The most important factor in considering who is greater is the media. It has already been pointed out that Hakeem was part of our first two championships and that earns him a 'special' spot amongst Houstonians at least. However, nationally it is all about how the media paints the picture. To make a long story short. Humanity, and more specifically, our Western culture has a VERY SHORT MEMORY. As soon as Stevie wins a couple of championships, gets an MVP award etc.., it will be Dream who? Oh yeah you mean that guy from the last century, didn't he play in the 90's? Yeah he might have been good, but that was in his time. And on and on... I think you can see what I mean... Besides, in my opinion, you can't really compare the two, unless you are talking about greatest players of all time... so unless Stevie wins at least two championships and gets 2 MVPs, a defensive player of the year, etc, its not even worth talking about. (I do think he has the potential, but that can only take you so far...)
I agree Behad. A good example is during the NBA finals this year. Marv Albert was asked whom he thought Iverson played like. Marv said that no one in the NBA now is like Iverson, but Calvin Murphy in his prime is comparable. I was shocked when I heard that. I had never thought Calvin was so highly regarded. Part of the reason I think was because I never saw Calvin play. I started watching the Rockets at about the time Sampson was drafted. With regards to basketball players in general, I think you may be right DoD. I respect Rudy, the rockets organization, and even Hakeem for that matter, but I still regard Bum Phillips, the oilers, and Earl Campbell with fonder memories, and that their importance more greater than the rockets on the city of houston, even though the oilers never won a superbowl. Luv Ya Blue is something I'll never forget.
