Is Blake Griffin Better Than Hakeem Olajuwon? Assessing the Legend

The debate over who is the better basketball player, Blake Griffin or Hakeem Olajuwon, has resurfaced recently, with some insisting that despite Griffin's impressive athleticism, Hakeem Olajuwon remains the superior player. Both players share a unique talent and a path to the NBA through the first overall draft pick of their respective draft classes. However, a deeper analysis reveals that Olajuwon's record of achievements sets him apart from Griffin in significant ways.

Blake Griffin: An Athletic Phenomenon

Blake Griffin showcased his incredible athleticism during his 11-season career with the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets. His career statistics include 20.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Griffin was known not only for his athleticism but also for his ability to score from the midrange and his acrobatic dunks. Despite these skills, his accolades do not match those of Olajuwon. Griffin played a significant role in the Nets as a player, coming out of retirement in 2022.

Awards and Honors for Blake Griffin

5 All-NBA selections 1 All-Rookie Team 1 NBA Player of the Month 6 NBA Player of the Week 1 NBA Rookie of the Year

Hakeem Olajuwon: A Legendary Figure

In contrast, Hakeem Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest center players in NBA history. During his 18-year career from 1984 to 2002, Olajuwon's statistics included an average of 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game. He was not only a scoring threat but also a defensive stalwart, earning multiple All-Defensive Team recognitions.

Key Achievements of Hakeem Olajuwon

Averaged 26,946 points over 1238 career games. 1983 NCAA Most Outstanding Player and First Team All-American selection. 8 NBA All-Star selections (1985-90, 1992-97). 5-time First Team All-NBA (1987-89, 1993-94). 2-time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987-89, 1993-94). IBM World Computer Conference IBM Super Computer Most Valuable Player Award (1993). NBA Most Valuable Player (1994). Back-to-back NBA Championships with the Houston Rockets (1994-1995). One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

The Clear Winner: Hakeem Olajuwon

While Blake Griffin did have a successful career, it is undeniable that Olajuwon's record of achievements and his legacy in the NBA far surpass those of Griffin. Olajuwon's individual accolades, team achievements, and impact on the game as a whole make him a more significant figure in basketball history.

The evaluation of these two players highlights the importance of both athleticism and comprehensive skill sets in any forward's or center's career. Olajuwon's combined skill, leadership, and victories earn him the distinction of being one of the all-time greats in the NBA.