Cross-era · careers 2 years apart

Hakeem Olajuwon vs Dave Cowens

Hakeem Olajuwon 1984-2002 · Center Dave Cowens 1970-1982 · Center

Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002) and Dave Cowens (1970-1982) never shared an NBA court — their careers are separated by 2 years, so this is a cross-era comparison, not a head-to-head. On the floor, Hakeem Olajuwon was the higher-volume scorer (21.8 points per game to 17.6); adjusted for era they scored at 2.12× and 1.69× their league average respectively; Hakeem Olajuwon was the more efficient scorer (55.3% true shooting to 49.5%). Hakeem Olajuwon holds the edge on accolades — 1 MVP, 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs and the #12 all-time ranking to Dave Cowens's #51.

Career averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatDave Cowens
21.8 Points / game 17.6
11.1 Rebounds / game 13.6
2.5 Assists / game 3.8
1.7 Steals / game 0.8
3.1 Blocks / game 0.6
50.9% Field goal % 45.9%
10.6% 3-point % 0.7%
70.4% Free throw % 78.5%
55.3% True shooting % 49.5%
1,238 Games played 766

Era-adjusted (× league average of their era)

Hakeem OlajuwonStatDave Cowens
2.12× Points vs era avg 1.69×
2.66× Rebounds vs era avg 2.82×
1.05× Assists vs era avg 1.63×

Advanced metrics

Advanced stats aren't available for Hakeem Olajuwon.

Advanced stats weren't tracked in Dave Cowens's era.

Playoff averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatDave Cowens
25.9 Points / game 18.9
11.2 Rebounds / game 14.4
3.2 Assists / game 3.7
1.7 Steals / game 0.9
3.3 Blocks / game 0.6
53.0% Field goal % 45.3%
15.4% 3-point % 0.0%
72.6% Free throw % 76.4%
145 Playoff games 89

Accolades

Hakeem OlajuwonStatDave Cowens
1 MVP awards 1
2 Finals MVP 0
2 Championships 2
12 All-Star selections 6
6 All-NBA 1st Team 0
#12 All-time GOAT rank #51

More comparisons

Want a different matchup? Use the interactive comparison tool.