another All-Star next to him that year! Legend!
Dream is the greatest Center of all time and its not close in my book. I agree he is the greatest defensive player ever. Most under rated superstar, ever...
Ye facts thats something nick would do although I think he said Tim Duncan is close to the top 5 so he might have kobe ahead of him at 5 and Duncan 6 or some other order of kobe Duncan and bird
I feel like this whole list should be thrown out because he has Iverson all the way up at 30 but has Luka in the top 20 lmao. He said Dame Lillard has an insane résumé but he can’t be top 50 because he hasn’t been doing it long enough….then Luka not only makes the list but is top 20? No objectivity, projecting for the future he hopes Luka has, and complete favoritism. List is garbage.
We need a little Asterix when those three most dominant years were preceded by abandoning/ gutting your contender and joining a superstar somewhere else
Do you think jumping ship and abandoning franchises should negatively impact someone’s legacy? Or should it just amplify those who stayed the course (Duncan, Dirk, Kobe etc)?
@@giokarp I legitimately believe it does both of those things. In hindsight, for example, I think it will become part of the conversation that LeBron never built any of the champions he was as a part of.
@@timesize it's tuff to build anything when you get drafted by one of the worst franchises in the NBA 😂 it's really easy to stay on the Spurs or Lakers when everything is great it's not easy to suffer and waste ur career in Cleveland or Minnesota
@@JG-vu7un agreed. It’s a lot easier to go to Miami or Golden State. That’s why it’s really impressive when you turn the Brown’s into a winning franchise or take the Bengals to the Super Bowl or win it for Kansas City
Hakeem is one of the kind. He may have been a center, but he had the swift move like a small/power forward with his athleticism. He sometimes get left out from the Top 10 conversation, which makes me scratch my head.
It’s like Olajuwon ended his career in the top ten all-time in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. It’s like ? How do you not stay in every one’s top 5
It’s like Olajuwon ended his career in the top ten all-time in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. It’s like ? How do you not stay in every one’s top 5
I love listening to Nick he really does his research. I think he’s spot on about everything… but just remember when Shaq got swept by Hakeem Shaq was not in is prime yet and Shaq has 4 rings. I would flip them Shaq 8 Hakeem 9
Another really cool stat? Olajuwon went head-to-head with Jordan 23 times over their careers. Olajuwon won 13 matchups. However, in the seven games they played AFTER Jordan's return in '95, Jordan won five. This means in the first 16 head-to-head matchups of their careers, Olajuwon won 11 of them. People who think Jordan could've won eight straight titles are living in a fantasy world.
I've always thought Hakeem was underrated. Like if you look at their individual numbers I think Hakeem was better than Tim Duncan. Duncan just has 3 more rings. But if you trade places with those guys I think Hakeem has just as many rings with the spurrs as Duncan did. It just shows that you have to have multiple all stars to win the title.
Hakeem was not a good team player in his first 7 years. One of his glaring weakness was his assist turnover ratio and i am talking about his whole career. Second weakness that he gambled too much on steals instead of just staying disciplined on def and third he does not elevate his teammates until the second half of his career. Hakeem fans just looks on his HL but not his career as a whole which will provide you context why he won only 2 rings.
Skills wise, no other big men is better than Hakeem. Unlike Shaq and Wilt, Dream has no weaknesses. He may not be a 3 point threat but he doesnt have to. His free throw shooting is impecabble, almost 72% which means you just cant foul him in the closing seconds of a very close game unlike Diesel and Wilt who are both 50% ft shooters and most of the time crumbled to pressure in the ft line of a very close game.
Shaq has become underrated because he could’ve been better. For me, he’s top 10 all time, forget last 50 years. Last 50 years, he has a strong top 5 argument.
@@leonzaduncan2438 So? Why Didn't Hakeem win other rings with more finals MVPs like shaq did if he was that dominant. Shaq for his entire career was way more dominant, 1 great finals series doesn't make Hakeem better
@@HailKingCeezer Ok got it so accomplishments doesn't matter now when judging who is the greatest. Now I can use that great logic of yours for any player I want and say oh they didn't win because they had no help. With your logic Hakeem > Lebron because Lebron had more help hence I'll just disregard his accomplishments and finals MVPs and have the dream above him. I think the dense one is you buddy
Top 7 will be some combination of these players: LeBron, Jordan, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Kobe, Duncan. We know LeBron will be 1, Jordan 2 (probably) and Kareem 3 (although nick has made some comments in the past about he thinks there’s an argument for Kareem over Jordan at 2). That leaves 4-7 as Magic, Bird, Kobe, Duncan. I’m assuming Duncan is 7. 4 probably is Magic, then I’m guessing Kobe at 5 and Bird at 6 since nick said 5-6 will be controversial.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Did Nick get it right?
Considering his worship of stat hog Wilt Chamberlain yeah. Just check the season he led the league in assists to see why he isn’t top 10. A truly great player doesn’t let external factors like that get into his head. It’s why bill beat him senseless and he didn’t win a title until his 30s.
@@Primenumber19 Nick doesn't "worship" Wilt Chamberlain. If anything he underrates him. Wilt's outside of his top 5, and Wilt isn't even in this list
Shaq over Hakeem I know he’s going the opposite
Sorry Nick but Wilt would destroy Shaq both at their best it would be no contest
No game 3 2004 shaq had 14 points 8 reb 1 assist 1 steal that's a bad finals game in his prime.
Hakeem is arguably the most skilled player in NBA history and definitely the most skilled Center
Shows how little skills means in comparison to impact
@@Chronz 💯
@@Chronz Kobe and LBJ went to Hakeem for lessons, that's impact for sure.
@@michaprostko-prostynski520 so did amare .
@@Chronz Yet Shaq idolized him, Kobe went AND LBJ went to learn to learn the dream step and become better shooters.... LOL at Impact he is a legend.
Hakeem The Dream has always been underrated Nick talking about his defense but my goodness his post moves are legendary
The Dream shake baby
@@IknowMoreThanYou bron didn’t pick anything up
@@ms1505 your mother did tho
@@ms1505 yes he did Bron post moves got way better after working with him
Dude just a mouth, swear these cats never watched games lol
Being an old-timer, I appreciate Nick's tenacity in researching his subject.
I love the content and the way you think about the game.
Constructive feedback: For the number-intense moments, an on-screen graphic would really help viewers with the audible + visual aspect. I understand it takes some capital/human capital to make it happen, but just thought I'd throw that out there.
Keep it up!
Sir, I have been looking forward to your top 50 every week. So well broke down. Your passion for the game comes through in this podcast more than anywhere else. I love it- with the the exception of that puzzling luka take. Too early. Way too early. Keep up the beautiful work.
P.S. more tennis content please!
Knee pads are needed.
Hakeem's foot work should've also been mentioned. Look up some vids of him moving. Dude was supremely skilled
100%. The footwork on defence when entered the NBA was unmatched. And once he learned how to use it on offence he was unstoppable.
when you are a center who has such good foot work players like kobe bean bryant goes to have you mentor him in footwork you know you are just in the pantheon of all time greats
He is still teaching big men how to play the post. I've watched some training sessions - they are absolutely beautiful.
Hakeem put the shake in dream shake
Supreme skills and footwork doesn't make you better than another with less skills.
There's a saying in sports - it's who you beat. The 90s were a "Golden Age" of centers. When Hakeem Olajuwon won his two NBA Championships he went through by outplaying and defeating centers who were picked No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft: Patrick Ewing (1985 Draft), David Robinson (1987 Draft), and Shaquille O'Neal (1992 Draft). With Hakeem Olajuwon as a No. 1 overall himself he established as the best center of his generation.
Im a houston native and i was born in 96 so I missed all of Hakeem. When I a little I was given a Olajuwon jersey and was told he was a bad man, and now I understand why my parents said that
You should do 50 greatest teams of the last 50 years!
Would love this! Or something like this!
This would just be the teams that won the chip each year
@@Kepkhan1 yea but in order of worst to best
Hmm. That would be interesting! I'm in!
I was arguing with someone about Steph vs The Dream and I was listing some defensive stats that obviously favor Hakeem, and they said why don't I list something like steals which favors Steph...and I was like huh? Hakeem is literally hundreds of steals ahead of Steph. Little known fact about him. Dude retired top top in Points, Rebounds, blocks and Steals. Nobody else in NBA history retired top 4 in all those stats. One of the very greatest players ever.
I doubt that convo really happened but the Hakeem steals thing is amazing
No one in their right mind would put steph ahead of hakeem but go ahead.
@@unggading6990 Let me introduce you to a place called the internet bruh. If you watch the TV show First things First Chris Broussard put Steph over Hakeem. I don't think Steph is better than Hakeem but there are DEFINITELY 100% people out there who believe it ruclips.net/video/Yx5nMSTc6sg/видео.html
As someone that has always had this Hakeem take, it was great to hear a national media member break it down so good to everyone 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Glad Nick got this right. Both Shaq and Hakeem were truly special and one of a kind. But if you were to draft someone to build around, you take Hakeem.
In their prime you take shaq. The numbers aren't close
@@mindyourbuisness8104 it can go either way! Very close but I personally agree with Nick
@@mindyourbuisness8104 Shaq won nothing without Kobe and Phil Jackson. Put prime Hakeem on 2000-2004 Lakers and see what happens.
Some people think centers are outdated but if big men like these were in the draft today they would 100% go top 3
These 2 and Tim Duncan can play in any Era
No other center in top 60 in the league in steals!! That really is an incredible stat! Although to be fair KAJ had blocks recorded from his 5th season. If we factor in 3 blocks per season he d have 4000+ blocks. He is probably the actual blocks leader of the nba. Though KAJ had lower blocks per game. Hakeem is 3rd all time with 3.07.
Wow that’s a great point
Real block leader is Wilt if we're being honest
@@XaviorJordan thats probably true. Bill Russel and Wilt maybe block per game leaders. But they played 13-14 seasons only so not so sure about total blocks. We ll never know i guess. 😅
@@SaurabhSingh-zr2tw Wilt has three seasons where blocks were recorded and he averaged 8.8 blocks a game for 1672 total blocks. He played for 11 more seasons. He is the all time blocks leader.
@@stevenmontoya7275 I have seen those stats but they are unofficial. NBA stats sites do not display them or recognize them. Anyways, they probably are true. Like i already said Russel Wilt maybe all time blocks per game leaders. And if these numbers are right they maybe total blocks leaders as well. Although there s something to be said about the quality of play in that decade and floor soacing.
As great as he was Shaq underachieved so much which is crazy. IDT people realize he could have been the GOAT, but he just did not take training seriously.
Facts
Y’all got to stop judging Shaq by his later years he was unstoppable and an elite playoffs competitor until he was 34, same time every great player deteriorate (Jordan Kobe the same) lebron and Kareem the only two last being that great. Kobe created that narrative and y’all ran with it but that’s not the case he was the best player in the league for a good 8 year stretch and won 4 titles how did he underachieve, you can absolutely say he’s the goat, what else was he supposed to do besides put up video game numbers
@@tjmaxdon7702 Stop. Shaq himself has said that he underachieved. After the Lakers won in 1999-2000, he frequently showed up to training camp out of shape, which was a factor in the rift between Shaq, Kobe and Phil Jackson that eventually led to the dissolution of that team. Shaq could have played at an All-Star level for a longer period of time, but he never wanted to be the best. He wanted to dominate, win a few rings and also enjoy the celebrity lifestyle that came with his success - moreso than others. There's nothing wrong with that, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think Shaq could have had a better "back nine," if you will, had he stayed in shape consistently throughout his career.
The best way I’ve heard his career is described is like this: “Shaq was the guy who was smart enough to get a 4.0 gpa in college and be the valedictorian of his class, but preferred to go out in and have fun and was fine with a 3.5 gpa.”
This is why Shaq can NEVER be above Kobe. Put Kobe in Shaqs body & he would have easily been the GOAT. Put Shaq in Kobes body & he wouldnt even be Kobe.
Man the ending was hilarious 🤣 great show as per usual
This is the best well thought out too 50 list all time
love the episode nick. great series and i agree with most of the list honestly! Glad it is so long, we get to see more of you and your knowledge. I hope 1-3 is an hour long 😂
your podcast has the best music and intro graphix
Yeah Nick, I got to agree with ya on Hakeem. That 9th in steals statement blew my mind.
Another point about Hakeem is no body carried their team like Hakeem. Those two titles - he did it without an all-star on his team . I do not think anyone has done that.
You do know he played with Clyde Drexler right?
Dirk
Neither of those he had anyone make the all-star team is what he saying I believe
@@RustyShackleford997 Only for the 95 run and that 95 run was as a 6th seed against 60 win teams led by HOF'ers on the road every series so having 1 all-star on the downside of his career isn't much to ask for.
He led a team of role players in 94. Dirk did it also, but that team had a lot of former all stars and a dpoty. I want to say Otis Thorpe made 1 all star game as an injury reserve selection when he was with the Kings 5 years before the '94 ring. Hakeem had far less help than anyone else in the top 20. Chuck was past his prime and so was Clyde and Hakeem was declining by the time they got together. Duncan and Kareem aged in their mid 30s to late 30s better than Hakeem, but prime Hakeem is better individually.
Dirk and Rick Barry both did it as well but Hakeem’s may be the most impressive one
LOL Nick: “and we got a caller about Shaq” *wildes appears*
Hello mr. Wright
I have to say I absolutely love your content your takes and your edge that you bring to these videos. I just wanted to say I thought the ending was amazing!!!! You are a well spoken and ejected individual that is an amazing analyst on all your shows I think the people on here just can’t appreciate the work of a truly driven individual. Keep doing what your doing making the best/and most accurate NBA list of all time.
P.S. maybe instead of football which people probably want next maybe hockey or baseball (and baseball make pitchers a whole other list so)
Great show! Loved Nick’s rant at the end. 🤣
my prediction for the rest (using nick’s logic)
7. kobe
6. duncan
5. bird
4. magic
3. kareem
2. jordan
1. lebron with a 90 minute episode detailing every playoff, all star, and preseason game
Kareem is going to be no.2, Jordan 3
Jokes
Should be
Jordan
Kareem
Lebron
Magic
Duncan
Kobe
Bird
It’s amazing that by the time he does the big reveal of 3-2-1, we’ll be that emotionally invested that we’ll probably either let him off the hook or stop watching the show for which he’s already got a lot out of us and not much to gain.
Nick’s a true salesman
Hes going to put Jordan 3rd after Lebron and Kareem
If you love the game you appreciate this content- these guys are sooooooo good especially when it counts - those First Shaq / Phil years we’re just pure dominance - Yhe Dream been a problem since day 1 - 2 of the best to ever do it - and salute to Nick for making sure he is highlighting the do or die games - in a series those are the games where greatness is DEFINED 🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆🏆
Appreciate you doing these videos Nick, informing everyone on how great these players were
Bro brought out the TEXTBOOKS OF WORLD HISTORY
Final rant is goated
One thing I'm surprised you didn't mention: no one has done more with less than Hakeem. Especially in 1994.
I’d argue 03 Duncan but Hakeem is certainly right there.
Nick Wright you actually got it right with Hakeem the dream at 8th all time I really appreciate that you recognize one of the greatest centers of all time👍👍👍
Thanks for giving us weekend content Nick!
Shaq has always been my favorite player on and off the court.
Because I value defense higher in the nba since it is harder to play consistently I also consider Hakeem higher in all time rankings. Plus Shaq had another top 10 player for majority of his titles even though he was the best.
Nick talking about shaq.. slowly realizing why shaq didnt win until KOBE WAS KOBE!! LOL love seeing him come to that conclusion
Nick, well done sir. Hakeem is so underrated by most media panelists. I am very happy that you did your homework and got it right. I real admire Shaq as a person, but Hakeem was a better all around basketball player. I don’t think it should even be an argument. Shaq had physical size dominance, but Hakeem had better pure basketball skills. I will rest Nick’s argument on these three points.
- #1 Hakeem defense gives him the edge. Those steals numbers is mind blowing. #9 all time, think about how more defensive guards in the NBA that he had more steals than.
- #2 Shaq played with better talented players, one of which (Kobe) will be ranked higher than Shaq on Nick’s list. Hakeem single handed led his team to the promised land.
- Hakeem swept Shaq in the finals (head to head), after he has already went through the best players in that era to get to Shaq.
Nick I don't always agree with you but this is on point thanks for telling the truth!
My boy Nick getting better and better at this. U are the future man. God bless
Some of Nick's best work. 👍
This list is very well researched. That along with Nick's rant about history gave him an uptick of credibility for me.
Nick been certified. At least for me, he made a lot of the same points I’ve made to people
For the Dream, there is not much to say: Houston drafted him ahead of Jordan, and the only regret they have is not having drafted them both.
For Shaq, he's basically the answer to "what if Wilt played in a more modern era?".
No stat, but both sentences sound say enough for the two guys here. I think they're both behind Wilt and Russell in the all time list, but they're truly few of the greatest all time.
Hakeem was awesome, he has so many moves and counter moves it's crazy.
Shaq was swept five times in the playoffs before winning his first title and dominating the NBA
I love that text through in an Inspector gadget reference
Imagine being drafted before the greatest player in the history of your sport and nobody questioning it in even in hindsight its just like "yea I would have drafted dream to it's ok fair mistake" lol
This is a great take 💯🏀
The greatest feat never talked about is how Hakeem won in 94 without any all-star or HOF player next to him. No other player in the history of the league can ever say they won with less.
Errr 2004 Detroit Pistons
Dirk. 2011. Against LeBron.
Says a lot about the quality of the competition in that era, imo!
@@ros73dros that piston team had multiple Allstars Rasheed and Chauncey and also the defensive player of the year Ben Wallace
@@bboyzhoop8455 yep, the Pistons were all all-stars together lol 4 of their starting 5 and Tayshaun was a 1st team defensive team...
Dirk had a ton of former all stars a future HOFer and a DPOTY.
I always heard about how Great Hakeem was but a guy that could put up blocks in his sleep and two steals is ridiculous
Those stats are insane, I was born in Houston and didn’t even realize it was that more
Imagine being the only person to go toe to toe (I mean man to man, not team to team) with Shaq and come out on top. That might be the bragging right of all bragging rights.
I had a suspicion that Nick reads. He is well spoken and articulate, and very rarely does an articulate person not read.
I feel educated after this one. Although I watched Shaq in 01 over and over again, it was from an Iverson perspective, so it’s difficult to factor in how good Shaq was.
Hakeem was just legendary! Simply brilliant at what he did.
I just wish all players were on comparable teams 🤔
I know people wanted to see LeBron vs Kobe in the Finals but I wanted to see Jordan vs Hakeem in the Finals too bad it didn't happen.
What Shaq did in 00-02 is enough to be ahead of Hakeem. Shaq was so dominant he diminished Kobe Bryant in some people's eyes. They were wrong but that's how dominant he was
I mean Kobe was outright bad in the first finals that Shaq and Kobe played together, and he was also pretty bad in the last finals they played together.
That's what im saying lol. Hakeem lost in the first round 7 times and didint have that much playoff success outside of 94 and 95. Shaq's prime was clearly better and they were both all star level calibre players for 10 years or so. There's nothing Hakeem has over shaq other than skill, but by that logic KD or Kyrie should be top 10
@@USALeonHeart AND YET YOU IGNORE THE TWO WHERE HE WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR 2 OF THE 3 RINGS AND THE ONE IN THE FIRST FINALS WHERE HE MADE KEY CONTRIBUTIONS TO GET THEM THAT RING. IT STILL STANDS SHAQ WITH KOBE FOR 3 RINGS AND PRIME DWADE FOR ONE. STOP THE WEAK DEFLECTIONS. SAYING KOBE WAS BAD FOR THE LAST RING WHERE THEY LOST AND SHAQ DIDN'T GET THEM OVER DETROIT ONLY PROVES THE POINT.
@@USALeonHeart Kobe was injured in the first finals dude high ankle sprain game 2
Who did Shaq dominate against and who did Hakeem dominate against.
Love the amount of Hakeem love! He really was an extraordinary player and comfortably sits at the table of all time greats.
As for the hint on players 5 and 6… I think 6 is Kobe and 5 will be Duncan… or vice versa
Nick, my man, your rant on history... 💯🎯👏🙌
I remember Shaq being ridiculous but when you read it on paper, it seems even more ridiculous somehow. I found myself shaking my head the whole video.
You tell people to slow down the speed of the podcast for the numbers just to throw the numbers out at an absurd speed in real time lmao
It should also be noted he could have had a higher block total than he already has because a lot of his steals are him blocking shots and palming the ball out of peoples hands. It’s insane to watch how good he was on defence
First off....... Hakeem was THE most skilled big man of all-time! His footwork was as good as it gets! Hakeem could shoot......he had a good looking jumper on him, and if centers actually took threes back then, I'm sure he woulda been a decent enough three point shooter for a big man, at least a high 20% to low 30% shooter. He was a good enough foul shooter to be trusted in crunch time. He was an all-time great defensive guy who could guard multiple positions. Shaq was just a physical specimen. He was just so big no one could guard him. Kinda like Wilt being so tall and athletic. No saying Shaq didn't have any skill, but compared to Dream his skill was laughable! His free throw shooting was bad. He wasn't a shooter. He had a decent enough jump hook and he dunked it. If bigs shot threes back then Shaq woulda been atrocious! Shaq would get cooked by most guards, where Hakeem was quick enough to stay with them. As far as teammates, who did Hakeem EVER have that was as good as Kobe or D-Wade? An out of his prime Drexler? And Clyde is my favorite player ever! He was still good, but he was no Kobe or D-Wade at that point in his career! Hakeem went through Clyde Drexler and the Blazers just two years removed from the finals, Barkley and the Suns a year removed from the finals, Stockton and Malone, and then Ewing's Knicks for one chip and Stockton and Malone then Barkley again before humiliating MVP David Robinson before sweeping Shaq in the finals! How many DPOY awards did Shaq win? Dream probably shoulda won more than he did! No contest! Dream was WAY better! Kareem was better than Shaq. Wilt was better than Shaq. Russell may have been better too!
Prediction for Nick's Top 18 (originally posted after reveal of 50-19):
18. Barkley
17. Malone
16. Dirk (initial prediction: Isiah)
15. Isiah (initial prediction: Dirk)
14. Giannis (initial prediction: Durant)
13. Durant (initial prediction: Giannis)
12. Moses
11. Dr. J.
10. Steph
9. Shaq (initial prediction: Hakeem)
8. Hakeem (initial prediction: Shaq)
7. Kobe
6. Duncan
5. Bird
4. Magic
3. Jordan
2. Kareem
1. LeBron
Love these videos!
The ending to this video is hilarious 😂 love this show!!
I couldn’t imagine anyone averaging 4 blocks a game in the playoffs in todays game that’s really crazy
Well considering teams shoot far more 3s today yeah it’d be really impressive
Nick Wright the NBA historian. Love it
It may be farther down the comment list, but Shaq’s apex included a guy even higher on the top 50 list than him. Hakeem did his most dominant work alongside Vernon Maxwell. We should put Hakeem ahead if for nothing more than he was able to drag average talent to titles where Shaq got swept.
Hakeem’s post moves weren’t event mentioned! Dudes footwork was outstanding!
I go back and forth with these 2 on my list as well. I hate using the '95 Finals as a deciding moment though. Firstly, that's apex Hakeem vs. a young Shaq. And secondly, it's not like Hakeem beat Shaq down the way he did Ewing and Robinson. Shaq averaged 28,12.5 and 6 with 2.5 blocks in that series on 60% shooting. Hakeem just went supernova shooting and Drexler far outplayed anyone else on Orlando.
An eighteen year old walking around today never saw jordan play in real time. Does that stop him or her from putting him at the top of their greatest list? that argument is weird to me. While I disagree with nick about Dirk being a better player than KG, I happen to agree that the dream was better than Shaq.
Finally someone in the media have the balls to do it right !!! Hakeem was by far the better player
Just imagine if Shaq could make 70 to 80% ,of his freethrows. He would literally put up Wilt like numbers.
I mean Wilt couldn't shoot free throws either. Wilt might have been the undeniable GOAT if he could make free throws.
Nick u the real mvp. Thanks for doing research and refreshing my memory. U have nothing to prove to the trolls. U made it big from kc by doing research.
love the history lesson
Oh what a time to remember in Houston. I love Hakeem and always will!
The real top 10 of all time
1. Michael Jordan
2. Lebron James
3. Hakeem
4. Shaq
5. Tim Duncan
6. Kobe bryant
7. Kareem
8. Magic Johnson
9. Steph Curry
10. Kevin Durant
When comparing Shaq, Hakeem haters will say he played against a baby Shaq...That somehow a much fatter, slower, outta shape version of the same player later on was better for some reason
You forget that Hakeem was playing those finals and fasting Ramadan
lol biggest Hakeem stat is I still believe no one thinks michael jordan should've been picked by Houston in the 1984 draft think about it the best player ever in a draft that even if you redraft it Hakeem still goes number 1
Lol when Nick loses it its always great TV here or first things first. The Hakeem take I'm glad he made it over Shaq Hakeem didn't have a kobe
Hakeem was the only player EVER to win a ring without another HOF player on his team when he won in 94! He didn’t even have another All-Star next to him that year! Legend!
@@sayedpirzada3144 didn’t even have an All nba teammates, or All defensive teammates, he had neither of that.
I think it would really help if they put up all the accolades the player got the screen instead of just a lil bit
Dream is the greatest Center of all time and its not close in my book. I agree he is the greatest defensive player ever. Most under rated superstar, ever...
Nick, can you do another list.... with the top 30 quarterbacks of all time
I'm like 93% sure the rest of the list is going to be:
1. LeBron
2. Jordan
3. "Kareem"
4. "Magic"
5. Duncan
6. Kobe
7. Bird
8. [H]Akeem
9. Shaq.
Ye facts thats something nick would do although I think he said Tim Duncan is close to the top 5 so he might have kobe ahead of him at 5 and Duncan 6 or some other order of kobe Duncan and bird
Hakeem and Bird may be reversed.
He's going to have Kareem above Jordan
Shaq over kobe.. better player in all 3 of 3peat
Kareem will be #[
40 mins of you just reading stat lines. Really? Come on nick. You don’t talk about context or specifics. Just he went 38/11/4/3 72 different times.
Exactly, wtf
I feel like this whole list should be thrown out because he has Iverson all the way up at 30 but has Luka in the top 20 lmao. He said Dame Lillard has an insane résumé but he can’t be top 50 because he hasn’t been doing it long enough….then Luka not only makes the list but is top 20? No objectivity, projecting for the future he hopes Luka has, and complete favoritism. List is garbage.
We need a little Asterix when those three most dominant years were preceded by abandoning/ gutting your contender and joining a superstar somewhere else
Do you think jumping ship and abandoning franchises should negatively impact someone’s legacy? Or should it just amplify those who stayed the course (Duncan, Dirk, Kobe etc)?
@@giokarp I legitimately believe it does both of those things. In hindsight, for example, I think it will become part of the conversation that LeBron never built any of the champions he was as a part of.
Who are you referring to?
@@timesize it's tuff to build anything when you get drafted by one of the worst franchises in the NBA 😂 it's really easy to stay on the Spurs or Lakers when everything is great it's not easy to suffer and waste ur career in Cleveland or Minnesota
@@JG-vu7un agreed. It’s a lot easier to go to Miami or Golden State. That’s why it’s really impressive when you turn the Brown’s into a winning franchise or take the Bengals to the Super Bowl or win it for Kansas City
How often do these come out
Nick can you post a link to your entire list so far?
Hakeem is one of the kind. He may have been a center, but he had the swift move like a small/power forward with his athleticism. He sometimes get left out from the Top 10 conversation, which makes me scratch my head.
It’s like Olajuwon ended his career in the top ten all-time in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. It’s like ? How do you not stay in every one’s top 5
It’s like Olajuwon ended his career in the top ten all-time in blocks, scoring, rebounding, and steals. It’s like ? How do you not stay in every one’s top 5
I wasn't even born then but The Dream was a monster 😱
I love listening to Nick he really does his research. I think he’s spot on about everything… but just remember when Shaq got swept by Hakeem Shaq was not in is prime yet and Shaq has 4 rings. I would flip them Shaq 8 Hakeem 9
Were they keeping block stats when Wilt played?
fantastic ending
Another really cool stat? Olajuwon went head-to-head with Jordan 23 times over their careers. Olajuwon won 13 matchups. However, in the seven games they played AFTER Jordan's return in '95, Jordan won five. This means in the first 16 head-to-head matchups of their careers, Olajuwon won 11 of them. People who think Jordan could've won eight straight titles are living in a fantasy world.
I've always thought Hakeem was underrated. Like if you look at their individual numbers I think Hakeem was better than Tim Duncan. Duncan just has 3 more rings. But if you trade places with those guys I think Hakeem has just as many rings with the spurrs as Duncan did. It just shows that you have to have multiple all stars to win the title.
Hakeem was not a good team player in his first 7 years. One of his glaring weakness was his assist turnover ratio and i am talking about his whole career. Second weakness that he gambled too much on steals instead of just staying disciplined on def and third he does not elevate his teammates until the second half of his career.
Hakeem fans just looks on his HL but not his career as a whole which will provide you context why he won only 2 rings.
Skills wise, no other big men is better than Hakeem. Unlike Shaq and Wilt, Dream has no weaknesses. He may not be a 3 point threat but he doesnt have to. His free throw shooting is impecabble, almost 72% which means you just cant foul him in the closing seconds of a very close game unlike Diesel and Wilt who are both 50% ft shooters and most of the time crumbled to pressure in the ft line of a very close game.
Shaq has become underrated because he could’ve been better. For me, he’s top 10 all time, forget last 50 years. Last 50 years, he has a strong top 5 argument.
Put some respect on Hakeem!!! Great take Nick!!!
Predicting Nicks remaining:
9. Shaq
8. Hakeem
7. Bird
6. Kobe
5. Duncan
4. Magic
3. Jordan
2. Kareem
1. LeBron
Hats off to Hakeem over Shaq. Dominant as Shaq was Hakeem was the superior player.
Having shaq at 9th is a joke. He was way more dominant in the finals than Bird, Hakeem, Duncan, Kobe, Wilt and magic
Hakeem put up 33 and 12 against him.
@@leonzaduncan2438 So? Why Didn't Hakeem win other rings with more finals MVPs like shaq did if he was that dominant. Shaq for his entire career was way more dominant, 1 great finals series doesn't make Hakeem better
@@eldenrace1489 are you dense? Shaq had way better teammates and star help than Hakeem
@@HailKingCeezer Ok got it so accomplishments doesn't matter now when judging who is the greatest. Now I can use that great logic of yours for any player I want and say oh they didn't win because they had no help. With your logic Hakeem > Lebron because Lebron had more help hence I'll just disregard his accomplishments and finals MVPs and have the dream above him. I think the dense one is you buddy
@@eldenrace1489 because he never had a Kobe or Wade with him, and from 88-92 most of his costars weren't great
Dream doesn’t get enough love
Top 7 will be some combination of these players: LeBron, Jordan, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Kobe, Duncan. We know LeBron will be 1, Jordan 2 (probably) and Kareem 3 (although nick has made some comments in the past about he thinks there’s an argument for Kareem over Jordan at 2). That leaves 4-7 as Magic, Bird, Kobe, Duncan. I’m assuming Duncan is 7. 4 probably is Magic, then I’m guessing Kobe at 5 and Bird at 6 since nick said 5-6 will be controversial.