DR vs. Hakeem really comes down to two things in my mind. Longevity (Hakeem was a top player for a few years longer), and that WCF matchup that saw Hakeem lay one of the biggest star-vs-star beatdowns on Robinson in NBA history. I couldn't rank DR higher than Hakeem for those two reasons, even if David did have some pretty impressive highs of his own.
As for Howard, he may very well end up in the conversation with those guys when all is said and done. But one fact that can't be overlooked is this: Hakeem was the best center in an era of great centers. Dwight is, right now, the best center in an era of great forwards.
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"He's coming off the bench aggressive right away, looking for his shot. If he has any daylight, we need him to shoot the ball. We know it's going in."
-Dirk Nowitzki on Jason Terry, after JET's 16 point 4th quarter against the Pacers.
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