[Mr. JewboyParticipant]

 Who would you take to start a franchise? Dwight Howard or David Robinson

Both are freaks of nature at the center position and were taken #1 in their respective drafts, while Robinson is taller (7-1 to Howards 6-11), but Dwight probably jumps higher, and I don’t know who is/was stronger(although I think Howard is)

 

Notes:

Howard is the the first player to lead the league in rebounding and blocks in consecutive seasons

David Robinson’s career high in points is 71, was ROY, is the last player to achieve a quadruple-double.

David Robinson is a 2-time champion, however he was past his prime and Duncan was the star of both, and Dwight has lead his team to the finals, however he lost.

 

So, who would you take?

[llperez]

robinson. They are pretty close defensively with maybe a slight edge to dwight. Offensively robinson was much better. Both are first class personalities and positve locker room guys. Dwight can still improve and change my mind on this one.

[PureshooterParticipant]

I would take Dwight Howard for two reasons:

1.  Defense wins championships.  He is a much better shot blocker and post defender than Robinson.  Robinson was essentially a 7’0" power forward.

2.  I don’t think we have seen just how good Dwight Howard can be.  He still hasn’t hit his ceiling.

[ronniemiller1kParticipant]

david all the way…no one touches the admiral…dwights game is too low post which is why he has better rebounding numbers.  david had more range plus he was a better passer (4.8 assists one year) and averaged almost 1.5 steals for his career.  i like dwight alot but i thought his offense would be further along by now b ut i guess if your that much stronger than everyone and more athletic theres no need for it

[ronniemiller1kParticipant]

career 3 a game average…dwights best year is 2.9

[llperez]

pureshooter, dwight was a much better shot blocker?

dwights blocks first 6 seasons: 1.7, 1.4, 1.9, 2.2, 2.9, 2.8

robinsons blocks first 6 seasons: 3.9, 3.9, 4.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.2

David robinson also won a defensive player of the year award and was an 8 time all defenisve first or second team member. And he was legit 7 footer who played in the paint so not sure how he was a pf.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Robinson. No doubt. Theres no comparing their offensive games. Dwight has a inconsistent hook shot and thats about it. Defensively Howard might be the best weak side defender ever but one on one in the post The Admiral takes it on offense and defense.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Robinson without a doubt..I’ll chose Ewing over Dwight..Some people might even pick Alonzo Morning over Dwight..

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 If you don’t say David Robinson you have to be really young and have no knowledge of the prior greats.  If you last memory of Robinson was him playing alongside Duncan please reconsider the facts.  David Robinson was great on both offense and Defense.  

Robinson in his third year averaged over 2 steals a game and 4.5 blocks.  Thats insane.  DH will never averaged over 2 steals per game or 4.5 blocks.  For his career Robinson averaged over 1.5 steals a game.  And in his prime Robinson always got over 3 blocks a game.  Not only that Robinson is a more accomplished passer.  He averaged 5 assists one year and other then that he always averaged atleast 3 or 4.  The only thing DH might do better is rebound.  But Robinson averaged 11 for his career and in his prime always averaged around 12 or 13.  

And Robinson is the runaway better scorer.  And Robinson scored these points against other great centers like Hakeem, Ewing, Shaq in Prime, Dikembe, Vlade, and Mourning’s of the world.  DH has nowhere near that competition at center nowadays and still can’t dominate on offense. 

And as far as whose stronger, that may be a wash, but I might go with Robinson.  He was longer, and his core muscles were compact because of being in the military. They said he would roll out of bed and do 700 pushups everyday.  DH is strong but a lot of his muscularity has to do with lifting free weights.  Robinson was everybit as ripped and puffy working on mostly his core muscles.  That’s ever more impressive.

In Robinsons best season he’ll give you 30 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 5 assists, and 3 blocks.  Do you think DH could even come close to putting together that kind of all around season?

Robinson > DH

[llperez]

in dwights defense on the blocks issue, lots of centers averaged more blocks back then. Wings and gaurds are much better at attacking the rim and finishing above the rim these days and wings also get a lot more calls these days on even minimum contact. Defenitely harder to block shots today. I think shot blocking wise they are pretty close to even.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Because there were better Center’s playing back then.

[llperez]

yes there were better centers back then, but not neccessarliy better shot blockers then dwight. Do you disagree with that?

[whyyouhatingParticipant]

no ?…

I like Dewight but he plays in a weak center era and has no offense game.

David Robinson was a problem, he was dunking ever thing and kept the Spurs good and then stepped down when Duncun came to make them great. He is a top 10 center all time. DH is not on that level yet, and will not be until he gets a offense game. 

[Anton123Participant]

 Robinson for sure, IMO Robinson is better at everything except highlights.

He won the DPOY twice back when there was actually a lot of defensive players, unlike Dwight who just gets it cause he’s the only real good shot blocker in the league

[TurkParticipant]

Mr Robinson would evict Dwight Howard from his neighborhood for faking the funk…..

David Robinson was much better offensively and just as equal to Dwight Howard’s defensive prowess. Until Howard develops an offensive game, becomes a better passer out of the double teams, and does it consistently year after year while winning championships, it really isn’t even a discussion.

[billykParticipant]

Alonzo Mourning, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo are arguably the top shotblockers of the 90s and they are just as even more athletic that the centers we have today and they would block just as many shots now than they did in in the 90’s… Its actually harder to block shots when more contact is allowed… I would say all the center I named except for maybe Ewing where better shotblockers than Dwight Howard..

[llperez]

i would say they are all on pretty close to par in terms of shot blocking. I dont think arguing that dwight is clearly a better shot blocker or worse shot blocker is valid based on stats becasue i do think it was easier to block shots back then. Gaurds are more athletic and have learned all the little tricks to draw contact and shoot floaters and avoid getting their shots blocked.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

The only real reason centers use to get more blocks back then is because more teams played in the post.  The great big men use to go head to head in epic matchups.  And once and awhile they would get a hand on their hook shot or up and under.  Nobody plays in the post really anymore because there arent that many great big men.  And even the great ones in our league will shoot mid range jump shots just as often as they’ll take it inside.  Howard is a great shot blocker.  But I’d still take the Dream, Robinson, Dikembe, Mourning, and Shaq all over him in their prime just to play defense.  

If they were to play each other in their primes it wouldn’t even be close.  DH always loses his matchups wit Yao Ming let alone The Admiral.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 The sun was at its peak on a glorious July afternoon in southern Florida. There wasn’t a cloud in sight and from here the tourists scurrying about the park were nothing mo

re than ants on a picnic table. From here, Dwight Howard was literally on top of the world.

Alone in the Aéro30, suspended 400 feet above Disney World, he rested his chiseled frame on a guardrail and marveled at a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom. ‘The only thing that could make this day better is a parade’, he sighed. As they had since the end of his season last month, his thoughts eventually turned to those fateful free throws and whether he’d ever get an opportunity to redeem himself. But on this day he was determined to leave the past as just that.

Back on solid ground, Howard continued with his itinerary. He went back in time on the Primeval Whirl, gasping at the twists, turns and startlingly lifelike dinosaurs. He strolled the Maharajah Jungle Trek and learned the Komodo dragon is actually just a big lizard. He delightfully sung along with every verse of the Finding Nemo musical. Twice. He shook hands, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Dwight Howard was having too much fun.

And then it happened. A loud gurgling emitted from his stomach. His abdomen tightened with discomfort as his bowels violently shifted, demanding relief. Dwight Howard had too much spicy curry chicken last night.

The wailing child still propped on his shoulders served as a siren for those in Howard’s path as he left behind a shoe, $1.31 in change and a nauseating streak of flatulence on his way to the nearest restroom.

Bursting through the door and into an empty stall, for the next five minutes the prodigious pivot let loose a comically animated series of discharges. Exhaling with glee upon conclusion, it wasn’t until he noticed the oversized loafers in the adjacent stall that Dwight became aware of his company and was slightly embarrassed. But before the poopetrator could muster an apology he was interrupted by the stranger’s cell phone.

Howard smiled at the sound of the ring tone-a rendition of ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’-and couldn’t help but to eavesdrop on the conversation.“Yes, dear…. I know, I’m sorry, I’ll be out soon….Oh, okay, well where do they want to go?……Alright, I’ll meet you there in a bit….Love you too.”

Timid, but impressed with the stranger’s tenderness and relieved that he didn’t interrupt it with further indigestion, Dwight tapped the wall between them as a sign of approval. The stranger tapped back. Jim Severson didn’t bother to wash his hands and grabbed his son’s arm as he rushed out of the restroom, quizzically peering over his shoulder, clueless as to what would transpire next.

Howard and his neighbor simultaneously emerged from their stalls, both startled by what they saw.

“Dwight?” the stranger exclaimed.

“Mr.Robinson?”

Though it was his favorite movie, David Robison decided not to join his family for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid because it was difficult enough to spend that much time watching an underage, half-naked white girl in the animated feature. But a live performance? No thanks.

This being their first meeting, the Hall of Famer and his successor exchanged pleasantries and didn’t realize that they’d been drifting around the park for hours before arriving at the Teacup rides. They looked at each other and both knew that there was no way they weren’t going to give it a whirl. The two giants compacted themselves into a teacup and as the ride began, their conversation took a more serious turn.

“You know Dwight, before my career began my favorite Bible story was always the Book of Job. I thought the unimaginable suffering he endured as a testament to his faith should be inspirational to us all. But after I retired and looked back on things, I changed my mind. Not about Job-he still inspires me-but it just wasn’t my favorite story anymore. Now my favorite story is the one I identify with most, David and Goliath.”

Howard’s bulky neck tilted with confusion and his brow furrowed as Robinson continued.

“The character of a Christian is tested daily in such a powerful and hedonistic lifestyle as the NBA’s. Money, ego, drugs, alcohol, women….”

Howard cleared his throat, pursed his lips and looked downward in solemn contemplation. The teacups kept right on twirling.

“…and it seems at times in order to appeal or relate to people you need to engage in such activity. Public opinion has equated Christianity with pantywaisted squaredom and there were questions of whether I could lead or secure endorsements because of my faith. But I earned credibility both on and off the court and that influence has been able to do wonderful things for several people. The NBA Cares and Community assist awards may be fodder for cynical columnists, but I’ve seen the lives I and others have touched and thankfully I was blessed with enough money to do so much more. Hopefully God will bless me with a long life so that I can achieve those goals. I see that you take pride in this too and you should be inspired by your wealth, youth and the good that you can do with your life, Dwight.”

This filled the young center with joy. The approval of such a stellar example as Robinson meant everything to him and he hung on his elder’s every word.

“But your career-your lifespan in this game-is so much shorter and you must seize every opportunity. I wanted to be seen as a leader, a positive role model, a great player and a champion. I always knew this was just a game, but I wanted to use my God given ability to its fullest extent and blaze a new trail for men of a higher purpose. To show that you could be an all-time great and a man of God. However, sometimes I feel like I’ve fallen short and in my darker moments I even feel like I failed. Like I should’ve left a bigger mark. I wanted to show just how much a man of God could achieve and it’s an awful feeling to think that I could’ve achieved more. You don’t want to feel that way Dwight.”

Howard frowned not only at the thought of such a feeling, but in compassion for Robinson, whom he felt was being too hard on himself. Surely no one would consider such an accomplished career as a failure. Still, Robinson continued.

“A man, even one such as myself, wants to leave an indelible mark on this sport and that requires defeating other men of similar purpose. Men who will stop at nothing to leave that mark, not even if it means succumbing to their own ego and desires at the cost of others and their own soul. It’s a dangerous path, look at Michael for Christ’s sake. He became his own idol.

But that’s the kicker, the same thing that drove Michael is the same thing that drives the rest of us. Establishing yourself, leaving a mark, fulfilling potential, blah, blah, blah. It all involves one thing, winning. In order to win in this league you have to be truly driven. Single minded, obsessed even. But you can’t let the game, the desire consume you Dwight. That is where we must avoid the sins of pride and false idolatry. But you know what else? No one else is willing to play by those rules. The history books won’t care about your character, only your accomplishments. And let me tell you something, Wilt was right. it’s tough to be David when you’re built like Goliath.”

The teacups began to whirl at an unnatural speed and a cold wind cut across Howard’s face. He struggled with the complexities of such advice and it was tough to concentrate over the children’s cries for help. He became nervous. Robinson, wingspan encompassing the entire cup, remained calm.

“People tell me that I accomplished so much and it’s should be a testament to my faith that I maintained my beliefs while receiving so many accolades. But everything that I’ve achieved is a big fucking joke.”

And with that, a roaring fire was lit behind Mr.Robinson’s pupils. His rippling muscles swelled, his bloodstream visibly rushed and he almost seemed to be growing. Dwight was past nervous. He was getting scared.

“Maybe I should’ve been more aggressive, maybe God would’ve understood. Everything I achieved has been discredited. What am I remembered for? An MVP I apparently didn’t deserve, getting smothered by Olajuwon, emasculated by Rodman and crushed by Shaq. I never received any real recognition until recently and even that was short lived. People don’t even respect my rings! They’re Duncan’s! It’s bullshit!”

Robinson’s voice boomed and now there was no questions about it. He was growing right before Dwight’s eyes. The seams of his shirt popped, the buttons flew, his feet tore through the soft leather and the teacup cracked as it struggled to contain him. Onlookers fled and as Robinson literally grew through the ceiling the cracks revealed a sky filled with ominous black clouds. But the Spurs’ eyes remained fixated on his target who was paralyzed by fear.

“But now people actually have the nerve to compare you to me? I am David Robinson and so I know for damn sure that you’re no David Fucking Robinson! I scored 71 points in a game and won a scoring title! I averaged four and a half blocks with two steals in my third season! I was a threat from inside and out, I beat guards up the floor and jumped over centers!

You want to be me? Ha! Look at you, I was an unquestionable centerpiece of my team, yours won’t even give you the ball no matter how high your FG% is! A body and skills like that, yet you only took 12 shots a game last year?! And that was a career high? Are you fucking kidding me! Your team was the first in NBA history to take more than a third of their shots from three, they don’t respect you, you’re a joke!”

Howard tried to remain strong, but he no longer feared the imposing figure before him as much as it’s words. He was scared they were the truth.

“Do you know how long and how hard I had to fight to get what I’ve got? But the road to a championship has been practically fucking steamrolled and paved for you! There’s no Barkley, no Malone, no Olajuwon, there’s no one! You’re the only center in the league and you still refuse to dominate! Who is in your way? A hobbled K.G.? I’d tear right through that motherfucker! What do have to fear, Shaq?! Not only is he a shell of himself but he’s the antithesis of everything we’ve tried to represent! Humility, hard work, respect, loyalty…yet they fawn at his supposed greatness while he openly mocks us! Are you going to stand for that?! Huh,Superman?!”

Robinson was now more than 400 feet tall and chaos erupted around him. His bellowing could be heard over the emergency sirens for miles. Buildings crumbled around him, the earth shook and a torrential rain drenched Howard as his lip quivered and he began to swallow his tongue.

“You’re no David Robinson! If you were you’d have a post game. You’d make your free throws. You’d seize the leadership role. You’re no David Robinson, because David Fucking Robinson wouldn’t be at Disney World after blowing the NBA Finals, would he?! Would he?!”

Surrounded by flames and deafening screams Howard felt as though his heart could exlode at any moment. His mentor showed no mercy.

“ANSWER ME!!!”

Dumbfounded and petrified, Dwight David Howard did the only thing his body would allow.

He farted.

And then he woke up.

Drenched in sweat and surrounded by a foul stench, Howard leapt out of bed and bolted for the toilet. Alone in his bathroom at 3:15 AM he sat, still unsure of how to balance the principles of his faith with those of his profession. He was pretty sure that Shaq wasn’t the antichrist though.

He was however, certain of three things. He did have too much spiced curry chicken earlier that evening. He needn’t worry about comparisons to David Robinson yet, since he was entering his sixth season and will still be younger than the Admiral was as a rookie.

And he wasn’t going to Disney World tomorrow. He was going to the gym.

[MelParticipant]

 The problem with BOTH of them is that they weren’t "nasty" enough when it counts the most. Not even on Dwights birthday could he score 70. I know they force fed him to win the scoring title but Robinson is the superior offensive player. Defensively, Robinson was no slouch either. 

Dwight is still growing as a player so it’s tough to decide. Olajuwon made Robinson look foolish that one playoff series. But I think Robinson edges him out because Dwight gets taken out his game by inferior players like the Boston frontcourt.

[MkadozaParticipant]

 David Robinson was as good as it got on and off the court. Period. One of the most athletic centers of all time. David Robinson is Dwight Howard at his very best with skills.

[andxxxParticipant]

U write that yourself? If u did great story lol

[MkadozaParticipant]

 Mr Some Area Code in Cali, Awww, I thought you wrote it, you gotta link that shit +1

[PureshooterParticipant]

Okay, first off I remember Robinson’s entire career and he was actually one of my favorite players growing up.  A few things:

Why would you compare Robinson’s first six seasons to Dwight’s?  Robinson was 24 when he entered the league and Dwight was an 18 year old project.  Comparing the prime of their careers, which I don’t think Dwight has reached yet, is the only fair way to do it. 

Robinson averaged 2.5 BPG in the playoffs, while Dwight has averaged 2.9 in a more athletic league.  David has the edge over their careers, but I think Dwight alters far more shots and is more of an interior presence defensively than Robinson, while also averaging 2 more boards per game thus far over his career. 

Robinson was also completely overmatched by Olajuwon in the playoffs.  I realize that Olajuwon was pretty much unstoppable at that time and would have abused Howard as well, but Robinson simply couldn’t get his team to the finals until Duncan arrived.  Dwight has managed to accomplish this already, as was pointed out before.

Clearly Robinson was the superior offensive player and I don’t see Dwight ever matching that, but I think at the end of his career Dwight will be known as the better defensive center.

[NJHooper95Participant]

Should I even respond. David Robinson without a doubt. David Robinson had so much more ability than Howard offensively. You can argue that Howard is the better defensive player, but Howard didnt face quality big men that Robinson faced. I mean are you kidding me a young Shaq, Alonzo, Ewing, Brad Daughtery, Parish and my god the Dream. There were even solid centers that could give you problems like Rik Smits and Kevin Willis. Howard maybe a better defensive player than Robinson, but i doubt we would be saying that if he played in that era.  Howard is just too offensively challenge to take over Robinson. When Robinson was playing it was more physically, pushing, and hand checking. Kendrick Perkins is able to push Howard out the paint now, imagine what those players in the 90’s would have done. Howard would really have a hard time scoring.

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

robinson wiht out a shadow of a doubt their offensive games shouldnt even be mentioned in the same parargraph for how superior d rob is hasnt been mentioned d rob had a very nice 15 to 17 ft jump shot which howard will never have and for the def great points made by the people saying robisnon was a two time dpoy at a time when their were great def players this really shouldnt even be a comparison cause there isnt one

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 No and some area code in Cali?  an area code is only 3 numbers?  count them numbers its obviously a zip code.

In fact Google just the numbers 19134 and see what comes out thats where I live.  And you can do cuz I’ve done it.

Anyways No I did not write it I posted the whole thing just in case people were too lazy to click on the link but it is actually from Slam onlines top 50 I read it last week and thought maybe thats where this debate came from.

http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/slamonline-top-50/2009/10/top-50-dwight-howard-no-5/

[sacphil_08Participant]

Agreed… Dwight i believe will be known as the better defender and one of the very best defenders ever to play. The shot blocks are misleading because as aforementioned, the league is alot more athletic now and wing players get alot more calls at the rim than they used to even 10 years ago. David robinson will be the far better offensive player but i still dont think dwight has hit his ceiling offensively. He’s got a great work ethic as is evidenced by his conditioning he shows every game. And the whole thing about these guys not being nasty, think if dwight was to be ‘nasty’ he would be a bad guy. He’s gigantic and the league wouldnt like a big ‘bully’ so to speak and he’d get alot more fouls called. And david robinson was the same way. Also david robinson has championships with tim duncan and neither one of them has ever been known to be nasty which proves that that kind of attitude isnt a necessity. The league is offensive unless dwight can snatch a ball out of the air on a shot which he so often does. He alters shots more than anyone i have every seen. He mans the paint BY HIMSELF defensively. Ask any of those guys on orlando that defend on the perimeter and theyll tell you they can gamble whenever they feel like it because dwight is down there. Last year in the semis against atlanta, a team that possesses athelticism almost everywhere, atlanta was swept because dwight howard alone took away their greatest asset of athleticism and atlanta didnt know how to adjust. All that said about dwight i would take david robinson because he was the ultimate big on both sides of the ball. Dwight is the ultimate defender but has yet to develop a truly dominant offensive game that doesnt consist of only dunks although like i said i believe dwights offensive game will be much better in the next few years

[Jlv2010]

Dwight Howard.  He’s a beast on and off the court.

[sheltwon3Participant]

I have to say David Robinson too but I think eventually if Howard can get a better point guard and a few go to moves, he could be better overall.  David had both offense and defense and could hit his free throws.

[midwestbbscoutParticipant]

but I think factoring in the 2 inch height difference is pretty irrelavent…..Dwight plays like he’s about 7-8….dude dunked on 12 foot with ease…..

[Author]

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