Start a Franchise - Hakeem or Shaq

[JordansBulls]

Who do you take to start a franchise?

[BdeRegt]

I'm surprised to see so many people choose Hakeem. I feel like Shaq guarantees a few championships while I don't think Hakeem guarantees any.

[thekdog34]

I think the concern is Shaq leaving. Orlando got no championships

[DirtyDez]

I'm surprised to see so many people choose Hakeem. I feel like Shaq guarantees a few championships while I don't think Hakeem guarantees any.

How many seasons did Hakeem play with another top-10 player in his prime? Shaq had Penny for 2-3 elite seasons, Wade 2 and Kobe 2-3 years. All in or close to their peak.

If Hakeem had another superstar he'd guarantee a title or two.

[SactoKingsFan]

I think the concern is Shaq leaving. Orlando got no championships

Shaq probably doesn't leave if Magic FO don't completely screw up the process of trying to resign him.

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[BdeRegt]

I'm surprised to see so many people choose Hakeem. I feel like Shaq guarantees a few championships while I don't think Hakeem guarantees any.

How many seasons did Hakeem play with another top-10 player in his prime? Shaq had Penny for 2-3 elite seasons, Wade 2 and Kobe 2-3 years. All in or close to their peak.

If Hakeem had another superstar he'd guarantee a title or two.

No player wins titles without other elite players. I just feel like Shaq was the most dominant, best player in the world for a period. Hakeem never reached that level to me as MJ was always better and depending on year you could argue who was best center between Hakeem, Robinson, Ewing, etc.


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[rebirthoftheM]

Shaq. The only thing that makes me waver are Shaqs health issues (although he always showed up in the PS) and his constant need for drama. But player to player, Shaq gives me a longer title window and a higher ceiling for dominance.

[Lucky707]

No player wins titles without other elite players.

Except Hakeem, Dirk, Duncan in 03, the entire Pistons squad...

[JordansBulls]

No player wins titles without other elite players.

Except Hakeem, Dirk, Duncan in 03, the entire Pistons squad...

If that is the case so did MJ 1991 and 1998.

[jaypo]

I'd say Shaq, although I think Akeem was the more skilled player. Shaq was simply more dominant. While Akeem could do it all, he shot a poor % from the field for a Center.

If Akeem were about 3 inches taller, I'd bet that he would have ended up the GOAT.

[BdeRegt]

No player wins titles without other elite players.

Except Hakeem, Dirk, Duncan in 03, the entire Pistons squad...

There are always some exceptions but you can ask anyone involved in the NBA and everyone plans knowing that you need at least 2 (maybe 3 now) All-NBA level talents to contend for a title.

[ItsThatEasy]

Assuming everything that comes along with starting a franchise (ticket sales, coaching, free agency, team chemistry), it's a difficult choice.

On one hand you're guaranteed to be a top draw in the league and make money with Shaq's outsized personality and unique talents. On the other hand Hakeem is an absolute pillar to build your team's culture around, especially after he converted to Islam. You risk losing Shaq to free agency, but you also risk complacency with Hakeem.

It's a tough call but I couldn't deny my fanbase the opportunity to watch prime Shaq play basketball. He absolutely captivated Los Angeles at his peak.

[FuShengTHEGreat]

I'm surprised to see so many people choose Hakeem. I feel like Shaq guarantees a few championships while I don't think Hakeem guarantees any.

Shaq brought 0 titles to the team that drafted him.

Shaq was Stockton & Malone's playoff whipping boy. Hakeem went through this duo twice en route to titles.

And Shaq couldn't guarantee a championship when Hakeem was out playing him en route to Finals MVP.

[FuShengTHEGreat]

No player wins titles without other elite players.

Except Hakeem, Dirk, Duncan in 03, the entire Pistons squad...

If that is the case so did MJ 1991 and 1998.

ummm how about no?

[ThaRegul8r]

Hakeem, because I liked him better when they were both playing.

[JordansBulls]

Except Hakeem, Dirk, Duncan in 03, the entire Pistons squad...

If that is the case so did MJ 1991 and 1998.

ummm how about no?

Yes only all star just like those guys on the squad.

[1993Playoffs]

Shaq...he is the better player in my opinion

[Pg81]

Shaq was lucky to get Kobe, Wade, Jackson and a nice diet of either way past their prime centers like Sabonis and Mutombo or really bad centers like Dampier. None of his championships featured a really great center in his prime, physically or skillwise. On top of that he was allowed to get away with murder, especially against Mutombo, if he would not have gotten preferential treatment he would have fouled out a lot with that style of play. I lost a lot of respect for Shaq and respected Mutombo even more after 2001. Ironically the best center Shaq played against was Hakeem and Hakeem led his team to a sweep even though Orlando had at least as much if not more talent.

Hakeem on the other hand played against all time great centers and multiple times in his career and managed to lead his team to a title twice.

[FuShengTHEGreat]

If that is the case so did MJ 1991 and 1998.

ummm how about no?

Yes only all star just like those guys on the squad.

You mean in 91 where Pippen was selected to the Dream Team based on his calibre of play or 98 where he led MJ in the playoffs in rebounds, blocks, assists & steals?

[Ballerhogger]

For me it's Hakeem as view him as Better two way player.