Cross-era · careers 1 years apart

Hakeem Olajuwon vs Elvin Hayes

Hakeem Olajuwon 1984-2002 · Center Elvin Hayes 1968-1983 · Forward

Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002) and Elvin Hayes (1968-1983) never shared an NBA court — their careers are separated by 1 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 21.0); adjusted for era they scored at 2.12× and 1.97× their league average respectively; Hakeem Olajuwon was the more efficient scorer (55.3% true shooting to 49.2%). Hakeem Olajuwon holds the edge on accolades — 1 MVP, 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs and the #12 all-time ranking to Elvin Hayes's #42.

Career averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatElvin Hayes
21.8 Points / game 21.0
11.1 Rebounds / game 12.5
2.5 Assists / game 1.8
1.7 Steals / game 0.7
3.1 Blocks / game 1.4
50.9% Field goal % 45.2%
10.6% 3-point % 4.5%
70.4% Free throw % 67.0%
55.3% True shooting % 49.2%
1,238 Games played 1,303

Era-adjusted (× league average of their era)

Hakeem OlajuwonStatElvin Hayes
2.12× Points vs era avg 1.97×
2.66× Rebounds vs era avg 2.57×
1.05× Assists vs era avg 0.78×

Advanced metrics

Advanced stats aren't available for Hakeem Olajuwon.

Advanced stats weren't tracked in Elvin Hayes's era.

Playoff averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatElvin Hayes
25.9 Points / game 22.9
11.2 Rebounds / game 13.0
3.2 Assists / game 1.9
1.7 Steals / game 1.0
3.3 Blocks / game 2.3
53.0% Field goal % 46.4%
15.4% 3-point % 0.0%
72.6% Free throw % 65.2%
145 Playoff games 96

Accolades

Hakeem OlajuwonStatElvin Hayes
1 MVP awards 0
2 Finals MVP 0
2 Championships 1
12 All-Star selections 12
6 All-NBA 1st Team 3
#12 All-time GOAT rank #42

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