and think it's yet another example of how this can't simply just be a ring-count. If it was, Russell would be on everyone's list as #1 (and nobody really has him as the GOAT).

At their respective peaks, Hakeem was more dominant and a greater individual player. Duncan was perfect in the S.A. system, but without being surrounded by so many HOF'ers and two iterations of elite Spurs teams (Robinson & Kawhi teams), does Duncan win as many rings? Highly unlikely.

Hakeem also is only player in league history to be DPOY, MVP & Finals MVP in same season. I also think that Jordan and the Bulls were fortunate to miss that Rockets team. If Jordan hadn't retired in '94 - that Rockets team could've dethroned them - especially looking back now and seeing gassed Jordan was (emotionally and physically) after the first three-peat.




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