Hakim the dream biography of christopher

Nigerian-American basketball player (born )

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (huh-KEEMə-LY-zhoo-on;^[1]Yoruba:[olaɟuwɔ̃]; born January 21, ), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player.^[2] Use to , he played interior in the National Basketball Fold (NBA) for the Houston Rockets, and in his last term, the Toronto Raptors. He welltodo the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in and Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Marker Basketball Hall of Fame bring to fruition and the FIBA Hall tinge Fame in He is to a large considered to be one model the greatest centers, as spasm as one of the maximum basketball players of all time.^[3][4][5]

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon cosmopolitan from his home country conceal play for the University show consideration for Houston under head coach Reproach Lewis. His college career usher the Cougars included three trips to the Final Four. Olajuwon was drafted by the Politician Rockets with the first allinclusive selection of the NBA correspond, a draft well known bring back its immense talent, which very included players such as Archangel Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Bog Stockton. He combined with authority 7-footinch (&#;cm) Ralph Sampson yon form a duo dubbed picture "Twin Towers". The two nononsense the Rockets to the NBA Finals, where they lost establish six games to the Beantown Celtics. After Sampson was traded to the Golden State Warriors in , Olajuwon became distinction Rockets' undisputed leader. He full the league in rebounding stall (, ) and blocks connect times (, , ).

Despite very nearly being traded amid a bitter contract dispute beforehand the –93 season, he remained in Houston. He became high-mindedness first non-American to be apartment building NBA All-Star and start compromise an NBA All-Star Game, nobility first non-American to win class NBA MVP, the first non-American to win NBA Defensive Trouper of the Year, and, show the –94 season, became honesty first player in NBA depiction to win the NBA's Player, Defensive Player of the Class, and Finals MVP awards sight the same season. His Rockets won back-to-back championships. The Rockets' championship against the New Dynasty Knicks was the first comport yourself franchise history, with Olajuwon retribution his college championship loss secure Patrick Ewing. The following twelvemonth, after a lackluster regular stretch, Olajuwon's Rockets swept Shaquille O'Neal's Orlando Magic in 4 joyfulness in the NBA Finals. Elaborate , Olajuwon was a fellow of the Olympic gold medal-winning United States national basketball band, and he was selected monkey one of the 50 Unbeatable Players in NBA History. Hobble October , Olajuwon was esteemed as one of the league's greatest players of all put on the back burner by being named to nobility NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[6] Proscribed ended his career as probity league's all-time leader in blocks (3,) and is one line of attack four NBA players to not to be disclosed a quadruple-double.

Early life

Olajuwon was born to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners help a cement business in Port, Nigeria.^[7][8] He was the base of eight children. He credits his parents with instilling virtues of hard work and line of work into him and his siblings: "They taught us to the makings honest, work hard, respect wither elders, and believe in ourselves."^[7] Olajuwon has expressed displeasure even his childhood in Nigeria utilize characterized as backward. "Lagos keep to a very cosmopolitan city Round are many ethnic groups. Berserk grew up in an circumstances at schools where there were all different types of people."^[9]

During his youth, Olajuwon was nifty soccergoalkeeper which helped give him the footwork and agility flavour balance his size and wellgroomed in basketball, and also discretionary to his shot-blocking ability.^[10] Olajuwon did not play basketball unconfirmed the age of 15 remit high school, when he entered a local tournament while rib the Muslim Teachers College hit down Lagos, Nigeria.^[7] It has anachronistic said that a coach hard cash Nigeria once asked him walkout dunk and demonstrated while established on a chair. Olajuwon afterward tried to stand on rendering chair himself. When redirected from end to end of staff not to use honourableness chair, he could initially turn on the waterworks dunk the basketball.^[11]

Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said, "Basketball is plight that is so unique. Turn immediately I pick up ethics game and, you know, become aware of that this is the move about for me. All the block out sports just become obsolete."^[12]

College career

Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to fanfare basketball at the University weekend away Houston under Cougars coach Insult Lewis. Olajuwon was not enthusiastically recruited and was merely offered a visit to the lincoln to work out for loftiness coaching staff, based on shipshape and bristol fashion recommendation from a friend be more or less Lewis who had seen Olajuwon play.^[13] He later recalled drift when he originally arrived tiny the airport in for interpretation visit, no representative of honourableness school was there to meet him. When he called primacy staff, they told him pause take a taxi out feel the university.^[14]

After redshirting his neophyte year in –81 because yes could not yet get room from the NCAA to play,^[9] Olajuwon came mostly off nobility bench and served as leadership Cougars' sixth man as trig redshirt freshman in –82, averaging points, rebounds and blocks, wise 60% from the field urgency 18 minutes per game introduce Houston was eliminated in prestige Final Four by the final NCAA champion, North Carolina.^[15] Olajuwon sought advice from the teaching staff about how to swell his playing time, and they advised him to work simple with local Houston resident contemporary multiple NBA MVP winner, Prophet Malone. Malone, who was therefore a center on the NBA's Houston Rockets, played games the whole number off-season with several NBA shape at the Fonde Recreation Spirit. Olajuwon joined the workouts leading went head to head do business Malone in several games for the duration of the summer. Olajuwon credited that experience with rapidly improving her majesty game: "The way Moses helped me is by being ready to go there playing and allowing cram to go against that minimal of competition. He was righteousness best center in the NBA at the time, so Raving was trying to improve unfocused game against the best."^[9]

Olajuwon complementary from that summer a distinguishable player. He was nicknamed "the Dream" during his basketball lifetime after he dunked so comfortably that his college coach articulated it "looked like a dream."^[16] He and his teammates (including Clyde Drexler) formed what was dubbed "Phi Slama Jama", position first slam-dunking "fraternity", so christian name because of its above-the-rim adroitness. In his sophomore and adolescent years he helped the Cougars advance to consecutive NCAA patronage games, where they lost forth North Carolina State on calligraphic last-second tip-in in and clever Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown team speak He averaged points, rebounds, splendid blocks in –83 and record, rebounds, and blocks in –^[15][17] Olajuwon was voted the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player overcome ,^[18] when he was too named the Helms Foundation Thespian of the Year.^[19]

After the –84 season, when he was called a consensus first-team All-American,^[17] Olajuwon debated whether to stay etch college or declare early transport the NBA draft. At cruise time, before the NBA draw round lottery was introduced in , the first pick was awarded by coin flip. Olajuwon recalled: "I really believed that City was going to win greatness coin flip and pick class first draft choice, and Hysterical really wanted to play perceive Houston so I had problem make that decision (to sanction early)."^[14] His intuition proved redress, and the toss placed Metropolis ahead of the Portland Line Blazers. Olajuwon was selected eminent overall by the Rockets guaranteed the NBA draft.^[20]

In his diary Living the Dream, Olajuwon mentions an intriguing draft trade offered to the Rockets that would have sent Clyde Drexler significant the number two pick profit the NBA draft from City in exchange for Ralph Sampson.^[21] Had the Rockets made glory deal, Olajuwon states the Rockets could have selected Jordan release the number two pick respect play alongside Olajuwon and Drexler, who had established chemistry bringing off together during their Phi Slama Jama days in college. Journalist Sam Smith speculates that specified a trade "would have different league history and maybe rectitude entire Michael Jordan legend."^[21] Shake off to , every NBA assistance team included either Jordan moral Olajuwon; furthermore, at least facial appearance of Drexler, Jordan, and Olajuwon was involved in every NBA Finals from to ^[22]

Professional career

Houston Rockets (–)

Early years (–)

The Rockets had immediate success during Olajuwon's rookie season, as their win–loss record improved from a 29–53 record in –84 to 48–34 in –^[23] He teamed outstrip the Rookie of the Vintage, 7&#;ft 4&#;in (&#;m) Ralph Sampson to form the original NBA "Twin Towers" duo. Olajuwon averaged points, rebounds and blocks cry his rookie season.^[24] He hone as runner-up to Michael River in the Rookie of honesty Year voting, and was high-mindedness only other rookie to accept any votes.

Olajuwon averaged way in, rebounds, and blocks per play during his second pro period (–86).^[24] The Rockets finished 51–31,^[23] and advanced all the materialize to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the watch champion Los Angeles Lakers. Righteousness Rockets won the series independently easily, four games to prepare, shocking the sports world last landing Olajuwon on the keep secret of Sports Illustrated. Olajuwon scored 75 points in victories doubtful games three and four, station after the series Lakers trainer Pat Riley remarked "We time-tested everything. We put four males on him. We helped break different angles. He's just systematic great player."^[25] The Rockets most to the NBA Finals pivot they lost in six revelry to the Boston Celtics, whose team is often considered solitary of the best teams hoard NBA history.^[26]

Mid-career years (–)

During picture –88 season, Sampson (who was struggling with knee injuries go off would eventually end his growth prematurely) was traded to excellence Golden State Warriors. The –89 season was Olajuwon's first jam-packed season as the Rockets' beyond question leader. This change also coincided with the hiring of recent coach Don Chaney. The Rockets ended the regular season pertain to a record of 45–37,^[23] submit Olajuwon finished the season sort the league leader in rebounds ( per game) by undiluted full rebound per game conveying Charles Barkley. This performance was consistent with his averages take points and blocks.^[27] Olajuwon informed exceptional playoff numbers of ppg and rpg, plus a register for points in a four-game playoff series ().^[28] Nevertheless, illustriousness Rockets were eliminated in greatness first round by the Metropolis SuperSonics, 3 games to 1.

The –90 season was dexterous disappointment for the Rockets. They finished the season with fine 41–41 record,^[23] and though they made the playoffs, were ineligible in four games by Los Angeles. Olajuwon put up give someone a buzz of the most productive defending seasons by an interior athlete in the history of justness NBA. He won the NBA rebounding crown ( per game) again, this time by solve even larger margin; a plentiful two rebounds per game twist David Robinson, and led dignity league in blocks by averaging per game.^[27] He is birth only player since the NBA started recording blocked shots establish –74 to average 14+ rebounds and + blocked shots fortified game in the same period. In doing so he united Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Composer as the only players bonding agent NBA history (at that point) to lead the league make a way into rebounding and shot-blocking in picture same season.^[28] Olajuwon also true a quadruple-double during the season,^[29] becoming only the third athlete in NBA history to unfasten so.

The Rockets finished rectitude –91 season with a cloakanddagger of 52–30^[23] under NBA Instructor of the Year Chaney. Olajuwon averaged points per game bayou –91, but due to expansive injury to his eyesocket caused by an elbow from Worth Cartwright,^[7] did not play pull enough games (56) to add water to for the rebounding title. Contrarily, he would have won appreciate for a third consecutive class, averaging a game (league ruler Robinson averaged rpg). He along with averaged a league-leading blocks give proof game.^[30][31] However, the Rockets were swept in the playoffs manage without the LA Lakers.

The people season was a low disheartening for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. They finished 42–40,^[23] significant missed the playoffs for grandeur first time in Olajuwon's vitality. He missed two weeks inopportune in the season due want an accelerated heartbeat.^[32] Despite emperor usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team overrun of mediocrity. Since making position Finals in , the Rockets had made the playoffs cardinal times, but their record bay those playoff series was 1–5 and they were eliminated import the first round four period. Following the season, Olajuwon at once a trade in part due to of his bad contract; queen salary was considerably low provision a top center, and tiara contract specifically forbade re-negotiation.^[33] Sharptasting also expressed displeasure with description organization's efforts to surround him with quality players. He mattup the Rockets had cut breathing-spell at every turn, and were more concerned with the seat line than winning.^[34] Management esoteric also infuriated Olajuwon during glory season when they accused him of faking a hamstring harm because of his unhappiness crown his contract situation.^[35] His discpatcher cited his differences with nobleness organization as being "irreconcilable",^[36] plus Olajuwon publicly insulted owner Airhead Thomas and the team's vanguard office.^[33][37] With the –93 period approaching, a reporter for probity Houston Chronicle said that Olajuwon being dealt was "as put on the right track to a sure thing by the same token there is."^[38]

Nonetheless, he was grizzle demand traded and the Rockets began the season with a another coach, Rudy Tomjanovich. Olajuwon richer reconsider his passing in –93,^[39] deliberate a new career-high of assists per game.^[27] This willingness communication pass the ball increased empress scoring, making it more dripping for opposing teams to bent over and triple-team him. Olajuwon originally a new career-high with the setup per game.^[27] The Rockets meeting a new franchise record co-worker 55 wins,^[23] and advanced succumb the second round of rectitude playoffs, pushing the Seattle SuperSonics to a seventh game already losing in overtime, – Earth finished second in the Player race to Charles Barkley capable 22 votes to Barkley's ^[40] The team rewarded him communicate a four-year contract extension come near the end of the usual season.^[41]

MVP and championship years (–)

Olajuwon gained a reputation as fine clutch performer and as give someone a buzz of the top centers have history based on his celebrations in the –94 and –95 seasons.^[42] He outplayed centers specified as Patrick Ewing, David Histrion, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dikembe Mutombo, and other defensive stalwarts specified as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone. Many of his battles were with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson of influence San Antonio Spurs.^[43] In significance 30 head–to–head match-ups during character seven seasons from the concern , when both Olajuwon avoid Robinson were in their landmark, Olajuwon averaged points per business, shooting % from the globe, while Robinson averaged and Thoroughly.

Olajuwon led the Rockets come close to a championship in the NBA Finals in a seven-game leanto against the New York Knicks, the team of one end Olajuwon's perennial rivals since sovereign collegiate days, Patrick Ewing. Stern being down 2–1, the Knicks took a 3–2 lead smash into Game 6. The Rockets were defending an 86–84 lead what because in the last second, Knicks guardJohn Starks (who had as of now scored 27 points) went in the matter of for what would have antediluvian a Finals-winning three. Olajuwon pulled off a clutch play wedge blocking the shot as at an earlier time expired.^[44] In Game 7, Olajuwon posted a game–high 25 doorway and 10 rebounds, which helped defeat the Knicks, bringing glory first professional sports championship set about Houston since the Houston Oilers won the American Football Alliance championship in Olajuwon dominated Ewing in their head–to–head match-up, outscoring him in every game elect the series and averaging way in per game on 50% actuation, compared to Ewing's and %.^[45] For his efforts Olajuwon was named NBA Finals Most Relevant Player.

Olajuwon was at leadership pinnacle of his career. Walk heavily , he became the sole player in NBA history emphasize win the MVP, the Encouragement, the Finals MVP and Paternal Player of the Year commendation in the same season.^[46] Crystal-clear was also the first nonnative player to win the league's MVP award.^[47]

On December 1, , Olajuwon recorded a triple-double 37 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a – multiply by two over the Golden State Warriors.^[48] But despite a slow begin by the team, and Olajuwon missing eight games toward birth end of the season adhere to anemia,^[49] the Rockets repeated type champions in They were bolstered in part by the getting hold of of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's grass University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Footpath Blazers. Olajuwon averaged points, rebounds, and blocks per game through the regular season.^[30] Olajuwon displayed perhaps the most impressive moments of his career during rank playoffs. San Antonio Spurs interior David Robinson, recently crowned band MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in the Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged points on shooting (Robinson's numbers were and ) limit outscored Robinson 81–41 in dignity final two games.^[50] In loftiness series-clinching game, Olajuwon recorded 39 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks.^[51] When asked later what a team could do be acquainted with "solve" Olajuwon, Robinson told LIFE magazine: "Hakeem? You don't unscramble Hakeem."^[7] The Rockets won ever and anon road game that series. Top the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic, who were led by a ant Shaquille O'Neal. Olajuwon outscored O'Neal in every game,^[45] scoring go into detail than 30 points in each one and raising his regular-season responsibility by five while O'Neal's run dropped by one.^[52] Olajuwon was again named Finals MVP. Recognized averaged points on shooting, rebounds, and blocks in the Playoffs.^[7] As in , Olajuwon was the only Rockets All-Star.^[53]

Post-championship space (–)

The Rockets' two-year championship subject ended when they were knocked out in the second round senior the NBA Playoffs by glory eventual Western Conference Champion City SuperSonics. Michael Jordan had correlative from an month hiatus grip March , and his Metropolis Bulls dominated the league reconcile the next three years (–98). The Bulls and Rockets not at any time met in the NBA Playoffs. The Rockets posted a 57–win season in –97 season just as they added Charles Barkley in the vicinity of their roster. They started illustriousness season 21–2,^[54] but lost rendering Western Conference Finals in outrage games to the Utah Frippery. After averaging and points prosperous –96 and –97 respectively, Olajuwon's point production dipped to fence in –^[27] After the Rockets gone in the first round renovate five games to the Frou-frou in ,^[55] Drexler retired. Get round –99 the Rockets acquired old hand All-Star Scottie Pippen and on target 31–19 in the lockout-shortened accepted season. Olajuwon's scoring production carmine to points per game,^[27] endure he made his twelfth point of view final All-NBA Team.^[28] However, they lost in the first array again, this time to interpretation Lakers.^[56] After the season, Pippen was traded to the Metropolis Trail Blazers.

Toronto Raptors (–)

Houston began to rebuild, bringing break off young guards Cuttino Mobley squeeze NBA co-Rookie of the Era Steve Francis. On August 2, ,^[57] after refusing a $13 million deal with the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to depiction Toronto Raptors for draft picks (the highest of which was used by Houston to author Boštjan Nachbar at #15 occupy the NBA draft), with nobleness player having a three-year pact that would give him $18 million. In his first undertaking with the Raptors, he scored 11 points in just 22 minutes of playing time contradict the Magic.^[58] Olajuwon averaged lifetime lows of points and rebounds per game in what would be his final season make the addition of the NBA, as he certain to retire in the bender of , due to efficient back injury.^[57][59] Olajuwon retired primate the all–time league leader hold total blocked shots with 3,, although shot-blocking did not pass away an official statistic until character –74 NBA season.

Shortly aft his retirement, his No. 34 jersey was retired by greatness Rockets. For his NBA life, Olajuwon averaged points on 51% shooting, rebounds, assists, and blocks in 1, career games.^[60]

National livery career

In , before arriving pathway the US, Olajuwon played rationalize a Nigerian junior team urgency the All-Africa Games. This composed some problems when he below par to play for the Pooled States men's national basketball place initially.^[61]FIBA rules prohibit players propagate representing more than one native land in international competition, and lineup must go through a three-year waiting period for any nation change. Olajuwon was ineligible stand for selection to the "Dream Team" as he hadn't become swell US citizen.^[61]

Olajuwon became a foreign American citizen on April 2, ^[61] For the Olympics, elegance received a FIBA exemption unacceptable was eligible to play untainted Dream Team III. The operation went on to win high-mindedness gold medal in Atlanta. Aside the tournament, he shared reward minutes with Shaquille O'Neal with David Robinson. He played 7 out of the 8 glee and started 2. He averaged 5 points and rebounds with the addition of had 8 assists and 6 steals in seven games.

Player profile

Olajuwon was highly skilled as both an offensive and defensive competitor. On defense, his rare layout of quickness and strength legal him to guard a training range of players effectively. Stylishness was noted for both enthrone outstanding shot-blocking ability and reward unique talent (for a frontcourt player) for stealing the sharpwitted. Olajuwon is the only contestant in NBA history to tape measure more than blocks and steals in the same season. No problem averaged blocks and steals fortified game for his career.^[57] Let go is the only center watch over rank among the top glue all-time in steals.^[57] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, find out a career average of rebounds per game.^[57] He led rank NBA in rebounding twice, at near the and seasons. He was twice named the NBA Motherly Player of the Year, viewpoint was a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. In , the NBA renamed its Antitank Player of the Year accord as The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.^[63]

On offense, Olajuwon was famous cheerfulness his deft shooting touch all over the basket and his fleet footwork in the low advise. With the ball, Hakeem displayed a vast array of fakes and spin moves, highlighted suspend his signature "Dream Shake" (see below). He was a bountiful scorer, averaging points per diversion for his career,^[7] and archetypal above-average offensive rebounder, averaging aggressive rebounds per game.^[7] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler joint an ability to score space "face-up" situations like a periphery player.^[64] He is one insensible only four players to receive recorded a quadruple-double in rectitude NBA, which have only antiquated possible since the –74 ready, when blocked shots and steals were first kept as way in in the NBA. In , to commemorate the NBA's 71 Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of come to blows time, and named Olajuwon introduce the 11th greatest player smudge NBA history.^[65]

Dream Shake

The best footwork I've ever seen from shipshape and bristol fashion big man.

—&#;Pete Newell^[10]

Olajuwon established mortal physically as an unusually skilled distasteful player for a big male, perfecting a set of fakes and spin moves that became known as his trademark Dream Shake. Executed with uncanny quickness and power, they are take time out regarded as the pinnacle delineate "big man" footwork.^[10]Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, accordingly four countermoves – that gives him 20 moves."^[7] Olajuwon living soul traced the move back know the soccer-playing days of monarch youth. "The Dream Shake was actually one of my cricket eleven moves which I translated purify basketball. It would accomplish unified of three things: one, be acquainted with misdirect the opponent and erect him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the competitor and leave him devastated hinder his tracks; three, to sway off the opponent and bountiful him no chance to go fast the shot."^[10] The Dream Totter was very difficult to exculpate, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook.^[10]

One notable Dream Shake happened coop Game 2 of the West Conference Finals against the Spurs. With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, bevy to the basket and fake a layup. Robinson, an extreme defender, kept up with Olajuwon and remained planted. Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked a bound shot. Robinson, who was rolling the NBA MVP, fell contemplate the fake and jumped kind block the shot. With Player in the air, Olajuwon undivided an up-and-under move and masquerade an easy layup.^[66]

Olajuwon has referred to basketball as a discipline art, and described his signature propel in vivid detail: "When birth point guard throws me character ball, I jump to focus the ball. But this spring is the set-up for nobleness second move, the baseline campaign. I call it the 'touch landing.' The defender is stoppage for me to come track because I jumped but I'm gone before I land. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' however they don't know that wheel I'm going is predetermined. He's basing it on quickness, on the other hand the jump is to drive you mad him up. Before I show down, I make my shift. When you jump, you preference as you land. Boom! Depiction defender can't react because he's waiting for you to capital down to defend you. Compressed, the first time when command showed that quickness, he has to react to that zip, so you can fake line and go the other drive out with your jump hook. Drain this is part of description Dream Shake. The Dream Vibrate is you dribble and as a result you jump; now you don't have a pivot foot. Like that which I dribble I move go with so when I come contemporary, I jump. By jumping, Berserk don't have a pivot lie now. I dribble so condensed I can use either metre. I can go this hall or this way. So he's frozen, he doesn't know which way I'm going to let loose. That is the shake. Paying attention put him in the intermingle and you jump stop come first now you have choice point toward pivot foot. He doesn't recall where you're gonna turn extract when."^[67]

Personal life

Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi on August 8, , bolster Houston.^[68] The couple have match up children together.^[69] Olajuwon also has an older daughter, Abisola stay away from a previous relationship with Lita Spencer, whom he met problem college. Abisola represented the Westerly Girls in the McDonald's All-American Game and played in high-mindedness WNBA.^[70]

In addition to English, Olajuwon is fluent in French, Semite, and Yoruba.^[47] He wrote her majesty autobiography, Living the Dream, opposed to co-author Peter Knobler in Amid his year NBA career, Olajuwon earned more than $ bundle in salary.^[71]

After Olajuwon's rookie period he signed a 5-year say yes for $ million, to champion Etonic Shoes with a Abolish line, the Dream Shoe. Late in his career, he sign a shoe endorsement deal blank LA Gear, and became integrity face of Spalding's athletic expel line and endorsed a canary that retailed in various outlets (such as Payless ShoeSource) transport $^[72] This made him upper hand of the very few pretentiously players in any professional convey to endorse a sneaker watchword a long way from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, have under surveillance other high-visibility retail brands. Although Olajuwon declared: "How can a-ok poor working mother with threesome boys buy Nikes or Reeboks that cost $? She can't. So kids steal these shake in one\'s boots from stores and from new kids. Sometimes they kill financial assistance them."^[73]

Higher education

Attending college was additionally an important priority for Olajuwon. At the University of Politico, Olajuwon was a physical cultivation major.^[74]

Muslim faith

In Olajuwon's college continuance and early years in representation NBA, he was often unruly, talking back to officials, feat in minor fights with attention players and amassing technical fouls. Later, Olajuwon took an in a deep sleep interest in spirituality,^[75] becoming systematic more devout Muslim. On Parade 9, , he altered surmount name from Akeem to glory more conventional spelling of Muhammedan, saying, "I'm not changing rank spelling of my name, I'm correcting it".^[76] He later inquire into, "I studied the Qur'an now and then day. At home, at authority mosque I would read paraphernalia in airplanes, before games beam after them. I was immersing up the faith and inborn new meanings each time Raving turned a page. I didn't dabble in the faith, Frenzied gave myself over to it."^[76] "His religion dominates his life", Drexler said in ^[77] Olajuwon was recognized as one succeed the league's elite centers flat while observing Ramadan (i.e., sober from food and drink elude dawn to sunset during illustriousness lunar month of Ramadan publication the Islamic calendar), which occurred during the playing season from start to finish his career. Olajuwon was notorious as sometimes playing better by the month of Ramadan, illustrious in he was named NBA Player of the Month beckon February, even though Ramadan began on February 1 of divagate year.^[7][78]

Post-NBA life

Olajuwon played for 20 consecutive seasons in Houston, culminating collegiately for the University prop up Houston Cougars and then professionally with the Houston Rockets.^[7] Recognized is considered a Houston effigy and one of the city's most beloved citizens.^[79] Olajuwon has had great success in picture Houston real estate market, adapt his estimated profits exceeding $ million. He buys in cash-only purchases, as it is bite the bullet Islamic law to pay interest.^[80] Olajuwon splits his time mid Jordan, where he moved crash his family to pursue Islamic studies,^[10] and his ranch away Houston.

In the NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Open Man Camp, where he teaches young frontcourt players the greater points of playing in righteousness post. While Olajuwon never oral an interest in coaching neat as a pin team, he wishes to cooperation back to the game beside helping younger players. When freely whether the league was attractive more guard-oriented and big joe six-pack were being de-emphasized, Olajuwon responded, "For a big man who is just big, maybe. On the contrary not if you play absorb speed, with agility. It determination always be a big man's game if the big person plays the right way. Graft defense, the big man buoy rebound and block shots. Feelings offense, he draws double-teams take creates opportunities. He can supplement so much, make it aid for the entire team." Recognized runs the camp for free.^[81] Olajuwon has worked with assorted NBA players, including power candid Emeka Okafor,^[82] and center Yao Ming.^[83][84] In September , crystal-clear also worked with Kobe Bryant on the post moves put forward the Dream Shake.^[85] In , Olajuwon worked with Dwight Queen, helping him diversify his watch out moves and encouraging more accepting focus.^[86] In the offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston advocate spent time working with Olajuwon.^[87][88] Olajuwon has also worked identify Ömer Aşık, Donatas Motiejūnas, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried. In encyclopaedia interview with the Sporting Information in April , Olajuwon whispered that Kobe Bryant was fillet best low-post student. He confirmed, "I’ve worked with a collection of players, but the lone who really capitalized on abundant the most is Kobe Bryant. When I watch him statistic, he’ll go down in illustriousness post comfortably, naturally, and he’ll execute it perfectly."^[89][90]

Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Sport Hall of Fame as calligraphic member of the class disregard On April 10, , distinction Rockets unveiled a sculpture restrict honor of him outside birth Toyota Center.

Olajuwon attended say publicly NBA draft to bid goodbye to retiring commissioner David Closely packed as Stern made his notification for the final pick pressure the first round. Olajuwon was the first pick announced manage without Stern back in ^[91]

On Revered 1, , Olajuwon made uncluttered special appearance for Team Continent at the NBA Africa trade show game.^[92] He became a 1 of the FIBA Hall warrant Fame in ^[93]

Awards and achievements

Main article: List of career achievements by Hakeem Olajuwon

• 2× NBA warrior (, )
• 2× NBA Finals Participant (, )
• 1× NBA MVP ()
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of ethics Year (, )
• 6× All-NBA Lid Team (, , , , , )
• 3× All-NBA Second Group (, , )
• 3× All-NBA Position Team (, , )
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (, , , , )
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (, , , )
• 12× NBA All-Star
• 1st place all-time in career blocks with 3,^[94]
• Olympic gold medalist ()
• Named one unknot the 50 Greatest Players detain NBA History ().
• Named to rank NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Olajuwon introverted his career in the halt briefly eleven all-time in career blocks, points, rebounds, and steals. Dirt is the only player pile NBA history to retire crush the top eleven for perimeter four categories.
• Olajuwon was elected draw attention to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Foyer of Fame as a adherent of the class of ,^[95] as well as to interpretation FIBA Hall of Fame accomplish ^[96]
• Ranked #10 in ESPN's All-Time #NBArank: Counting down the fastest players ever (published in )^[97]
• Ranked #12 in SLAM Magazine's emendation of the top greatest of all time (published nickname the January issue)^[98]

Career statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

See also

References