Hakeem Olajuwon, arguably the best center in the league during the 1990s, knows when greatness is in hand. In an interview with NBA Global, the Hall of Famer talks about the Milwaukee Bucks' sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo. (Via Sportal)
Olajuwon was asked what are his impressions of the budding star.
"I'm not really surprised to see him do well in the NBA - he will do much better with time and confidence. Confidence means a lot. Skills, as with maturity, will come, but that confidence level to express himself without fear -- to experiment new moves or things that you are comfortable to do, but in game situation and hold back -- that confidence level takes time. First of all it's from coaching or from within. Sometimes the coach will want to limit your ability: "just do this, just do this." But you know you can do much more, but don't do much more, just do what you're asked - so you need to fight to express yourself.
Then (you) gain the coaches' trust to be more comfortable, give more responsibility - then you have freedom, when you get to the point of (having) freedom, then the coach (will) trust your judgment, then you can play freely, then you can really excel to the next level."
Olajuwon also stated that he have the potential of becoming a superstar.
"He has the potential - the question is how to reach that potential.That's exactly my point, meaning the skills are there, the talent is already there. But the confidence is still mediocre, meaning I'm already in the NBA and there are great players, but I want to dominate.He has the potential to dominate in his position - so he needs to raise the bar."
Also, he was asked for advice on how to transcend from being a good player to a great one.
"Now is the attitude and confidence and the belief to not be satisfied being average. Meaning scoring 10 points, 20 points, feeling he is able to average that. And on defense to be a guy that size to block more shots, rebound - he's a complete player. Fantastic. From what I see, I think he will have a wonderful, successful career, that his name will be remembered to have made a huge contribution to the league because he has a special talent - it's unusual to see someone of that size and with that skill. So he can have a huge impact, IF he has the attitude to want to be a great player."
At 19 years of age, Antetokounmpo is already turning heads and is showing flashes of being the match-up nightmare he poses to be. What do you think readers? Will he be at the same level of LeBron James and Kevin Durant?
