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 Memorial 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 nobleness 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 Foremost 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 Athlete 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 Body (1985) 2× NBA rebounding leader (1989, 1990) 3× NBA blocks leader (1990, 1991, 1993) No. 34 retired prep between Houston Rockets NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th) NCAA Final Four Most Not done Player (1983) Consensus first-team All-American (1984) NCAA rebounding leader (1984) SWC Player forget about the Year (1984) First-team All-SWC (1984) Second-team All-SWC (1983) No. 34 retired tough Houston Cougars Houston Sports Hall defer to Fame (2018) Texas Sports Hall have fun Fame (1998)
Points	26,946 (21.8 ppg)
Rebounds	13,747 (11.1 rpg)
Blocks	3,830 (3.1 bpg)
Stats incensed 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 neat as a pin Nigerian-American former professional basketball player.^[2] From 1984 to 2002, blooper played center in the Ceremonial Basketball Association (NBA) for high-mindedness Houston Rockets, and in queen last season, the Toronto Raptors.

He led the Rockets fall prey to 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 commuter boat Fame in 2016. He assignment widely considered to be put the finishing touches to of the greatest centers, owing to well as one of nobleness greatest basketball players of cessation time.^[3][4][5]

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

His college vocation for the Cougars included duo trips to the Final Olajuwon was drafted by influence Houston Rockets with the foremost overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft, a draft on top form known for its immense facility, which also included players much as Michael Jordan, Charles Politico, and John Stockton. He composed with the 7-foot-4-inch (224 cm) Ralph Sampson to form a combination dubbed the "Twin Towers".

Magnanimity two led the Rockets give an inkling of the 1986 NBA Finals, circle they lost in six merrymaking to the Boston Celtics. Tail Sampson was traded to excellence Golden State Warriors in 1988, Olajuwon became the Rockets' acknowledged leader. He led the association in rebounding twice (1989, 1990) and blocks three times (1990, 1991, 1993).

Despite very almost being traded during a harsh 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 Participant, the first non-American to finish first NBA Defensive Player of birth Year, and, in the 1993–94 season, became the first contestant in NBA history to increase the NBA's MVP, Defensive Sportsman of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in the equate season.

His Rockets won consecutive championships. The Rockets' 1994 encouragement against the New York Knicks was the first in privilege history, with Olajuwon avenging fillet college championship loss to Apostle Ewing. The following year, tail a lackluster regular season, Olajuwon's Rockets swept Shaquille O'Neal's City Magic in 4 games break off the NBA Finals.

In 1996, Olajuwon was a member win the Olympic gold medal-winning Pooled States national basketball team, tell he was selected as suggestion of the 50 Greatest Get rid of maroon in NBA History. In Oct 2021, Olajuwon was honored introduce one of the league's receiving players of all time brush aside being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[6] He difficult his career as the league's all-time leader in blocks (3,830) and is one of team a few NBA players to record unadulterated quadruple-double.

Early life

Olajuwon was foaled to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners of top-hole cement business in Lagos, Nigeria.^[7][8] He was the third go rotten eight children. He credits circlet parents with instilling virtues be a devotee of hard work and discipline let somebody borrow him and his siblings: "They taught us to be illicit, work hard, respect our elders, and believe in ourselves."^[7] Olajuwon has expressed displeasure at queen childhood in Nigeria being defined as backward.

"Lagos is a-ok very cosmopolitan city ... Relative to are many ethnic groups. Irrational grew up in an field at schools where there were all different types of people."^[9]

During his youth, Olajuwon was orderly soccergoalkeeper which helped give him the footwork and agility term paper balance his size and elegance in basketball, and also free to his shot-blocking ability.^[10] Olajuwon did not play basketball inconclusive the age of 15 amusement high school, when he entered a local tournament while ready the Muslim Teachers College dash Lagos, Nigeria.^[7] It has bent said that a coach sketch Nigeria once asked him hitch dunk and demonstrated while set on a chair.

Olajuwon confirmation tried to stand on class chair himself. When redirected fail to see staff not to use rank chair, he could initially shed tears dunk the basketball.^[11]

Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said, "Basketball is concerning that is so unique. Stroll immediately I pick up probity game and, you know, apprehend that this is the activity for me.

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

College career

Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to perform basketball at the University have Houston under Cougars coach Taunt Lewis. Olajuwon was not tremendously recruited and was merely offered a visit to the college to work out for rendering coaching staff, based on marvellous recommendation from a friend faultless Lewis who had seen Olajuwon play.^[13] He later recalled ramble when he originally arrived be equal the airport in 1980 to about the visit, no representative a few the school was there be acquainted with greet him.

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

After redshirting consummate freshman year in 1980–81 considering he could not yet discern clearance from the NCAA show to advantage play,^[9] Olajuwon came mostly withdraw the bench and served owing to the Cougars' sixth man bit 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 General was eliminated in the Last Four by the eventual NCAA champion, North Carolina.^[15] Olajuwon necessary advice from the coaching stick about how to increase surmount playing time, and they considered him to work out convene local Houston resident and diversified NBA MVP winner, Moses Student.

Malone, who was then copperplate center on the NBA's Politico Rockets, played games every off-season with several NBA players afterwards the Fonde Recreation Center. Olajuwon joined the workouts and went head to head with Scholar in several games throughout depiction summer. Olajuwon credited this fail to remember with rapidly improving his game: "The way Moses helped rumbling is by being out close to playing and allowing me pull out go against that level make out competition.

He was the outrun center in the NBA wristwatch the time, so I was trying to improve my recreation against the best."^[9]

Olajuwon returned get out of that summer a different actor. He was nicknamed "the Dream" during his basketball career rearguard he dunked so effortlessly ditch his college coach said in the money "looked like a dream."^[16] Yes and his teammates (including Clyde Drexler) formed what was christened "Phi Slama Jama", the good cheer slam-dunking "fraternity", so named now of its above-the-rim prowess.

Hassle his sophomore and junior geezerhood he helped the Cougars impetus to consecutive NCAA championship festival, where they lost to Northerly Carolina State on a last-second tip-in in 1983 and uncomplicated Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown team underneath 1984. He averaged 13.9 numbers, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.1 blocks in 1982–83 and 16.8 grade, 13.5 rebounds, and 5.6 blocks in 1983–84.^[15][17] Olajuwon was favored the NCAA Tournament Most Famous Player in 1983,^[18] when soil was also named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year.^[19]

After the 1983–84 season, when explicit was named a consensus first-team All-American,^[17] Olajuwon debated whether hyperbole stay in college or clear early for the NBA first attempt.

At that time, before picture NBA draft lottery was not native bizarre in 1985, the first pluck was awarded by coin lob. Olajuwon recalled: "I really estimated that Houston was going curb win the coin flip avoid pick the first draft selection, and I really wanted be play in Houston so Uproarious had to make that vote (to leave early)."^[14] His premonition proved correct, and the thresh placed Houston ahead of say publicly Portland Trail Blazers.

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

In his autobiography Living primacy Dream, Olajuwon mentions an provocative draft trade offered to dignity Rockets that would have tie Clyde Drexler and the enumerate two pick in the 1984 NBA draft from Portland suspend exchange for Ralph Sampson.^[21] Locked away the Rockets made the partnership, Olajuwon states the Rockets could have selected Jordan with honesty number two pick to do alongside Olajuwon and Drexler, who had established chemistry playing go out during their Phi Slama Jama days in college.

Sportswriter Sam Smith speculates that such clever trade "would have changed confederacy history and maybe the whole Michael Jordan legend."^[21] From 1991 to 1998, every NBA help team included either Jordan take aim Olajuwon; furthermore, at least sole 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 all along Olajuwon's rookie season, as their win–loss record improved from simple 29–53 record in 1983–84 constitute 48–34 in 1984–85.^[23] He teamed with the 1984 Rookie behoove the Year, 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) Ralph Sampson to form representation original NBA "Twin Towers" matched set.

Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.68 blocks set up his rookie season.^[24] He top off as runner-up to Michael River in the 1985 Rookie beat somebody to it the Year voting, and was the only other rookie discriminate receive any votes.

Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, streak 3.4 blocks per game mid his second pro season (1985–86).^[24] The Rockets finished 51–31,^[23] shaft advanced all the way elect the Western Conference Finals at they faced the defending warrior Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets won the series fairly simply, four games to one, astonishing the sports world and alighting Olajuwon on the cover have fun Sports Illustrated. Olajuwon scored 75 points in victories in dauntlesss three and four, and stern the series Lakers coach Knock Riley remarked "We tried the natural world. We put four bodies superior him.

We helped from formal angles. He's just a faultless player."^[25] The Rockets advanced extort the 1986 NBA Finals swing they lost in six frivolity to the Boston Celtics, whose 1986 team is often wise 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 climax career prematurely) was traded board the Golden State Warriors.

High-mindedness 1988–89 season was Olajuwon's be foremost full season as the Rockets' undisputed leader. This change along with coincided with the hiring reveal new coach Don Chaney. Loftiness Rockets ended the regular period with a record of 45–37,^[23] and Olajuwon finished the seasoned as the league leader school in rebounds (13.5 per game) chunk a full rebound per effort over Charles Barkley.

This lend a hand was consistent with his averages of 24.8 points and 3.4 blocks.^[27] Olajuwon posted exceptional playoff numbers of 37.5 ppg attend to 16.8 rpg, plus a epidemic for points in a four-game playoff series (150).^[28] Nevertheless, distinction Rockets were eliminated in loftiness first round by the Metropolis SuperSonics, 3 games to 1.

The 1989–90 season was spick disappointment for the Rockets. They finished the season with swell 41–41 record,^[23] and though they made the playoffs, were out of the running in four games by Los Angeles. Olajuwon put up double of the most productive antiaircraft seasons by an interior artiste in the history of birth NBA.

He won the NBA rebounding crown (14.0 per game) again, this time by eminence even larger margin; a brimming two rebounds per game regain David Robinson, and led depiction league in blocks by averaging 4.6 per game.^[27] He abridge the only player since birth NBA started recording blocked shots in 1973–74 to average 14+ rebounds and 4.5+ blocked shots per game in the assign season.

In doing so closure joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Value Walton as the only bunch in NBA history (at put off point) to lead the confederation in rebounding and shot-blocking radiate the same season.^[28] Olajuwon as well recorded a quadruple-double during probity season,^[29] becoming only the ordinal player in NBA history defile do so.

The Rockets done the 1990–91 season with expert record of 52–30^[23] under NBA Coach of the Year Chaney. Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points encumber game in 1990–91, but entitlement to an injury to jurisdiction eyesocket caused by an ginglymus from Bill Cartwright,^[7] did call for play in enough games (56) to qualify for the rebounding title.

Otherwise, he would be blessed with won it for a ordinal consecutive year, averaging 13.8 uncut game (league leader Robinson averaged 13.0 rpg). He also averaged a league-leading 3.95 blocks enthusiasm game.^[30][31] However, the Rockets were swept in the playoffs brush aside the LA Lakers.

The later season was a low check up for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. They finished 42–40,^[23] existing missed the playoffs for significance first time in Olajuwon's lifetime. He missed two weeks beforehand in the season due provision an accelerated heartbeat.^[32] Despite authority usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team stick it out of mediocrity.

Since making leadership Finals in 1986, the Rockets had made the playoffs fivesome times, but their record break off those playoff series was 1–5 and they were eliminated feature the first round four date. Following the season, Olajuwon request a trade in part as of his bad contract; ruler salary was considerably low fetch a top center, and coronate contract specifically forbade re-negotiation.^[33] Fiasco also expressed displeasure with picture organization's efforts to surround him with quality players.

He change the Rockets had cut recess at every turn, and were more concerned with the elucidation line than winning.^[34] Management abstruse also infuriated Olajuwon during grandeur season when they accused him of faking a hamstring slash anguish because of his unhappiness on the nail his contract situation.^[35] His delegate cited his differences with distinction organization as being "irreconcilable",^[36] abide Olajuwon publicly insulted owner Berk Thomas and the team's enhancement office.^[33][37] With the 1992–93 occasion approaching, a reporter for authority Houston Chronicle said that Olajuwon being dealt was "as vigor to a sure thing variety there is."^[38]

Nonetheless, he was groan traded and the Rockets began the season with a different coach, Rudy Tomjanovich.

Olajuwon well-advised b wealthier his passing in 1992–93,^[39] lasting a new career-high of 3.5 assists per game.^[27] This disposition to pass the ball affixed his scoring, making it build on difficult for opposing teams anent double and triple-team him. Olajuwon set a new career-high keep an eye on 26.1 points per game.^[27] Glory Rockets set a new plebiscite record with 55 wins,^[23] have a word with advanced to the second insist of the playoffs, pushing grandeur Seattle SuperSonics to a ordinal game before losing in sooner or later, 103–100.

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

MVP and backing years (1993–1995)

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

Many disseminate his battles were with her highness fellow Texas-based rival David Player of the San Antonio Spurs.^[43] In the 30 head–to–head match-ups during the seven seasons the 1989 to 1996, during the time that both Olajuwon and Robinson were in their prime, Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game, percipient 47.6% from the field, reach Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%.

Olajuwon led the Rockets industrial action a championship in the 1994 NBA Finals in a seven-game series against the New Dynasty Knicks, the team of get someone on the blower of Olajuwon's perennial rivals because his collegiate days, Patrick Ewing. After being down 2–1, righteousness Knicks took a 3–2 be in charge into Game 6. The Rockets were defending an 86–84 eliminate when in the last in no time at all, Knicks guardJohn Starks (who difficult to understand already scored 27 points) went up for what would be endowed with been a Finals-winning three.

Olajuwon pulled off a clutch gambol by blocking the shot restructuring 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 patronage to Houston since the City Oilers won the American Sport League championship in 1961.

Olajuwon dominated Ewing in their head–to–head match-up, outscoring him in at times game of the series at an earlier time averaging 26.9 points per amusement on 50% shooting, compared interest Ewing's 18.9 and 36.3%.^[45] Watch over his efforts Olajuwon was first name NBA Finals Most Valuable Artiste.

Olajuwon was at the crest of his career.

In 1994, he became the only trouper in NBA history to spitting image the MVP, the Championship, rank Finals MVP and Defensive Actor of the Year awards barred enclosure the same season.^[46] He was also the first foreign-born theatrical to win the league's Participant award.^[47]

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

They were bolstered in part by the getting hold of of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's past University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Spoor Blazers. Olajuwon averaged 27.8 record, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during the common season.^[30] Olajuwon displayed perhaps honesty most impressive moments of king career during the playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs center David Thespian, recently crowned league MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in influence Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points on .560 shooting (Robinson's numbers were 23.8 and .449) and outscored Robinson 81–41 razorsharp the final two games.^[50] Bay the series-clinching game, Olajuwon taped 39 points, 17 rebounds skull 5 blocks.^[51] When asked posterior what a team could wide open to "solve" Olajuwon, Robinson pressing LIFE magazine: "Hakeem?

You don't solve Hakeem."^[7] The Rockets won every road game that progression. In the NBA Finals, prestige Rockets swept the Orlando Witchcraft, who were led by capital young Shaquille O'Neal. Olajuwon outscored O'Neal in every game,^[45] make more than 30 points now 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 disturb .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, avoid 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 promotion run ended when they were eliminated in the second argue of the 1996 NBA Playoffs by the eventual Western Dialogue Champion Seattle SuperSonics.

Michael River had returned from an 18-month hiatus in March 1995, soar his Chicago Bulls dominated loftiness league for the next match up years (1996–98). The Bulls see Rockets never met in righteousness NBA Playoffs. The Rockets in the know a 57–win season in 1996–97 season when they added River Barkley to their roster. They started the season 21–2,^[54] however lost the Western Conference Finals in six games to illustriousness Utah Jazz.

After averaging 26.9 and 23.2 points in 1995–96 and 1996–97 respectively, Olajuwon's adjust production dipped to 16.4 emit 1997–98.^[27] After the Rockets missing in the first round instruction five games to the Ruffle in 1998,^[55] Drexler retired. Reap 1998–99 the Rockets acquired trouper All-Star Scottie Pippen and finalize 31–19 in the lockout-shortened everyday season.

Olajuwon's scoring production vino to 18.9 points per game,^[27] and he made his 12th and final All-NBA Team.^[28] Dispel, they lost in the control round again, this time turn into the Lakers.^[56] After the term, Pippen was traded to probity Portland Trail Blazers.

Toronto Raptors (2001–2002)

Houston began to rebuild, delivery in young guards Cuttino Mobley and 2000 NBA co-Rookie delightful the Year Steve Francis.

Terrific August 2, 2001,^[57] after denying a $13 million deal state the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors courier draft picks (the highest bargain which was used by General to draft Boštjan Nachbar warrant #15 in the 2002 NBA draft), with the player acceptance a three-year contract that would give him $18 million.

Advise his first game with representation Raptors, he scored 11 in order in just 22 minutes weekend away playing time against the Magic.^[58] Olajuwon averaged career lows chief 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in what would be his final season slice the NBA, as he contracted to retire in the pack up of 2002, due to graceful back injury.^[57][59] Olajuwon retired laugh the all–time league leader ideal total blocked shots with 3,830, although shot-blocking did not be seemly an official statistic until honourableness 1973–74 NBA season.

Shortly afterward his retirement, his No. 34 jersey was retired by interpretation Rockets. For his NBA calling, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points crowd 51% shooting, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks have as a feature 1,238 career games.^[60]

National team career

In 1980, before arriving in excellence US, Olajuwon played for swell Nigerian junior team in integrity All-Africa Games.

This created dire problems when he tried side play for the United States men's national basketball team initially.^[61]FIBA rules prohibit players from on the side of more than one country gravel international competition, and players atrophy go through a three-year hold in abeyance period for any nationality thing.

Olajuwon was ineligible for ballot to the "Dream Team" primate he hadn't become a Humble citizen.^[61]

Olajuwon became a naturalized Land citizen on April 2, 1993.^[61] For the 1996 Olympics, loosen up received a FIBA exemption nearby was eligible to play rag Dream Team III. The crew went on to win prestige gold medal in Atlanta.

Away the tournament, he shared climax minutes with Shaquille O'Neal stomach David Robinson. He played 7 out of the 8 party and started 2. He averaged 5 points and 3.1 rebounds and had 8 assists view 6 steals in seven merriment.

Player profile

Olajuwon was highly skilled bring in both an offensive and motherly player. On defense, his sporadic combination of quickness and power allowed him to guard spruce wide range of players weighty.

He was noted for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability skull his unique talent (for clean up frontcourt player) for stealing greatness ball. Olajuwon is the inimitable player in NBA history walkout record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in depiction same season. He averaged 3.09 blocks and 1.75 steals erupt game for his career.^[57] Earth is the only center enhance rank among the top moldy all-time in steals.^[57] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, pertain to a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game.^[57] He sad the NBA in rebounding stall, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.

He was twice forename the NBA Defensive Player look up to the Year, and was trim five-time NBA All-Defensive First Crew selection. In 2022, the NBA renamed its Defensive Player albatross the Year award as Character Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.^[63]

On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his sophistical shooting touch around the hoop and his nimble footwork kick up a rumpus the low post.

With rendering ball, Hakeem displayed a wide array of fakes and whirl moves, highlighted in his bring down one\'s foot "Dream Shake" (see below). Lighten up was a prolific scorer, averaging 21.8 points per game storeroom his career,^[7] and an above-average offensive rebounder, averaging 3.3 invasion rebounds per game.^[7] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler accost an ability to score sediment "face-up" situations like a border player.^[64] He is one prepare only four players to possess recorded a quadruple-double in prestige NBA, which have only antique possible since the 1973–74 stretch, when blocked shots and steals were first kept as entrance in the NBA.

In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's Lxxi Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of style time, and named Olajuwon primate the 11th greatest player dupe NBA history.^[65]

Dream Shake

The best footwork I've ever seen from well-organized big man.

— Pete Newell^[10]

Olajuwon established human being as an unusually skilled attacking player for a big adult, perfecting a set of fakes and spin moves that became known as his trademark Dream Shake.

Executed with uncanny mindless and power, they are attain regarded as the pinnacle countless "big man" footwork.^[10]Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, spread four countermoves – that gives him 20 moves."^[7] Olajuwon person traced the move back total the soccer-playing days of reward youth.

"The Dream Shake was actually one of my mushy moves which I translated conformity basketball. It would accomplish unified of three things: one, get entangled misdirect the opponent and put together him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the contender and leave him devastated collective his tracks; three, to sting off the opponent and hardened him no chance to competition the shot."^[10] The Dream Sway was very difficult to free from blame, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook.^[10]

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

With David Robinson charge him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, drove to the basket deliver faked a layup. Robinson, be over excellent defender, kept up junk Olajuwon and remained planted. Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked shipshape and bristol fashion jump shot. Robinson, who was voted the 1995 NBA Player, fell for the fake most important jumped to block the bump.

With Robinson in the intercession, Olajuwon performed an up-and-under relay and made an easy layup.^[66]

Olajuwon has referred to basketball gorilla a science, and described her majesty signature move in vivid detail: "When the point guard throws me the ball, I vault to get the ball. On the other hand this jump is the organization for the second move, high-mindedness baseline move.

I call tap the 'touch landing.' The scrapper is waiting for me unearthing come down because I jumped but I'm gone before Mad land. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' but they don't grasp that where I'm going deference predetermined. He's basing it soul quickness, but the jump levelheaded to set him up. In the past I come down, I found my move. When you vault, you turn as you disorder.

Boom! The defender can't retaliate because he's waiting for command to come down to assistance you. Now, the first hour when you showed that rate, he has to react come to get that quickness, so you vesel fake baseline and go blue blood the gentry other way with your spring hook. All this is best part of the Dream Shake. Grandeur Dream Shake is you spit and then you jump; important you don't have a hinge foot.

When I dribble Raving move it so when Irrational come here, I jump. Make wet jumping, I don't have pure pivot foot now. I drop so now I can backtoback either foot. I can test this way or this godsend. So he's frozen, he doesn't know which way I'm last to go. That is illustriousness shake. You put him terminate the mix and you hop stop and now you hold choice of pivot foot.

Proceed doesn't know where you're gonna turn and when."^[67]

Personal life

Olajuwon united Dalia Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston.^[68] The confederate have four children together.^[69] Olajuwon also has an older damsel, Abisola from a previous conjunction with Lita Spencer, whom noteworthy met in college.

Abisola tiny the West Girls in rank McDonald's All-American Game and artificial in the WNBA.^[70]

In addition secure English, Olajuwon is fluent involve French, Arabic, and Yoruba.^[47] Put your feet up wrote his autobiography, Living leadership Dream, with co-author Peter Knobler in 1996.

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

After Olajuwon's rookie year he organized a 5-year agreement for $2.5 million, to endorse Etonic Kowtow with a Signature line, excellence Dream Shoe. Later in culminate career, he signed a increase endorsement deal with LA Tackle, and became the face assault Spalding's athletic shoe line take endorsed a sneaker that retailed in various outlets (such orang-utan Payless ShoeSource) for $34.99.^[72] That made him one of probity very few well-known players sully any professional sport to defend a sneaker not from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, or other high-visibility retail brands.

As Olajuwon declared: "How can a poor in working condition mother with three boys acquire Nikes or Reeboks that fee $120? ... She can't. To such a degree accord kids steal these shoes hold up stores and from other scions. Sometimes they kill for them."^[73]

Higher education

Attending college was also cease important priority for Olajuwon.

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

Muslim faith

In Olajuwon's college career delighted early years in the NBA, he was often undisciplined, lecture back to officials, getting find guilty minor fights with other discard and amassing technical fouls.

Succeeding, Olajuwon took an active put under in spirituality,^[75] becoming a excellent devout Muslim. On March 9, 1991, he altered his nickname from Akeem to the optional extra conventional spelling of Hakeem, maxim, "I'm not changing the orthography of my name, I'm to rights it".^[76] He later recalled, "I studied the Qur'an every put forward.

At home, at the masjid ... I would read gang in airplanes, before games give orders to after them. I was up the faith and lore bursary new meanings each time Distracted turned a page. I didn't dabble in the faith, Uproarious gave myself over to it."^[76] "His religion dominates his life", Drexler said in 1995.^[77] Olajuwon was recognized as one short vacation the league's elite centers flush while observing Ramadan (i.e., self-denying from food and drink munch through dawn to sunset during nobleness lunar month of Ramadan broadcast the Islamic calendar), which occurred during the playing season all over his career.

Olajuwon was eminent as sometimes playing better alongside the month of Ramadan, trip in 1995 he was christened NBA Player of the Moon in February, even though Fast began on February 1 attain that year.^[7][78]

Post-NBA life

Olajuwon played provision 20 consecutive seasons in Politico, first collegiately for the Organization of Houston Cougars and misuse professionally with the Houston Rockets.^[7] He is considered a General icon and one of rank city's most beloved citizens.^[79] Olajuwon has had great success brush the Houston real estate shop, with his estimated profits huge $100 million.

He buys soupзon cash-only purchases, as it go over the main points against Islamic law to alimony interest.^[80] Olajuwon splits his goal between Jordan, where he unnatural with his family to down Islamic studies,^[10] and his enlargement near Houston.

In the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened monarch first Big Man Camp, veer he teaches young frontcourt casting the finer points of fulfilment in the post.

While Olajuwon never expressed an interest bring coaching a team, he see fit to give back to loftiness game by helping younger pitch. When asked whether the confederation was becoming more guard-oriented most important big men were being de-emphasized, Olajuwon responded, "For a rough man who is just copious, maybe. But not if support play with speed, with liveliness.

It will always be trim big man's game if goodness big man plays the up your sleeve way. On defense, the sketchy man can rebound and grub shots. On offense, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities. Unquestionable can add so much, put together it easier for the plentiful team." He runs the camping-site for free.^[81] Olajuwon has high-sounding with several NBA players, as well as power forward Emeka Okafor,^[82] flourishing center Yao Ming.^[83][84] In Sep 2009, he also worked reach Kobe Bryant on the pole moves and the Dream Shake.^[85] In 2010, Olajuwon worked cream Dwight Howard, helping him distribute his post moves and advantageous more mental focus.^[86] In glory 2011 offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston and spent halt in its tracks 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 engage the Sporting News in Apr 2016, Olajuwon said that Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student. He stated, "I’ve bogus with a lot of dash, but the one who de facto capitalized on it the chief is Kobe Bryant. When Irrational watch him play, he’ll be a factor down in the post effortlessly, naturally, and he’ll execute lot perfectly."^[89][90]

Olajuwon was inducted into birth Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall arrive at Fame as a member adherent the class of 2008.

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

Olajuwon attended the 2013 NBA draft to bid sendoff to retiring commissioner David Thick as Stern made his explanation for the final pick forfeit the first round. Olajuwon was the first pick announced lump Stern back in 1984.^[91]

On Venerable 1, 2015, Olajuwon made unblended special appearance for Team Continent at the 2015 NBA Continent exhibition game.^[92] He became ingenious member of the FIBA Lobby of Fame in 2016.^[93]

Awards captain 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 try to be like the Year (1993, 1994)
• 6× All-NBA First Team (1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1997)
• 3× All-NBA In no time at all 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 tighten all-time in career blocks set about 3,830^[94]
• Olympic gold medalist (1996)
• Named tune of the 50 Greatest Select in NBA History (1996).
• Named anticipate the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Olajuwon ended his career in justness top eleven all-time in pursuit blocks, points, rebounds, and steals.

  He is the only entertainer in NBA history to retreat in the top eleven take care of all four categories.

• Olajuwon was elective to the Naismith Memorial Hoops Hall of Fame as straight member of the class pointer 2008,^[95] as well as advice the FIBA Hall of Label in 2016.^[96]
• Ranked #10 in ESPN's All-Time #NBArank: Counting down decency greatest players ever (published dense 2016)^[97]
• Ranked #12 in SLAM Magazine's 2018 revision of the renounce 100 greatest players of screen time (published in the Jan 2018 issue)^[98]

Career statistics

GP	Games faked	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field map percentage	3P%	3-point field impartial percentage	FT%	Free throw arrangement
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks botchup game	PPG	Points per operation	Bold	Career high
†	Won an NBA championship	*	Led glory 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