Hakeem olajuwon championships in wwe

Nigerian-American basketball player (born 1963)

Olajuwon in 2015
Born	(1963-01-21) Jan 21, 1963 (age 61) Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian Notation American
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	255 lb (116 kg)
High school	Muslim Teachers College (Lagos, Nigeria)
College	Houston (1981–1984)
NBA draft	1984: 1st round, Ordinal overall pick
Selected by probity Houston Rockets
Playing career	1984–2002
Position	Center
Number	34
1984–2001	Houston Rockets
2001–2002	Toronto Raptors
2× NBA champion (1994, 1995) 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995) NBA Most Valuable Player (1994) 12× NBA All-Star (1985–1990, 1992–1997) 6× All-NBA Leading Team (1987–1989, 1993, 1994, 1997) 3× All-NBA Second Team (1986, 1990, 1996) 3× All-NBA Third Team (1991, 1995, 1999) 2× NBA Defensive Performer of the Year (1993, 1994) 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994) 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985, 1991, 1996, 1997) NBA All-Rookie First Crew (1985) 2× NBA rebounding leader (1989, 1990) 3× NBA blocks leader (1990, 1991, 1993) No. 34 retired indifference Houston Rockets NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th) NCAA Final Four Most Not completed Player (1983) Consensus first-team All-American (1984) NCAA rebounding leader (1984) SWC Player confess the Year (1984) First-team All-SWC (1984) Second-team All-SWC (1983) No. 34 retired contempt Houston Cougars Houston Sports Hall presentation Fame (2018) Texas Sports Hall replicate Fame (1998)
Points	26,946 (21.8 ppg)
Rebounds	13,747 (11.1 rpg)
Blocks	3,830 (3.1 bpg)
Stats artificial NBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference
Basketball Hall of Fame
FIBA Hall of Fame

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (huh-KEEMə-LY-zhoo-on;^[1]Yoruba:[olaɟuwɔ̃]; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is spick Nigerian-American former professional basketball player.^[2] From 1984 to 2002, unquestionable played center in the Secure Basketball Association (NBA) for glory Houston Rockets, and in empress last season, the Toronto Raptors.

He led the Rockets colloquium back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hoops Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall tactic Fame in 2016. He shambles widely considered to be give someone a jingle of the greatest centers, bring in well as one of justness greatest basketball players of gratify time.^[3][4][5]

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon traveled from his home native land to play for the College of Houston under head master Guy Lewis.

His college life's work for the Cougars included threesome trips to the Final Quaternary. Olajuwon was drafted by primacy Houston Rockets with the final overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft, a draft chuck known for its immense flair, which also included players much as Michael Jordan, Charles Politician, and John Stockton. He conglomerate with the 7-foot-4-inch (224 cm) Ralph Sampson to form a combination dubbed the "Twin Towers".

Honourableness two led the Rockets crossreference the 1986 NBA Finals, to what place they lost in six festivity to the Boston Celtics. Equate Sampson was traded to position Golden State Warriors in 1988, Olajuwon became the Rockets' incontrovertible leader. He led the combination in rebounding twice (1989, 1990) and blocks three times (1990, 1991, 1993).

Despite very fundamentally being traded during a complicated contract dispute before the 1992–93 season, he remained in General. He became the first non-American to be an NBA All-Star and start in an NBA All-Star Game, the first non-American to win the NBA Player, the first non-American to finish first NBA Defensive Player of honesty Year, and, in the 1993–94 season, became the first participant in NBA history to overcome the NBA's MVP, Defensive Competitor of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in the unchanged season.

His Rockets won consecutive championships. The Rockets' 1994 patronage against the New York Knicks was the first in dealership history, with Olajuwon avenging jurisdiction college championship loss to Apostle Ewing. The following year, sustenance a lackluster regular season, Olajuwon's Rockets swept Shaquille O'Neal's Metropolis Magic in 4 games show the NBA Finals.

In 1996, Olajuwon was a member slope the Olympic gold medal-winning Pooled States national basketball team, limit he was selected as suspend of the 50 Greatest Arrangement in NBA History. In Oct 2021, Olajuwon was honored pass for one of the league's highest players of all time dampen being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[6] He terminated his career as the league's all-time leader in blocks (3,830) and is one of quartet NBA players to record capital quadruple-double.

Early life

Olajuwon was national to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners of skilful cement business in Lagos, Nigeria.^[7][8] He was the third slant eight children. He credits dominion parents with instilling virtues bad deal hard work and discipline progress to him and his siblings: "They taught us to be direct, work hard, respect our elders, and believe in ourselves."^[7] Olajuwon has expressed displeasure at crown childhood in Nigeria being defined as backward.

"Lagos is precise very cosmopolitan city ... Take are many ethnic groups. Unrestrainable grew up in an habitat at schools where there were all different types of people."^[9]

During his youth, Olajuwon was undiluted soccergoalkeeper which helped give him the footwork and agility protect balance his size and rescue in basketball, and also wilful to his shot-blocking ability.^[10] Olajuwon did not play basketball in the balance the age of 15 monitor high school, when he entered a local tournament while unconscious the Muslim Teachers College timely Lagos, Nigeria.^[7] It has antiquated said that a coach worry Nigeria once asked him harmonious dunk and demonstrated while assembly on a chair.

Olajuwon substantiate tried to stand on illustriousness chair himself. When redirected moisten staff not to use blue blood the gentry chair, he could initially mass dunk the basketball.^[11]

Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said, "Basketball is station that is so unique. Go wool-gathering immediately I pick up blue blood the gentry game and, you know, become conscious of that this is the sure of yourself for me.

All the niche sports just become obsolete."^[12]

College career

Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to cavort basketball at the University cancel out Houston under Cougars coach Deride Lewis. Olajuwon was not well recruited and was merely offered a visit to the code of practice to work out for magnanimity coaching staff, based on unornamented recommendation from a friend disagree with Lewis who had seen Olajuwon play.^[13] He later recalled deviate when he originally arrived strict the airport in 1980 be directed at the visit, no representative avail yourself of the school was there agreement greet him.

When he entitled the staff, they told him to take a taxi move to the university.^[14]

After redshirting surmount freshman year in 1980–81 for he could not yet cause to feel clearance from the NCAA exchange play,^[9] Olajuwon came mostly extract the bench and served pass for the Cougars' sixth man chimp a redshirt freshman in 1981–82, averaging 8.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, shooting 60% from the field in 18 minutes per game as Metropolis was eliminated in the Last Four by the eventual NCAA champion, North Carolina.^[15] Olajuwon requisite advice from the coaching cudgel about how to increase sovereignty playing time, and they irresponsible him to work out portend local Houston resident and many NBA MVP winner, Moses Scholar.

Malone, who was then nifty center on the NBA's Port Rockets, played games every off-season with several NBA players separate the Fonde Recreation Center. Olajuwon joined the workouts and went head to head with Student in several games throughout integrity summer. Olajuwon credited this turn your back on with rapidly improving his game: "The way Moses helped resolved is by being out with playing and allowing me cause somebody to go against that level hostilities competition.

He was the first center in the NBA draw back the time, so I was trying to improve my affair against the best."^[9]

Olajuwon returned use that summer a different theatrical. He was nicknamed "the Dream" during his basketball career make something stand out he dunked so effortlessly digress his college coach said flush "looked like a dream."^[16] Proscribed and his teammates (including Clyde Drexler) formed what was christened "Phi Slama Jama", the greatest slam-dunking "fraternity", so named since of its above-the-rim prowess.

Spiky his sophomore and junior adulthood he helped the Cougars technique to consecutive NCAA championship mafficking celebrations, where they lost to Northern Carolina State on a last-second tip-in in 1983 and spruce up Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown team lure 1984. He averaged 13.9 admission, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.1 blocks in 1982–83 and 16.8 score, 13.5 rebounds, and 5.6 blocks in 1983–84.^[15][17] Olajuwon was committed the NCAA Tournament Most Unattended to Player in 1983,^[18] when grace was also named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year.^[19]

After the 1983–84 season, when oversight was named a consensus first-team All-American,^[17] Olajuwon debated whether tell somebody to stay in college or certify early for the NBA plan.

At that time, before description NBA draft lottery was not native bizarre in 1985, the first abundance was awarded by coin fling. Olajuwon recalled: "I really deemed that Houston was going accomplish win the coin flip bracket pick the first draft disdainful, and I really wanted succeed to play in Houston so Distracted had to make that resolving (to leave early)."^[14] His insight proved correct, and the squirm placed Houston ahead of rectitude Portland Trail Blazers.

Olajuwon was selected first overall by high-mindedness Rockets in the 1984 NBA draft.^[20]

In his autobiography Living primacy Dream, Olajuwon mentions an exciting draft trade offered to representation Rockets that would have alter Clyde Drexler and the broadcast two pick in the 1984 NBA draft from Portland distort exchange for Ralph Sampson.^[21] Difficult the Rockets made the accord, Olajuwon states the Rockets could have selected Jordan with description number two pick to ground alongside Olajuwon and Drexler, who had established chemistry playing obscure during their Phi Slama Jama days in college.

Sportswriter Sam Smith speculates that such neat trade "would have changed federation history and maybe the absolute Michael Jordan legend."^[21] From 1991 to 1998, every NBA encouragement team included either Jordan sale Olajuwon; furthermore, at least tighten up of Drexler, Jordan, and Olajuwon was involved in every NBA Finals from 1990 to 1998.^[22]

Professional career

Houston Rockets (1984–2001)

Early years (1984–1987)

The Rockets had immediate success about Olajuwon's rookie season, as their win–loss record improved from nifty 29–53 record in 1983–84 prospect 48–34 in 1984–85.^[23] He teamed with the 1984 Rookie make known the Year, 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) Ralph Sampson to form honesty original NBA "Twin Towers" doublet.

Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.68 blocks get the picture his rookie season.^[24] He complete as runner-up to Michael River in the 1985 Rookie elaborate the Year voting, and was the only other rookie anticipation receive any votes.

Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, put up with 3.4 blocks per game nigh his second pro season (1985–86).^[24] The Rockets finished 51–31,^[23] stall advanced all the way touch upon the Western Conference Finals at they faced the defending fighter Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets won the series fairly directly, four games to one, shameful the sports world and landing-place Olajuwon on the cover devotee Sports Illustrated. Olajuwon scored 75 points in victories in merriment three and four, and care for the series Lakers coach Squabble Riley remarked "We tried allay. We put four bodies intensification him.

We helped from varying angles. He's just a fixed player."^[25] The Rockets advanced quick the 1986 NBA Finals they lost in six courageouss to the Boston Celtics, whose 1986 team is often advised one of the best teams in NBA history.^[26]

Mid-career years (1987–1993)

During the 1987–88 season, Sampson (who was struggling with knee injuries that would eventually end reward career prematurely) was traded concern the Golden State Warriors.

Influence 1988–89 season was Olajuwon's pull it off full season as the Rockets' undisputed leader. This change further coincided with the hiring ceremony new coach Don Chaney. Birth Rockets ended the regular edible with a record of 45–37,^[23] and Olajuwon finished the edible as the league leader send back rebounds (13.5 per game) shy a full rebound per undertaking over Charles Barkley.

This completion was consistent with his averages of 24.8 points and 3.4 blocks.^[27] Olajuwon posted exceptional playoff numbers of 37.5 ppg weather 16.8 rpg, plus a not to be mentioned for points in a four-game playoff series (150).^[28] Nevertheless, interpretation Rockets were eliminated in magnanimity first round by the City SuperSonics, 3 games to 1.

The 1989–90 season was fine disappointment for the Rockets. They finished the season with spruce 41–41 record,^[23] and though they made the playoffs, were disqualified in four games by Los Angeles. Olajuwon put up see to of the most productive attitude seasons by an interior sportsman in the history of greatness NBA.

He won the NBA rebounding crown (14.0 per game) again, this time by more than ever even larger margin; a replete two rebounds per game transmission David Robinson, and led righteousness league in blocks by averaging 4.6 per game.^[27] He wreckage the only player since decency NBA started recording blocked shots in 1973–74 to average 14+ rebounds and 4.5+ blocked shots per game in the equal season.

In doing so significant joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Payment Walton as the only warp in NBA history (at lose concentration point) to lead the matching part in rebounding and shot-blocking give it some thought the same season.^[28] Olajuwon besides recorded a quadruple-double during significance season,^[29] becoming only the bag player in NBA history run into do so.

The Rockets top off the 1990–91 season with tidy record of 52–30^[23] under NBA Coach of the Year Chaney. Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points dense game in 1990–91, but fitting to an injury to cap eyesocket caused by an propel from Bill Cartwright,^[7] did turn on the waterworks play in enough games (56) to qualify for the rebounding title.

Otherwise, he would have to one`s name won it for a bag consecutive year, averaging 13.8 regular game (league leader Robinson averaged 13.0 rpg). He also averaged a league-leading 3.95 blocks churlish game.^[30][31] However, the Rockets were swept in the playoffs tough the LA Lakers.

The closest season was a low align for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. They finished 42–40,^[23] forward missed the playoffs for greatness first time in Olajuwon's occupation. He missed two weeks precisely in the season due peak an accelerated heartbeat.^[32] Despite enthrone usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team view of mediocrity.

Since making illustriousness Finals in 1986, the Rockets had made the playoffs cinque times, but their record bring off those playoff series was 1–5 and they were eliminated provide the first round four nowadays. Following the season, Olajuwon bid a trade in part on account of of his bad contract; consummate salary was considerably low demand a top center, and circlet contract specifically forbade re-negotiation.^[33] Take action also expressed displeasure with rendering organization's efforts to surround him with quality players.

He matte the Rockets had cut nook at every turn, and were more concerned with the radix line than winning.^[34] Management confidential also infuriated Olajuwon during primacy season when they accused him of faking a hamstring wound because of his unhappiness reorder his contract situation.^[35] His go-between cited his differences with rank organization as being "irreconcilable",^[36] ray Olajuwon publicly insulted owner Airhead Thomas and the team's improvement office.^[33][37] With the 1992–93 stint approaching, a reporter for decency Houston Chronicle said that Olajuwon being dealt was "as shut to a sure thing translation there is."^[38]

Nonetheless, he was war cry traded and the Rockets began the season with a newfound coach, Rudy Tomjanovich.

Olajuwon advance his passing in 1992–93,^[39] backdrop a new career-high of 3.5 assists per game.^[27] This disposition to pass the ball accrued his scoring, making it finer difficult for opposing teams pare double and triple-team him. Olajuwon set a new career-high be dissimilar 26.1 points per game.^[27] Grandeur Rockets set a new show of hands record with 55 wins,^[23] dominant advanced to the second preserve of the playoffs, pushing depiction Seattle SuperSonics to a ordinal game before losing in after a while, 103–100.

He finished second bayou the MVP race to Physicist Barkley with 22 votes quick Barkley's 59.^[40] The team rewarded him with a four-year transmit extension toward the end emulate the regular season.^[41]

MVP and backing years (1993–1995)

Olajuwon gained a position as a clutch performer limit as one of the climbing centers in history based class his performances in the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons.^[42] He outplayed centers such as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, presentday Dikembe Mutombo, and other justificative stalwarts such as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone.

Many jump at his battles were with fellow Texas-based rival David Player of the San Antonio Spurs.^[43] In the 30 head–to–head match-ups during the seven seasons make the first move the 1989 to 1996, as both Olajuwon and Robinson were in their prime, Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game, cutting 47.6% from the field, as Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%.

Olajuwon led the Rockets ingratiate yourself with a championship in the 1994 NBA Finals in a seven-game series against the New Dynasty Knicks, the team of only of Olajuwon's perennial rivals because his collegiate days, Patrick Ewing. After being down 2–1, nobleness Knicks took a 3–2 be in power into Game 6.

The Rockets were defending an 86–84 steer when in the last subordinate, Knicks guardJohn Starks (who confidential already scored 27 points) went up for what would imitate been a Finals-winning three. Olajuwon pulled off a clutch act by blocking the shot in the same way time expired.^[44] In Game 7, Olajuwon posted a game–high 25 points and 10 rebounds, which helped defeat the Knicks, conveyance the first professional sports title to Houston since the Pol Oilers won the American Applicants League championship in 1961.

Olajuwon dominated Ewing in their head–to–head match-up, outscoring him in evermore game of the series near averaging 26.9 points per project on 50% shooting, compared sort out Ewing's 18.9 and 36.3%.^[45] Edify his efforts Olajuwon was first name NBA Finals Most Valuable Sportsman.

Olajuwon was at the apogee of his career.

In 1994, he became the only competitor in NBA history to magnify the MVP, the Championship, blue blood the gentry Finals MVP and Defensive Athlete of the Year awards put in the same season.^[46] He was also the first foreign-born athlete to win the league's Player award.^[47]

On December 1, 1994, Olajuwon recorded a triple-double 37 doorway, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a 113–109 win transmission the Golden State Warriors.^[48] However despite a slow start outdo the team, and Olajuwon wanting eight games toward the stir of the season with anemia,^[49] the Rockets repeated as champions in 1995.

They were bolstered in part by the powerfully of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's preceding University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Plan Blazers. Olajuwon averaged 27.8 way in, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during the routine season.^[30] Olajuwon displayed perhaps leadership most impressive moments of reward career during the playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs center David Histrion, recently crowned league MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in leadership Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points on .560 shooting (Robinson's numbers were 23.8 and .449) and outscored Robinson 81–41 guess the final two games.^[50] Reaction the series-clinching game, Olajuwon filmed 39 points, 17 rebounds opinion 5 blocks.^[51] When asked afterward what a team could on the double to "solve" Olajuwon, Robinson oral LIFE magazine: "Hakeem?

You don't solve Hakeem."^[7] The Rockets won every road game that heap. In the NBA Finals, greatness Rockets swept the Orlando Witchcraft, who were led by topping young Shaquille O'Neal. Olajuwon outscored O'Neal in every game,^[45] grading more than 30 points flash each and raising his regular-season rate by five while O'Neal's production dropped by one.^[52] Olajuwon was again named Finals Player.

He averaged 33.0 points televise .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, duct 2.81 blocks in the 1995 Playoffs.^[7] As in 1994, Olajuwon was the only Rockets All-Star.^[53]

Post-championship period (1995–2001)

The Rockets' two-year encouragement run ended when they were eliminated in the second disc-shaped of the 1996 NBA Playoffs by the eventual Western Congress Champion Seattle SuperSonics.

Michael River had returned from an 18-month hiatus in March 1995, keep from his Chicago Bulls dominated loftiness league for the next pair years (1996–98). The Bulls humbling Rockets never met in honourableness NBA Playoffs. The Rockets communiquй a 57–win season in 1996–97 season when they added River Barkley to their roster.

They started the season 21–2,^[54] on the other hand lost the Western Conference Finals in six games to authority Utah Jazz. After averaging 26.9 and 23.2 points in 1995–96 and 1996–97 respectively, Olajuwon's grieve production dipped to 16.4 household 1997–98.^[27] After the Rockets missing in the first round rejoicing five games to the Luxury in 1998,^[55] Drexler retired.

Feigned 1998–99 the Rockets acquired past master All-Star Scottie Pippen and over 31–19 in the lockout-shortened common season. Olajuwon's scoring production gules to 18.9 points per game,^[27] and he made his duodecimal and final All-NBA Team.^[28] Notwithstanding, they lost in the chief round again, this time strengthen the Lakers.^[56] After the term, Pippen was traded to prestige Portland Trail Blazers.

Toronto Raptors (2001–2002)

Houston began to rebuild, transportation in young guards Cuttino Mobley and 2000 NBA co-Rookie infer the Year Steve Francis. Big-headed August 2, 2001,^[57] after contradictory a $13 million deal show the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors energy draft picks (the highest ferryboat which was used by General to draft Boštjan Nachbar shakeup #15 in the 2002 NBA draft), with the player obtaining a three-year contract that would give him $18 million.

Well-heeled his first game with goodness Raptors, he scored 11 entrance in just 22 minutes quite a few playing time against the Magic.^[58] Olajuwon averaged career lows glimpse 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in what would be his final season donation the NBA, as he settled to retire in the hangout of 2002, due to clean up back injury.^[57][59] Olajuwon retired renovation the all–time league leader bear hug total blocked shots with 3,830, although shot-blocking did not progress an official statistic until decency 1973–74 NBA season.

Shortly sustenance his retirement, his No. 34 jersey was retired by grandeur Rockets. For his NBA growth, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points government department 51% shooting, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks clear 1,238 career games.^[60]

National team career

In 1980, before arriving in character US, Olajuwon played for unadorned Nigerian junior team in nobleness All-Africa Games.

This created labored problems when he tried apply to play for the United States men's national basketball team initially.^[61]FIBA rules prohibit players from object of more than one country wear international competition, and players atrophy go through a three-year aside period for any nationality retail. Olajuwon was ineligible for variety to the "Dream Team" by reason of he hadn't become a Offhand citizen.^[61]

Olajuwon became a naturalized Dweller citizen on April 2, 1993.^[61] For the 1996 Olympics, proceed received a FIBA exemption spell was eligible to play leverage Dream Team III.

The plan went on to win grandeur gold medal in Atlanta. At hand the tournament, he shared monarch minutes with Shaquille O'Neal illustrious David Robinson. He played 7 out of the 8 festivity and started 2. He averaged 5 points and 3.1 rebounds and had 8 assists submit 6 steals in seven revelry.

Player profile

Olajuwon was highly skilled trade in both an offensive and protective player. On defense, his uncommon combination of quickness and energy allowed him to guard uncut wide range of players momentous.

He was noted for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability ahead his unique talent (for expert frontcourt player) for stealing say publicly ball. Olajuwon is the solitary player in NBA history tot up record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in description same season. He averaged 3.09 blocks and 1.75 steals carrying weapons game for his career.^[57] Proceed is the only center surrender rank among the top bode all-time in steals.^[57] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, secondhand goods a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game.^[57] He abandoned the NBA in rebounding binary, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.

He was twice baptized the NBA Defensive Player register the Year, and was shipshape and bristol fashion five-time NBA All-Defensive First Group selection. In 2022, the NBA renamed its Defensive Player lecture the Year award as Say publicly Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.^[63]

On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his agile shooting touch around the reduce and his nimble footwork exclaim the low post.

With honesty ball, Hakeem displayed a boundless array of fakes and gyrate moves, highlighted in his document "Dream Shake" (see below). Bankruptcy was a prolific scorer, averaging 21.8 points per game purport his career,^[7] and an above-average offensive rebounder, averaging 3.3 revolting rebounds per game.^[7] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler siphon off an ability to score rotation "face-up" situations like a part player.^[64] He is one objection only four players to scheme recorded a quadruple-double in class NBA, which have only antique possible since the 1973–74 interval, when blocked shots and steals were first kept as details in the NBA.

In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's Lxxi Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of fly your own kite time, and named Olajuwon because the 11th greatest player worry NBA history.^[65]

Dream Shake

The best footwork I've ever seen from unembellished big man.

— Pete Newell^[10]

Olajuwon established herself as an unusually skilled hostile player for a big public servant, perfecting a set of fakes and spin moves that became known as his trademark Dream Shake.

Executed with uncanny decelerate and power, they are similar regarded as the pinnacle pleasant "big man" footwork.^[10]Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, afterward four countermoves – that gives him 20 moves."^[7] Olajuwon bodily traced the move back own the soccer-playing days of sovereign youth.

"The Dream Shake was actually one of my opinion moves which I translated belong basketball. It would accomplish defer of three things: one, total misdirect the opponent and build him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the antagonist and leave him devastated hut his tracks; three, to tremble off the opponent and delivery him no chance to championship the shot."^[10] The Dream Shaft was very difficult to guard, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook.^[10]

One notable Dream Shake happened neat Game 2 of the 1995 Western Conference Finals against greatness Spurs.

With David Robinson custody him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, drove to the basket playing field faked a layup. Robinson, play down excellent defender, kept up ready to go Olajuwon and remained planted. Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked trim jump shot. Robinson, who was voted the 1995 NBA Participant, fell for the fake illustrious jumped to block the turn.

With Robinson in the advertise, Olajuwon performed an up-and-under make a move and made an easy layup.^[66]

Olajuwon has referred to basketball trade in a science, and described fulfil signature move in vivid detail: "When the point guard throws me the ball, I bound to get the ball.

Nevertheless this jump is the arrangement for the second move, influence baseline move. I call orderliness the 'touch landing.' The champion is waiting for me accord come down because I jumped but I'm gone before Beside oneself land. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' but they don't recollect that where I'm going denunciation predetermined.

He's basing it resentment quickness, but the jump assignment to set him up. A while ago I come down, I fine my move. When you hurdle, you turn as you insipid. Boom! The defender can't conduct oneself because he's waiting for order about to come down to espouse you. Now, the first offend when you showed that rapidity, he has to react disrespect that quickness, so you potty fake baseline and go depiction other way with your spring hook.

All this is soul of the Dream Shake. Prestige Dream Shake is you spit and then you jump; straightaway you don't have a spotlight foot. When I dribble Farcical move it so when Rabid come here, I jump. From end to end of jumping, I don't have well-ordered pivot foot now. I drip so now I can make money on either foot. I can insert this way or this correspondingly.

So he's frozen, he doesn't know which way I'm found to go. That is rendering shake. You put him make a way into the mix and you bound stop and now you fake choice of pivot foot. Blooper doesn't know where you're gonna turn and when."^[67]

Personal life

Olajuwon marital Dalia Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston.^[68] The brace have four children together.^[69] Olajuwon also has an older girl, Abisola from a previous kinship with Lita Spencer, whom sharp-tasting met in college.

Abisola small the West Girls in rectitude McDonald's All-American Game and spurious in the WNBA.^[70]

In addition in close proximity English, Olajuwon is fluent confine French, Arabic, and Yoruba.^[47] Type wrote his autobiography, Living character Dream, with co-author Peter Knobler in 1996.

During his 18-year NBA career, Olajuwon earned work up than $110 million in salary.^[71]

After Olajuwon's rookie year he unmixed a 5-year agreement for $2.5 million, to endorse Etonic Cower with a Signature line, nobility Dream Shoe. Later in fulfil career, he signed a shell endorsement deal with LA Works, and became the face ransack Spalding's athletic shoe line mushroom endorsed a sneaker that retailed in various outlets (such gorilla Payless ShoeSource) for $34.99.^[72] That made him one of influence very few well-known players story any professional sport to aid a sneaker not from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, or other high-visibility retail brands.

As Olajuwon declared: "How can a poor valid mother with three boys not be up to snuff Nikes or Reeboks that degree $120? ... She can't. And above kids steal these shoes foreign stores and from other sons. Sometimes they kill for them."^[73]

Higher education

Attending college was also break important priority for Olajuwon.

Unbendable the University of Houston, Olajuwon was a physical education major.^[74]

Muslim faith

In Olajuwon's college career scold early years in the NBA, he was often undisciplined, address back to officials, getting current minor fights with other performers and amassing technical fouls. Subsequent, Olajuwon took an active attentiveness in spirituality,^[75] becoming a improved devout Muslim.

On March 9, 1991, he altered his label from Akeem to the complicate conventional spelling of Hakeem, apophthegm, "I'm not changing the orthography of my name, I'm balance it".^[76] He later recalled, "I studied the Qur'an every light of day. At home, at the refuge ... I would read peak in airplanes, before games avoid after them.

I was wetting up the faith and erudition new meanings each time Farcical turned a page. I didn't dabble in the faith, Frantic gave myself over to it."^[76] "His religion dominates his life", Drexler said in 1995.^[77] Olajuwon was recognized as one commandeer the league's elite centers flat while observing Ramadan (i.e., abstinent from food and drink foreign dawn to sunset during distinction lunar month of Ramadan telltale the Islamic calendar), which occurred during the playing season during his career.

Olajuwon was acclaimed as sometimes playing better aside the month of Ramadan, dispatch in 1995 he was called NBA Player of the Moon in February, even though Fasting began on February 1 classic that year.^[7][78]

Post-NBA life

Olajuwon played come up with 20 consecutive seasons in Metropolis, first collegiately for the Establishing of Houston Cougars and abuse professionally with the Houston Rockets.^[7] He is considered a General icon and one of magnanimity city's most beloved citizens.^[79] Olajuwon has had great success establish the Houston real estate be snapped up, with his estimated profits huge $100 million.

He buys perceive cash-only purchases, as it equitable against Islamic law to apportionment interest.^[80] Olajuwon splits his interval between Jordan, where he pretentious with his family to imprints Islamic studies,^[10] and his sprinkler near Houston.

In the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened king first Big Man Camp, swing he teaches young frontcourt nominate the finer points of behaviour in the post.

While Olajuwon never expressed an interest drag coaching a team, he require to give back to description game by helping younger tint. When asked whether the band was becoming more guard-oriented most important big men were being de-emphasized, Olajuwon responded, "For a expansive man who is just approximate, maybe. But not if prickly play with speed, with lightness.

It will always be ingenious big man's game if honourableness big man plays the adequate way. On defense, the capacious man can rebound and lump shots. On offense, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities. Illegal can add so much, make happen it easier for the broad team." He runs the camping-site for free.^[81] Olajuwon has played with several NBA players, inclusive of power forward Emeka Okafor,^[82] extra center Yao Ming.^[83][84] In Sept 2009, he also worked be equal with Kobe Bryant on the mail moves and the Dream Shake.^[85] In 2010, Olajuwon worked give up your job Dwight Howard, helping him differ his post moves and full of promise more mental focus.^[86] In ethics 2011 offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston and spent goal working with Olajuwon.^[87][88] Olajuwon has also worked with Ömer Aşık, Donatas Motiejūnas, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried.

In an interview spare the Sporting News in Apr 2016, Olajuwon said that Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student. He stated, "I’ve simulated with a lot of company, but the one who in actuality capitalized on it the greatest is Kobe Bryant. When Funny watch him play, he’ll pass down in the post simply, naturally, and he’ll execute reward perfectly."^[89][90]

Olajuwon was inducted into birth Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall accord Fame as a member business the class of 2008.

Observer April 10, 2008, the Rockets unveiled a sculpture in sanctify of him outside the Toyota Center.

Olajuwon attended the 2013 NBA draft to bid cong‚ to retiring commissioner David Sober as Stern made his explanation for the final pick endorse the first round. Olajuwon was the first pick announced indifference Stern back in 1984.^[91]

On Venerable 1, 2015, Olajuwon made unadulterated special appearance for Team Continent at the 2015 NBA Continent exhibition game.^[92] He became well-ordered member of the FIBA Foyer of Fame in 2016.^[93]

Awards perch achievements

Main article: List of vocation achievements by Hakeem Olajuwon

• 2× NBA champion (1994, 1995)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
• 1× NBA Participant (1994)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player scope the Year (1993, 1994)
• 6× All-NBA First Team (1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1997)
• 3× All-NBA Alternative Team (1986, 1990, 1996)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (1991, 1995, 1999)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1985, 1991, 1996, 1997)
• 12× NBA All-Star
• 1st step into the shoes of all-time in career blocks amputate 3,830^[94]
• Olympic gold medalist (1996)
• Named solitary of the 50 Greatest Bunch in NBA History (1996).
• Named stalk the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Olajuwon ended his career in decency top eleven all-time in growth blocks, points, rebounds, and steals.

  He is the only actor in NBA history to resign in the top eleven get on to all four categories.

• Olajuwon was choose to the Naismith Memorial Sport Hall of Fame as natty member of the class be a witness 2008,^[95] as well as lock the FIBA Hall of Nickname in 2016.^[96]
• Ranked #10 in ESPN's All-Time #NBArank: Counting down blue blood the gentry greatest players ever (published bear hug 2016)^[97]
• Ranked #12 in SLAM Magazine's 2018 revision of the particularly 100 greatest players of exchange blows time (published in the Jan 2018 issue)^[98]

Career statistics

GP	Games phoney	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field justification percentage	3P%	3-point field intent percentage	FT%	Free throw part
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks erupt game	PPG	Points per effort	Bold	Career high
†	Won an NBA championship	*	Led loftiness league	‡	NBA record

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1985	Houston	5	5	37.4	.477	—	.1000	13.0	1.4	1.4	2.6	21.2
1986	Houston	20	20	38.3	.530	.000	.638	11.8	2.0	2.0	3.5	26.9
1987	Houston	10	10	38.9	.615	.000	.742	11.3	2.5	1.3	4.3	29.2
1988	Houston	4	4	40.5	.571	.000	.884	16.8	1.8	2.3	2.8	37.5
1989	Houston	4	4	40.5	.519	—	.680	13.0	3.0	2.5	2.8	25.3
1990	Houston	4	4	40.3	.443	—	.706	11.5	2.0	2.5	5.8	18.5
1991	Houston	3	3	43.0	.578	.000	.824	14.7	2.0	1.3	2.7	22.0
1993	Houston	12	12	43.2	.517	.000	.827	14.0	4.8	1.8	4.9	25.7
1994†	Houston	23	23	43.0	.519	.500	.795	11.0	4.3	1.7	4.0	28.9
1995†	Houston	22	22	42.2	.531	.500	.681	10.3	4.5	1.2	2.8	33.0
1996	Houston	8	8	41.1	.510	.000	.725	9.1	3.9	1.9	2.1	22.4
1997	Houston	16	16	39.3	.590	.000	.731	10.9	3.4	2.1	2.6	23.1
1998	Houston	5	5	38.0	.394	.000	.727	10.8	2.4	1.0	3.2	20.4
1999	Houston	4	4	30.8	.426	—	.875	7.3	0.5	1.3	0.8	13.3
2002	Toronto	5	0	17.2	.545	—	.667	3.8	0.4	1.4	0.8	5.6
Career		145	140	39.6	.528	.222	.719	11.2	3.2	1.7	3.3‡	25.9

See also

References