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Shaquille O'Neal vs Hakeem Olajuwon
Which player? Pick one and see how the world splits.
- Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers · 1972– 57% · #4 in the world
- Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets · 1963– 43% · #14 in the world
What the votes say
The world picks Shaquille O'Neal over Hakeem Olajuwon, 57% to 43%. Shaquille O'Neal is #4 of the 250 NBA players in the world ranking, and #2 of the 14 of the Los Angeles Lakers. Hakeem Olajuwon is #14, and #1 of the 12 of the Houston Rockets.
The case for each
Shaquille O'Neal: Overpowered defenders near the basket: four titles, three Finals MVPs and the 2000 MVP with the Lakers, plus a fourth ring with Miami in 2006.
Hakeem Olajuwon: 'The Dream': Houston's center won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995 (beating Shaq's Orlando in the 1995 Finals), the 1994 MVP and two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and is the all-time blocks leader.
Side by side
| Shaquille O'Neal | Hakeem Olajuwon | |
|---|---|---|
| World rank | #4 | #14 |
| Team | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
| Born | 1972 | 1963 |