Cross-era · careers 8 years apart

Hakeem Olajuwon vs Nate Thurmond

Hakeem Olajuwon 1984-2002 · Center Nate Thurmond 1963-1976 · Center

Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2002) and Nate Thurmond (1963-1976) never shared an NBA court — their careers are separated by 8 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 15.0); adjusted for era they scored at 2.12× and 1.36× their league average respectively; Hakeem Olajuwon was the more efficient scorer (55.3% true shooting to 47.0%). Hakeem Olajuwon holds the edge on accolades — 1 MVP, 2 championships, 2 Finals MVPs and the #12 all-time ranking to Nate Thurmond's #75.

Career averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatNate Thurmond
21.8 Points / game 15.0
11.1 Rebounds / game 15.0
2.5 Assists / game 2.7
1.7 Steals / game 0.1
3.1 Blocks / game 0.6
50.9% Field goal % 42.1%
10.6% 3-point % 0.0%
70.4% Free throw % 66.7%
55.3% True shooting % 47.0%
1,238 Games played 964

Era-adjusted (× league average of their era)

Hakeem OlajuwonStatNate Thurmond
2.12× Points vs era avg 1.36×
2.66× Rebounds vs era avg 2.76×
1.05× Assists vs era avg 1.22×

Advanced metrics

Advanced stats aren't available for Hakeem Olajuwon.

Advanced stats weren't tracked in Nate Thurmond's era.

Playoff averages

Hakeem OlajuwonStatNate Thurmond
25.9 Points / game 11.9
11.2 Rebounds / game 13.6
3.2 Assists / game 2.8
1.7 Steals / game 0.1
3.3 Blocks / game 0.6
53.0% Field goal % 41.2%
15.4% 3-point % 0.0%
72.6% Free throw % 59.7%
145 Playoff games 81

Accolades

Hakeem OlajuwonStatNate Thurmond
1 MVP awards 0
2 Finals MVP 0
2 Championships 0
12 All-Star selections 5
6 All-NBA 1st Team 0
#12 All-time GOAT rank #75

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