Los Angeles Lakers’ J.R. Smith Ridicules the Idea That Dirk Nowitzki is Better than Hakeem Olajowon in All-Time NBA List
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Los Angeles Lakers’ JR Smith wasn’t happy on seeing Hakeem Olajuwon second in the list of top foreign-born players in the NBA. Sports Center compiled the list that had Dallas Mavericks legend, Dirk Nowitzki, on top above “The Dream.”
It is never easy to compare to legends of the game. Born in Germany, Nowitzki started his NBA career in 1998 with Dallas Mavericks. He played 21 years for the Mavericks winning many accolades over his long career. He made 14 All-Star appearances and had 12 All-NBA team selections. The 2007 NBA MVP led the Mavericks to a championship in 2011. Many consider him the best European to have played in the NBA.
Olajuwon, meanwhile, was born in Nigeria and played in the NBA between 1984 and 2002. He led the Rockets to two consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. He got the nickname of “The Dream” during his college days for his effortless dunking.
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Los Angeles Lakers’ JR Smith not happy seeing Hakeem Olajuwon below Dirk Nowitzki
After Sportscenter placed Olajuwon below Nowitzki in their rankings, Smith expressed his astonishment on Twitter.
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“No disrespect to Dirk but Hakeem is 2? Dirk was super dope of course when of the best to ever do it! But HAKEEM?” a tweet from Smith on Monday read.
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Smith has played in the NBA throughout a major part of Nowitzki’s career. Smith started his NBA career in 2004 and has won a championship with Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He remained a free agent for almost a year before Los Angeles Lakers signed him recently as a replacement for Avery Bradley.
For those curious, I tracked down the complete ESPN list from today. Official criteria: Top foreign-born NBA players of all-time.
10.) Mutombo
9.) Ginobili
8.) Parker
7.) Pau Gasol
6.) Giannis
5.) Nash
4.) Wilkins
3.) Ewing
2.) Olajuwon
1.) Nowitzki— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 21, 2020
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Among other players in the Sports Center’s list of top foreign-born players were Patrick Ewing and Steve Nash. Two of the currently active players, Giannis Antetokunmpo and Pau Gasol also found a place in the list. The “Greek Freak,” Antetokounmpo still has a lot of playing career left and it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a higher place in the list in the coming years. He is the reigning MVP and is one of the favorites to win the award for the second successive year.
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