Joel Embiid vs. Hakeem Olajuwon, One-on-One Matchup Comparison

Joel Embiid is playing his best season so far, as he is one of the league’s MVP favorites. The superstar center from the Philadelphia 76ers has been nothing short of spectacular. Averaging an impressive almost 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists a night. A skilled big man who is a force to be feared down the paint while also being a big threat outside the arc. But, another guy comes into mind with this kind of caliber. One of the NBA’s greatest 75 players awardees, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. Both in their primes, who do you think would have won between Embiid and Olajuwon? Let’s find out!

PLAYER COMPARISON

Embiid is probably one of today’s best centers. An extremely versatile big man. The 5-time all-star has played impressive and has been improving each year. Just like Hakeem, Joel has a great post-up game. There are not a lot of frontcourt defenders that can handle these two in their prime.

Both of them are also good shooters, both on the perimeter and behind the three-point line.

  • Embiid is averaging an impressive 36.4% in 3-point field goals, while Hakeem, though only averaged his whole career 20.3%, had a career-high percentage of 42.1% in 1993.
  • Hakeem only came close to a career average of 22 points per game, his defensive prowess is unmatched, as he averages 3.5 blocks a night in his career.

Defensive Anchors

  • Embiid and Olajuwon are both known to be defensive anchors, but Hakeem takes this one since he was already named Defensive of the Year twice.
  • Both are tenacious rebounders and are also good ball-handlers for their size. Let’s also not forget The Dream’s signature move, “The Dream Shake”.

Though many players have used it in the past, Joel seems to be on another level with this move. Lastly, the footwork between the two is somewhat on the same scale, as they are both great in this area.

“Whenever I want, I’m able to be Shaq, and whenever I want, I’m also able to be Dirk or Kobe or MJ or any guards, really.”
– Embiid said during a post-game interview. 

PLAYER ACCOLADES (NBA)

Joel Embiid

5x All-Star
3x All-NBA (2nd Team)
3x All-NBA Defensive (2nd Team)
NBA All-Rookie (1st Team)
Joel Embiid, photo courtesy of usatoday.com
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Hakeem Olajuwon

2x NBA Champion
2x NBA Finals MVP
1x NBA Season MVP
2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year
6x All-NBA (1st Team)
3x All-NBA (2nd Team)
5x All-NBA Defensive (1st Team)
4x All-NBA Defensive (2nd Team)
12x All-Star
Olympic Gold Medalist
One of the Greatest 75 Players (for the 75th anniversary)
Hakeem Olajuwon, photo courtesy of nba.com

CONCLUSION

During the ’90s, Hakeem managed to snatch two championships, when Michael Jordan and the Bulls dominated. The Dream was the only player in history to win Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, and Finals MVP in the same year! A feat no one has ever done.

Though it is not fair to say that Joel Embiid is very far from Olajuwon’s greatness. Jojo is still 28 years old, and we are yet to see the best in him in the coming years. He might even win the MVP this year. But, if they are to play one-on-one, The Dream has a more powerful arsenal of moves and a deeper bag of tricks. Also, his defense is not a question since he is known to stop guys that are even bigger than him (e.g. Shaq, David Robinson, Manute Bol).

Achievement-wise, Hakeem was already seen as a future superstar ever since he came into the league.

Already reached the NBA Finals in his 3rd year. To add, Olajuwon is very agile and versatile. Not to take away from JoJo, but The Dream would probably bring home the bacon in this duel. Embiid is getting better and better, and in a few years, if this conversation comes up again, maybe by then he will be able to top Hakeem.

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Who do you think is better, Embiid or Olajuwon? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.    

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