NBA Legends on how good Hakeem Olajuwon was

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[@demoncleaner45]

Olajuwon was so good that he was drafted ahead of Jordan and it's still a defensible pick.

[@brianbcj]

Based off need stop the B.s

[@teerrificsteeves3658]

No doubt!

[@gabrielbotsford791]

0 downvotes. If you had to choose between, say, Joe Montana and John Elway coming out of college, you would choose Elway, every time. Same shit.

[@sebhubuni]

yh i agree a pick between the best player of all and a top 15 player all time well theres not a lot that can go wrong but hindsight is 20/20

[@davidbot5498]

I said this to a friend recently, if you told someone yeah the guy drafted ahead of MJ? The whole city he was drafted in loves him and noone is mad they didnt get Jordan, they would be like wtf

[@oacevedo81]

Players who've won MVP, DPOY, and Finals MVP in the SAME SEASON? 1. Hakeem Olajuwon... end of list. If you knew nothing else, that alone would probably be enough because those 3 are the biggest awards in the NBA, and he's the only player to win all 3 in one season. BUT WAIT!!!! THERE'S MORE!!!! Hakeem is.... - The only player to lead his team in 4 of the 5 major stat categories (PTS/REB/AST/STL/BLK) for 9 seasons. 2nd closest is Kevin Garnett with 6. - The only player to lead a team to the title while leading in all 5 stat categories throughout the postseason. - The only superstar to lead a team to a title with no other all-NBA/all-Defensive/all-Star players. - He led the lowest seed (6th) to ever win a title through the toughest road (by record and win pct) to a title. In the 95 playoffs, the 47-35 Rockets beat - the 60-22 Jazz, 59-23 Suns, 62-20 Spurs, and the 57-25 Magic. If Barkley and KJ hadn't missed a combined 50 games, the Rockets would've likely been the only team to beat 3 60-win teams in a playoff run. As it stands, they are the only team to beat 4 57+ win teams in a single playoff run. - He has the most recorded 5 by 5's with 6 (At least 5 in each stat - PTS/REB/AST/STL/BLK). PTS/REB/AST are relatively easy but recording 5 Steals AND 5 Blocks is incredible which is why this is so amazing. I guess you could say Hakeem Olajuwon was pretty good...

[@TolegenX]

That Suns were great... But Hakeem was unstoppable.

[@kevindurant7137]

If Russell and Wilt played at the time of the dpoy I feel like they could have a chance to do this

[@oacevedo81]

@@kevindurant7137 I'm 100% sure Russell would've done it, but I'm not as confident about Wilt. Wilt only won MVP and a ring in 66/67, so that would've been his only shot to win ALL 3 awards.

[@kevindurant7137]

oacevedo81 Agreed maybe in a couple of years we could see Giannis because he gets better every year and last year he was an mvp and dpoy candidate in a year or two he might be good enough to all three

[@oacevedo81]

@@kevindurant7137 Possibly bro... Giannis is definitely the one current player with the best chance to do it.

[@TheMatrixxandRhodesShow]

Hakeem is a legend. We love him here in Houston. He is an icon and a top 10 player of all time.

[@stonecold316339]

He doesn't get mentioned nearly as much as he should imo. The 90s was an era of a lot of elite bigs from Shaq, Ewing, Robinson, Mutumbo, Divac, Mourning, etc n Olajuwon was clearly the best out of all of them. In a single season in 94 The Dream won a title, Finals MVP, reg season MVP n DPOTY which is insane! Personally he's my favorite center of all time.

[@maverick1009z]

@@stonecold316339 It's not hard to see why he doesn't get as much attention as he should. He came into the league when it wasright in the middle of the Celtics vs Lakers, Magic vs Bird era. And then few years after that it was all about MJ. His quiet personality and perhaps his religion also impacted his visibility in the NBA. Even in 1994 and 1995 when he won his NBA titles and individual awards it was when MJ wasn't around, so some people will put an asterisk to those achievements. But when MJ was asked in an interview to pick a dream team to play with him, he said out of all the centres to have ever played in the NBA he would pick Hakeem. That alone says a great deal about how great he truly was.

[@OrondeBranch]

John Matrixx easily in the top ten! Dude was incredible. I argue about those championships with MJ fans all the time and he’s the key to the argument.

[@msl5253]

@@maverick1009z Ironically, it's been written that David Stern (RIP) feared the Rockets/Olajuwon so much (after they brought down the Lakers in 1986, and lost to the Celtics in 6), they drug tested them, and struck gold when two of their starting guards tested positive and got excessive, automatic 2 year suspensions. This was the start of the Rockets, going through all type of changes with numerous injuries, coaches, drug suspensions and trades. So, the Magic vs Lakers rivalry lived on as Stern wished, while the Rockets languished.....Shame! By the time, Olajuwon made the finals again, it was years later after numerous revisions. It has to be noted: Olajuwon, had made the finals loooooong before Jordan. And after all the problems the Rockets had after, Olajuwon deserved more than two NBA titles, when it started so brilliantly in his 2nd year beating, and losing to those two all time great teams in the Western Conference and NBA finals. Jordan know this as well. People have no idea how ridiculously great this guy was! And I would have no problem taking him in front of Jordan again, as in the 1985 NBA draft where he was chosen #1 with no 3 that year. He could just dominate the ball on both sides like no other in so many facets. It was like having an armed nuclear bomb on court!

[@mustafaabi2471]

Top 3

[@lawrencealbertblanco2268]

Hakeem's era is the best NBA has to offer. The 90's is just up to another level of Basketball in all aspects, especially with the GOAT playing too.

[@UScarsarethebest]

He was the Best Center I ever watched in Basketball. His game had no holes.

[@CMcycle]

He is the MJ of the centers.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

No, MJ was the Wilt of guards.

[@CMcycle]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 😂 Wilt's overrated. Not even top 10 all time.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@CMcycle I have seen VERY FEW folks that don't put Wilt in the Top 5 centers of all time - and NOBODY other than perhaps you that don't put him in the Top 10. Most folks put him in their Top 5 all time PLAYERS, not just centers - and almost all the rest have him in the Top 10. He's NOT overrated by most. Now, if you're saying HAKEEM is underrated, I'll agree with that. It would have been interesting to see Hakeem and Wilt matching up 10-12 nights a year, like Wilt had to do with Bill Russell.

[@CMcycle]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 I'd rather have Shaq, Kareem, Hakeem, Moses and the Admiral than Wilt. Maybe he's top 5 all time in centers but that's arguable.

[@CMcycle]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Wilt is overrated. Played in a very weak era. If he played in Hakeem's time or now, he would find success but not the success he had in his era.

[@mezanine10]

1:39. Spins out of a McHale/Bird double team and then dunks in Chief's face. He did that to the greatest front court of all time.

[@lamefart8831]

84 draft... You have MJ, Hakeem, Chuck, and Stockton in the same year.

[@andreedipo6356]

Hakeem... MJ

[@gershomtan5879]

And the great sam bowie.

[@twilitezn]

Funnily enough, Houston could've had Hakeem & MJ : If they traded Sampson for the 2nd or 3rd pick then they could've picked him...Portland would've bit.

[@andyryooable]

2000

[@Novastar6]

It's hard to deny that 84 was the greatest of all-time. 8 straight championships between two of those players. And Chuck/Stockton with 3 finals appearances. They probably would've all won multiple chips if MJ wasn't around lol. Would've loved to see the Bulls vs. Rockets matchup. Probably would've been their toughest matchup.

[@joemamma137]

Bill Walton on Hakeem in the 95 finals: The hardest players I ever had to guard in the post were Kevin McHale and Jabar. Hakeem is playing like a combination of both right now.

[@fabolousninenine30]

Btw McHale is criminally underrated. One of the best post players ever. Gave everyone nightmares.

[@edscottable]

Fabolous NineNine Underrated because he never led his own team.

[@testadizzy95]

Wow that’s one hell of a compliment.

[@FirashAdryan]

“It got to a point where we started calling him (McHale) ‘A Man With A Thousand Moves’. You couldn’t stop him.” -Dominique Wilkins

[@elbowgang9715]

@@edscottable thats kind of hard to do when you have a GOAT level player in Bird on your team

[@Obitostan2001]

The fact he won a championship during Ramadan is insane.

[@BryanX64]

Absolutely. No food or water until sundown. And allegedly he played even better during then

[@fatherleo4603]

Olajuwon is the best Center of all time. CHANGE MY MIND

[@nevelefilms7336]

“Nice elbow bradda” 😩😂🤣🤣🤣

[@AdamReveland]

like x10000 if I could

[@tien5727]

Nevele Films that part had me dead 😂😂😂😂

[@theartistbonez1930]

heheheh

[@chandyller6773]

Its called sabr...

[@JoelChavez6121]

Living in Houston, Dream shaped my childhood as an elite talent, leader and work as a person. Best Rocket of all time that will likely never be eclipsed

[@ATLienForLife]

Drops 40 in a noontime game during Ramadan. No more needs to be said. "Dream Out!"

[@ATLienForLife]

@@ComradeCoy Yeah, I can understand your feelings. I'm not Muslim either. But I do know that Hakeem is devout in his faith and is highly intelligent. He also keeps himself at peak physical condition, even up to this day. So I'm certain he works with trained medical experts who respect his decision. Thus minimizing any danger to his overall health. The main issues are the adverse effects on his stamina and endurance both physically and mentally. For him to still perform at such a high level is indeed an incredible feat.

[@Placesandspaces35]

Hakeem was a freak of nature. Dude could drop 40 on cats in his sleep. Saw him play in a preseason game and he had like 28 at halftime and didn’t even look like he was playing hard at all. He was that dude!

[@ATLienForLife]

@@Placesandspaces35 And still is

[@ATLienForLife]

And let's not forget, Hakeem didn't pick up a basketball till he was 16. And he still had handles like a guard.

[@Placesandspaces35]

Lee Griffin exactly! Glad he played in an era where I got to see him play. Straight up beast!

[@thectbchannel]

Fun fact: Olajuwan had 2 QUADRUPLE doubles in one week...

[@SuperAttitudeera]

Not in one week. The first was march 3rd, the second was march 29th 1990.

[@jargontaka]

@@SuperAttitudeera same month then

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@jargontaka We'll never know how many Wilt and Bill Russell had, as blocks were not tracked during their careers.

[@abemickeygaming7742]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 there was a lot of goaltending as well though back then

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@abemickeygaming7742 Not really, there weren't a LOT of players then that COULD goaltend. To be fair, there aren't a LOT of players today that can - but with the average raw athletic ability up today due in part to better nutrition and in part to better training, it is likely a higher PERCENTAGE of players that can.

[@Acshaun]

Greatest Center of all time imo and a absolute joy to watch

[@PaesJAO]

Hakeem the dream.. damn I miss those days of basketball. Watching dudes like Hakeem Ewing, Jordan, Barkley. So many great games! #ilovethisgame

[@9mmbetamax316]

Yea dude, me too.. miss those moment where basket ball played like basket ball should be. Full of skill and respect.

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

Mannnnnnnn we'll NEVER EVER see SPECIAL TALENTS like that again...

[@mattblatti7936]

After those guys there was no point to watch th he NBA anymore.

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

@@mattblatti7936 Some of the greatest players we've ever seen...

[@anthonydoesgaming9184]

@@mattblatti7936 today nba is way better

[@jasonq111]

I grew up in Houston and my dad had Rockets season tix from 82-95. Olajuwon was absolutely phenomenal and it was a joy to watch him play. My dad would slide me tix to the lesser teams but I didn’t care. I did see Jordan play them in 93/94’ and that was cool. Horry was right. Vernon Maxwell always played Jordan tough. Phenomenal years for the NBA in the 90’s.

[@atomsk1972]

I was a Jordan fanboy, but my favourite series are still the 2 Houston won. The Dream.

[@ChillTownHoops]

“It’s a good thing they can’t get out the west bcuz we got no answer for that monster they got in the middle. I don’t know if we can beat em.” - Michael Jordan 1992

[@dektran4843]

hakeem is was a soccer player and adapted johann cruyff's cruyff turn to basketball

[@soakedbearrd]

@Martha Sviniard lol

[@colbyughanze2309]

Party Boy lol at Luc Longley guarding Olajuwon

[@courtneywhite6036]

@Sparticus Booker Now your joking

[@michaeladderley5180]

@Party Boy Don't forget about Will Purdue...

[@user-mx9db3lr3z]

In my opinion hakeem is the best center to have ever laced up.

[@mikenyce539]

Apparently YOU Haven't Heard of WILT CHAMBERLAIN

[@mikenyce539]

@Aaron9 You're a IDIOT BOI. Rules were Changed in The NBA, BECAUSE OF WILT... The ONLY Knock on WILT is THERE wasn't much Competition for Him in those Days

[@mikenyce539]

@Aaron9 I'm going to give you ONE rule that WAS Changed BECAUSE of Him.... Free throw shooter CAN'T MOVE B4 The Ball 🏀 Hits the Rim.... That's BECAUSE WILT could jump from from The FREE THROW LINE AND get the put back.... I suggest you do some research

[@rhondagarcia2150]

Hakeem Olajuwon was the nightmare for many players. One of a kind, the best center I've seen.

[@robertcullen7042]

Hakeem dominated Ewing and Shaq in back to back championships while wearing LA Lights.

[@thejmc4074]

Gave David robinson a panic attack if you believe Dennis Rodman.

[@codenameSK]

Hakeem averaged 25 and 12 and Pat averaged 25 and 10, I don’t think that is dominating Ewing!

[@codenameSK]

I’m a Ewing fan but I do believe Hakeem was a little better!

[@robertcullen7042]

Sean King the knicks went to game 7. They put up much better fight than Orlando did. Ewing held his own. Shaq got dominated lol

[@armandodelossantos736]

He dominated the league MVP David Robinson and the league scoring leader Shaq and eliminated them both in only 10 games for his repeat title! Hakeem is the goat

[@imwitdeschyt]

I got to say this. I shed a few tears of joy every time I watch The Dream's highlights. Because I'm so honored to have watched him perform when i was growing up as a kid in Houston. Shoot he's the reason why I'm a homer now. If this world wasn't so superficial this man would be known as the greatest sports athlete of all time... around the world. Even those who came to him to learn from him, still cannot imitate him to the tee. Kobe did a great MJ but no one has come close to the Dream. No one. If any one were to ask me would I take 6 from MJ or 11 of Russell's rings over da 2 Olajuwon brought to Houston. The answer's no. He was the epitome of determination. No one talked about him in his Era as being the best center. Robinson. Ewing. Kareem. The Chief. The Chief!! The Chief!?! Laimbeer. Divac. Mourning. Mutombo. Sampson. All those names just mentioned and several more know they have never seen a better center play this game at his caliber. There was no big difference from the 60s to late 80s. If Jordan changed the game for guards, then Olajuwon mastered the game period. No one. Oh big shot out to Big Shot Bob for shedding the light on the Maxwell v Jordan match up being the difference maker if 94 & 95 happened vs the Bulls.

[@rgi8426]

Also, hakeem is probably the only champion in nba history to have won without an all star teammate.

[@sirrjazz734]

I'm surprised that you left out Moses Malone. Moses Malone is the guy who TAUGHT Olajuwon the NBA game. Without MOSES MALONE there is no Dream.

[@imwitdeschyt]

@@sirrjazz734 actually I knew i forgot somebody, it was on the tip off my brain. So yeah definitely Malone.

[@sirrjazz734]

@money Mark True. What I'm saying tho' is that Moses put him on the path, as a Mentor. Dream himself would even admit this.

[@jstine7671]

@@sirrjazz734 ON Point moses did play for the rockets, why Dream was great on defense & rebounding, listening to Jordan says a lot

[@rickintexas1584]

Hakeem was under sized for centers during his playing years. On most teams he would have been a 4 not a 5. That is even more impressive. He was definitely the best center of his day, and one of the best all time.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Compare to Dave Cowens - very similar situation.

[@nastypiglosi1788]

Only an inch shorter than Ewing

[@iamhallo68]

People don't even know he's #1 all time in blocks

[@jaradat]

His shot blocking was an art where the ball always stayed inbound and almost always fell in a teammates hands.

[@alejandrohits5066]

He is also number one in quadruple doubles all time with two.

[@albertok2323]

To be fair they didn't keep track of blocks during Wilt's era. It'd be cool to see where Hakeem ranks with Wilt and Bill thrown into the mix

[@avigindratt7608]

I looked it up, Mutombo got the most blocks

[@KennethWilliams-rr9dw]

@@avigindratt7608 Hakeem is the all time blocks leader.

[@ericjensen9091]

If Hakeem had played in New York or Los Angeles he'd get more attention and praise.

[@ethanpasok209]

Same as timmy d

[@JJ-rz4pz]

It's not even that Houston is extremely large, it's just he played in a era dominated by MJ so alot of stars dont get their due respect.

[@ericjensen9091]

@@JJ-rz4pz You're right, however if Hakeem had achieved the same winning success as a Clipper, 76er, Warrior, or King I think he'd have received more national attention.

[@msl5253]

Yes, he would have. However, he would received even more if that Rockets Team that David Stern broke up via drug testing (followed by numerous injuries; new coaches and trades) were intact, and Hakeem won 5 or so NBA titles with them. Alas. What could have been!

[@msl5253]

@@ericjensen9091 Another problem. Hakeem, wasn't getting the proper recognition, when he was going nuts in the Western Conference Playoffs 1986-1993. That's some of the best basketball I've ever seen played.

[@paulgent9203]

The footwork of a guard, no joke

[@masterjedi7648]

It’s a shame Hakeem never gets the respect he earned when discussions about the best bigs ever occur. I can recall him making unbelievable chase down blocks and of course the dream shake. What a player. He played both ends of the floor at an elite level.

[@marcellowheeler88]

Anyone with even slightest bball IQ will have him in their top 5 greatest centers of all time. I could probably even make a slight argument for him being number one. He wasn't in your face like everyone else

[@johnchoi4473]

i am pretty sure every1 puts hakeen in their top 5 centers lol. Not in order Shaq Kareen Wilt Hakeen Ewing/Robinson

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@johnchoi4473 I don't put Shaq Patrick or David in my first tier - they're the second tier with Bill Walton and Dave Cowens and Nate Thurmond (Bill WOULD be first tier, but he was hurt too much) and you left out Moses Malone, Artis Gilmore, and Karl Malone. Leaving out Mel Daniels I can understand, he never moved over to the NBA after the ABA merger. You also left out Bill Russell in the first tier, and arguably Moses Malone.

[@mildsthatyac2097]

He’s the best 2 way player of all time and the stats don’t lie

[@adolfmudau9956]

You will never hear them talking about him Cos there's nothing to talk about..... He got no competition

[@danielmoore1035]

Not only was he top 5 of all time but also a classy person. Seems like a guinually nice person

[@johnnyblingg]

Daniel Moore *genuinely

[@290TheEmpireRecords]

@@johnnyblingg *More

[@sinatra222]

Yes! Despite being a devout Muslim, Hakeem was a really peaceful and respectable man.

[@patrickkrause2726]

@@sinatra222 WOW all this kindness and respect despite being a Muslim? Please elaborate

[@johnnyblingg]

@@290TheEmpireRecords "Moore" is his last name...

[@jaradat]

Quadruple-Double twice enough said.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

That we know of - but Bill Russell likely had a few as well we don't know about.

[@uchihaitachi4538]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 what do you mean bill didnt have 2

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@uchihaitachi4538 We don't KNOW how many Bill - or WIlt - had in their career, as blocks WERE NOT TRACKED during Bill's or Wilt's era at all. Some of THEIR "Triple Doubles" likely were IN ACTUAL FACT Quadruple Doubles if blocks HAD been counted back then. That's why I had to say "likely had a few".

[@StrengthFromGiving]

He did, but... they didn't record blocks and steals in the ABA and before the 80's actually. There are alot of basketball historians that will tell you wilt averaged a quadruple double in the ABA before the merger.

[@uchihaitachi4538]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Oh ok thanks for replying.

[@ifeanyi5285]

ALL MY NIGERIAN BROTHERS LETS GATHER HERE / TEARS ROLLING OUT OF MY EYES TO SEE OUR BROTHER SO GOOD THANKS YOU OLAJUWON FOR MAKING US PROUD

[@christopherpryor4055]

Olajuwon is the greatest two way player to ever live

[@4ever167]

He’s my undisputed #2 of all time after Mj

[@mildsthatyac2097]

Mj is not even close to Hakeem defensively

[@mildsthatyac2097]

Mj is not even close to Hakeem defensively

[@mildsthatyac2097]

@Ronald Simanjuntak Hakeem is top 15 if not top 10 in Blocks, Steals, Def and Offensive rebounds, and in Points. I would agree that Micheal Jordan was better at forcing the turnover but with that being said Hakeem was no slouch at forcing turnovers as well. Idk man I love both of them ( even though I have a little bias towards hakeem lol ) but seeing the level of comp and the type of caliber of players both players had to go up against I would give it to Hakeem by a hair in my opinion

[@1fastmex]

I met Hakeem as a kid at the airport. The gentle giant got down as low as he could to shake my sister and my hand. He spend time talking to us and signing autographs. The most humble guy. Much respect to Olajuwon. He made a great child hood memory for me.

[@perry1540]

I wish I could meet Hakeem. You got to talk to the best center of all time

[@oiseohiwerei445]

Your videos always bring out the best nostalgic, feel good vibes. Thank you for not just your work, but consistency and devotion!

[@BTMBasketballTimeMachine]

nice to hear. thanks for watching!

[@lilstewks]

@BOMBAATA Wilt Chamberlain 2K 20K Damon Stoudamire came in the league KILLING he used to KILL teams like The Bulls, he was crossing people over easily before A.I. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A VIDEO ON HIM

[@theindigenousone2090]

Hakeem Olajuwon is why I started loving this game

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I Love Hakeem Olajuwon. Why do many Great's - seek-to Practice, and Learn from him in the Offseason??? He was a Special player. Super Talented, Humble and a Beast on the Basketball court. oNe LovE from NYC.

[@TheJpep2424]

Because of his footwork

[@jstine7671]

I concur that means his moves are still being used in today's game also most of them were guards & forwards learning from a center ALL AROUND BEST SKILLS & IVE SEEN ALL THE GREATS PLAY

[@betherealdeal]

Hakeem is poetry in motion. Remember this though there is no Hakeem without Moses Malone There is no Charles Barkley without Moses Malone Moses got in the head of these 2 guys and shape them into great players Moses taught Hakeem how to be tough how to play tough. It got so bad that Hakeem wanted to quit basketball. He persevered until he got the point. Hakeem went to dunk on Malone while Malone was guarding him. Hakeem over powered Malone that day. The rest of the team knew that day that Hakeem had arrived. Moses pulled Charles aside and asked to loose 10 pounds Charles was known as heavy slow and ‘lazy’. Charles did it. Malone asked for 10 more then 10 more then again. This transformed Charles into a beast. They should make a movie on Moses Malone

[@MrJflomario]

Where did you find this info?

[@betherealdeal]

Jedno Florestal look for Hakeem workout with Moses Malone Look for Hakeem asks Charles Barkley to loose weight

[@betherealdeal]

Jedno Florestal kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYaZkqqYrJ2XeMk

[@betherealdeal]

Jedno Florestal kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3STiYKOq7qjd5Y

[@MrJflomario]

@@betherealdeal Oh my god 😂. Barkley is a savage.

[@bigdogpete43]

Dream was a matchup nightmare, too quick for big men to guard, and too big for smaller guys to guard.

[@thekingsplacegospeldjc4847]

Also my FAVORITE ALL-TIME CENTER having also watched HIS ENTIRE basketball career....Awesome game & person..😉

[@timmyharrison9930]

Hakeem is in my top 5 all time. The most well rounded centre in my book

[@290TheEmpireRecords]

Easily

[@awesom2bemelonestar10]

Absolutely

[@nmasijika7557]

Tim Harrison created these centers he’s the goat center idc

[@halfogre7843]

george mikan was the first 7 footer for the minneapolis lakers

[@justinbaronofsky360]

MJ, Shaq, Dream, LeBron, Magic

[@ericdaniel323]

Glad to hearvHorry mention Vernon Maxwell. One of the few guys who could slow MJ down. Too bad he was such a loose cannon. (They didn't call him Mad Max for nothing.)

[@LungMing23]

It was a great time for centers. Between the Dream, the Admiral, and a young Shaq it was a lot of fun to watch.

[@MistaWordz]

Not to mention a young Zo and Ewing.

[@LungMing23]

Wordz Gaddafi definitely. And they were doing their job in the paint instead of chucking 3’s like in todays game. I miss 90s ball.

[@kingray3139]

Don't forget mutombo

[@Iamkoool2]

I wish I could’ve seen it live

[@loslakers530]

And also underrated mentions like Kemp, Webber, Barkley, Kevin Willis, brad daughtery, cliff Robinson, mycdess, rik smits, divac, vin baker and so many more

[@tim_the_gr8_904]

Another awesome video Sean, keep them coming!

[@floridamixshowsummit]

My fav player of all time is the Dream & Here is the Greatest Testament to his Greatest He went # 1 in 84 draft to Houston 2 spots before Michael Jordan ( the Greatest Player Ever )went # 3 and You Never Hear Anybody in Houston Complaining about that Pick

[@icedmosquito109]

Sam Bowie on the other hand....

[@elbowgang9715]

And just think Houston could've traded Ralph Sampson for the 3rd pick. Now that is something Rockets fans should be pissed with cuz MJ+Dream equals 8 rings and Hakeem would be hands down top 5

[@msl5253]

@@elbowgang9715 You're right, if you consider Ralph wasn't the player that many wanted him to be (no offensive moves or pet shot to rely on). But you're wrong, if Ralph could have just stayed healthy, and the Rockets didn't have those drug suspensions, etc., right after that 86 season. Even with Ralph not being as good as many wanted him to be. The presence of Olajuwon (and their combined size) just made the team so much better when they were both playing well. But I agree. Jordan was a Junkyard Dog, and Sampson was a pampered show puppy in comparison. Just totally different mindsets on the court.

[@courtneywhite6036]

Jordan beat Hakeem in college

[@Mark_Ellzy]

And also Micheal Jordan himself never had a problem with the fact that Hakeem was drafted #1.

[@MrMathsimon]

Out of all of Jordan's cohorts, I believe it eas Olajuwon who had the best chance to beat Prime Jordan even once. That's how good Olajuwon is.

[@jeffladrillono2313]

To be honest, I think Dream was the best player of the 90s, not MJ. Hakeem just never had the teams that Mike had. Jordan had another all time great player during his first 3 peat and 2 during his second. If Dream had a Karl Malone or Barkley to play with, we might not be talking about Hakeems 7 rings.

[@MrMathsimon]

@@jeffladrillono2313 I wont disagree with that. In those Championship runs, Hakeem was always the lone star. Thats why I have such high respect for Hakeem and Dirk (2011)!

[@MrMathsimon]

@@jeffladrillono2313 Also, The Dream had a super team but all out of their prime. Imagine what a healthy and peak Barkley, Drexler, and Hakeem could have done?!

[@pickzkickz]

Olajuwon beat Bulls during their 6 ring run....

[@perryellis9645]

@@jeffladrillono2313 Agree with you there, its just that the media shapes narrative and jordon was the chosen one. Also basketball at this time really needed someone to drive interest and sales . Hakeem was also the only one to lead a 6th seed team to a championship. Now if that 6th seed was stacked but had bad games to get ranked that low or etc, understandable how it came back to win a championship, but the team was ranked that low because it was that low on talent. If hakeem is not on the team, they would not even make the playoffs, much less wins it. One othe thing to add, If houston had a clone scottie pippen to play on his team vs the Bulls. Hakeem could of single handidly guarded jordon and shut him down. While putting a replacement level center to guard the paint and Hakeem only acting as a help defender while staying on jordon.

[@anthonybanks4958]

Great debate and some nice clips, great job, Continued success

[@jesseduke203]

Hakeem was my favorite player ever, he did things that I have never seen any other center do. Hakeem could cross you over, when the man retired he was in the top 10 in every category. Just the best.

[@Nic25]

DITTO! The Dream ALL DAY!

[@ATLienForLife]

I'm in total agreement. I can see a Center being top ten in Pts, Rbs, Blks, even Ast. But STEALS?? How the hell can a Center be All-Time Top Ten in steals? That's one of the reasons Jordan chose Hakeem as his greatest center.

[@aymanibrahim9736]

My Favorite player is Pat Ewing, and I was crushed in the Finals when they lost, and I even remember, wanting the Magic, while I never liked them, to avenge the knicks, hoping Shaq would dominate Hakeem, but no big guy is as good as Hakeem, period. He is a 7'0' MJ, He is the MOST humble person ever, I met him and shook his hand in the mid 2000's in my country "Jordan" where he was studying Arabic in the university, and we used to see him all the time and was a regular occurrence, a lot of people did not even recognize him, and you would never tell that this is one of the top all time basketball players in history. The absolute best.

[@citizenghosttown]

I love Patrick too. Hakeem was the one guy who had his number.

[@pogipogi6978]

Beautiful. Thanks for this side story.

[@RyanJohnson-7878]

RESPECT! Houston Rockets fan here and I watched both of those Finals to amazement. My most favorite player EVER! I love blocked shots!!!

[@Slamnewton]

Hakeem actually is about 6’10

[@RyanJohnson-7878]

@@Slamnewton with a 7'2" wing span.

[@user-ft2vf9lk7v]

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon my favorite player of all time. A Legend no doubt.

[@munecaeburro]

I just discovered this channel. I subscribed and I was really motivated to do it because I really miss old basketball.

[@TheShaund]

Love this video!!!! Thanks for giving the dream the respect he deserves!!!

[@johnchesteryu4728]

I still can't believe Kobe is gone... I just imagine Kobe is having a press conference somewhere.

[@floyd9727]

I know it’s bold statement but I believe him to be the best center of all time. Very difficult because of the extreme talent in Kareem and wilt. Dream is the greatest center.

[@fullmetal1766]

There is an argument because of defence Hakeem is the best defensive center

[@maverick1009z]

@@fullmetal1766 Hakeem could be said to be the prototype of the modern-day centre. He wasn't just a hulking post presence and rim protector like most other centres at the time were. He was mobile and had uncanny footwork for a man his size, he could figure out so many ways to beat a man at the post, he had an extended shooting range, and his defense extended more than the usual bodying up and shot-blocking (which he was the best in his era and possibly the best ever) to include steals and blocking passing lanes. He was the most complete player to play the centre position.

[@grantkerridge]

@money Mark Kareem and Wilt are overrated... get off the drugs man as you obviously no nothing about ball

[@grantkerridge]

money Mark Stats don't equal greatness and if they did, Kareems, 6 MVP's and 6 chips means he is far ahead of Hakeem in accolades. Wilt's 4 MVP's and 2 chips also put him ahead of the dream. If you're talking about era's why do greats like Isiah Thomas and Jerry West (who has been a major part of the NBA for more than 50 years) rate Kareem as the GOAT. You're entitled to your opinion but you have been extremely disrespectful to 2 of the best that have ever played the game.

[@grantkerridge]

@money Mark do you even hear yourself. Hakeem was listed as 7 foot but in actual fact only 6.10". By your rationale that would make him unworthy??? Kareem played against guys like Moses, Walton, Wilt, Reed, Lanier and so on and so on. He also played a large part of his career in the 80's where he won 5 chips. Yes he played on an awesome team but he was also finals mvp in 1985 against the big 3. 6 league MVP's even on an awesome team still makes him the best! Playing 20 years doesn't diminish his career. It makes him more durable with more longevity. Look at Hakeem's last 5 seasons and the numbers he was putting up? Kareem was averaging over 20ppg until 86/87. Man, no one is going to win this argument but I'll say it again your comments about Kareem and Wilt are extremely disrespectful and you need to do your homework to find out how unbelievable these guys were.

[@jmelvin28]

My dad worked security at the Summit I'm the 80's and I got to meet both him and Ralph Sampson before a game when I was little. Plus, Hakeem actually lives in Sugar Land, so I occasionally got to meet him a few times at various moments. He is the nicest and most respectful person. He never ignored his fans nor rushed them when speaking with them. He gives back to Houston and the surrounding area and his home country. He is one of my personal heroes and it's been a honor and privilege to watch him play and see his legacy still burning in the hearts of every Houston Rockets fan even today. Thank you Mr. Hakeem Olujuan for everything you do.

[@ianisaac2501]

One of the greatest centers EVER in NBA history. It was fun watching him play games on TV. The "Dream Shake" was unstoppable.

[@arselarbo3453]

Hakeem is my favorite player am 24 years old never seen him play but love him nonetheless greatest player ever

[@armandodelossantos736]

He's definitely the greatest player of all time

[@omarrsullivan4516]

@Abe O Neal You missed something special!!! It was a treat to watch Hakeem play

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

The most underrated center of all time. Only real knowledgeable basketball fans know he’s stature in basketball.

[@charlesgauldin8010]

This man was sooooo underrated when it comes to folks mentioning the greatest centers in NBA history...if you never saw him play you need to go down the rabbit hole on you tube...this man was scary good, footwork was the best ever, bar none...

[@jesseduke203]

My favorite player of all time is Hakeem, he did things I have never seen anyone else do, he was great. Top 10 player all time easily.

[@tr377723]

Damn right! Robet Horry was right! The Rockets would've beat the Bulls for those two titles the Rockets won when Jordan was out the league. No one could stop Olajuwon or Jordan but Vernon Maxwell use to play Jordan tuff, he got physical with MJ everytime they played. No one on the bulls front line could stop Olajuwon in the 7 game series.

[@rickintexas1584]

B.Allen - I have been making that argument for years. It was great to hear Robert Horry say it too.

[@waqasanwar8931]

Hakim v jordan would have been fun to watch

[@bryanbroders2326]

You rock dude awesome videos

[@peejaygarcia9509]

Good video, dude. I appreciate your work. :)

[@ToddAndelin]

Hakeem was amazing... and earning the respect of MJ is the greatest honor on the planet!

[@jameswilliams2085]

The Greatest center of all-time and without a doubt top 5 NBA Greatest players if all-time.

[@izphilly1]

I'm glad to finally see this video. I was a basketball fan but on top of that I had this weird fascination with learning that stats of most of the players that were playing at that time through trading cards. There were many great players without a doubt during the jordan , magic , bird era but so many people in that era slept on hakeem. I noticed that for a center he would score , rebound , block , field goal percentage higher than any of the centers , and most fowards in the league and have steal average like a point or shooting guard . I would get into constant arguments with people who swore up and down ........yet I had all the evidence in the form of stats through my trading cards. I became a fan first through witnessing his stats then , I began to watch his games and was hooked !!! The only center who I liked a lot in that era was the admiral robinson but Hakeem was the man.

[@donnastupka7507]

My all time favorite!! Not only was he an excellent player but he was a excellent human being!!! 🏀❤🏀

[@GalacticCoast]

Most graceful player for his size ever!!

[@timothybessemer7316]

Hakeem was unique among centers in his footwork and hand speed (steals).

[@sibusisovilakazi2825]

The 2 lords on the brilliant thumbnail to this masterpiece of a video are in my dream five line up along with Stockton, James and Garnett/Duncan

[@nelsonlee7448]

U was there when he came to UH. Phenomenal college athlete. Two rings and a lifetime of incredible memories for me

[@davidgates6872]

I BET HAKEEM would be an AWESOME dancer...with his nimble footwork

[@jamesmartin9401]

As a former dancer and a basketball fan, I wholeheartedly agree.

[@anthonygrant2902]

A Headache in my knee The Hakeem Dream. Happy Thanksgiving To All.

[@prxnicessmira1254]

This is the only vid I watched from your channel and you’re automatically getting a subscription

[@toby2k75]

Hakeem is one of my all time favorite players, not just out of the bigs, but all time period. And with that being said, it was a blessing for Houston that Jordan was retired those years Houston won they Championships.

[@screwstoner7137]

You mean it was a blessing for Chicago because they would of suffered their first two Ls

[@toby2k75]

@@screwstoner7137 look it wouldnt of been easy for Chicago. Houston was a force at that time. But the bulls wouldn't of lost that series if it happened. I have always said it could of been the only time Michael would of played in a game 7 his entire career.

[@saedmohamud9663]

When it comes to playing at both ends nobody was better then Hakeem. Hakeem can anchor your defence better then anyone and at same time in his prime he was dominant offensive player.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Wilt on the rare times he was MOTIVATED was better than Hakeem on both ends - but that wasn't nearly often enough.

[@davidclark5739]

Robert Horry doesn't seem like a player that went hard in practice. It's not a knock on him, he's just relaxed and ready for the big moments.

[@armandodelossantos736]

Horry was good but he was crazy inconsistent

[@winter9242]

That's cause he doesnt try to hard and he doesnt feel pressure since if he missed the blame would be on the team's star and not on him

[@altrock86]

My favorite player since the 90’s. Seems like he is more respected now then when he was playing

[@johnhoben293]

Hakeem was always one of my favorite players,he was right behind MJ in my card binder. Nasty AF

[@armandodelossantos736]

Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Shaq, Robinson or any other big man in history could not have taken the 94' Rockets by themselves way Olajuwon did

[@bearable55]

Yes sir! My favorite player ever is Hakeem.

[@tooakki]

mine as well

[@hakeemolajuwonBESTROCKET]

same

[@nevelefilms7336]

Top shottas

[@290TheEmpireRecords]

H town in here...the dream!!

[@thomasedgington6223]

Same here, 1st and only quadruple double

[@marvingamez9057]

And to top it off he was humble, didn’t bring attention to himself, didn’t have an ego.

[@trooperz3499]

Nice room and set up... It’s sooo real

[@johnwallace7668]

People forget he started playing ball late in his teens. He developed his game through hard work and discipline. He wasn’t born with that footwork. Respect!

[@jordanbryant5035]

He got his footwork came from soccer. Being 7 ft was a bonus

[@worldreader3746]

Jordan Bryant correct

[@cinstrife829]

Wow didn't know Kobe worked out with the Dream...thanks for the facts

[@290TheEmpireRecords]

LBJ also but he looked robotic trying to mimic Dream moves

[@Paul.Burrell]

So has Lebron and Dwight Howard, but they weren't good students like Kobe. Kobe utilized what he learned in the latter part of his career once the athleticism faded. Go back and look at Kobe post Shaq, and you'll notice the subtleties.

[@herbdaveydc]

Great Jordan highlights. Wow, Jordan is my idol and Hakeem made him human on those plays.

[@jasonanderson8528]

I loved watching in play in the 90s

[@Leonard_Wilson]

5:45 I've never seen a player dominate Ewing like Hakeem did. And this is coming from a Knicks fan.

[@GabrielEddy]

Even Wilt has respect for Hakeem the Dream

[@290TheEmpireRecords]

MJ picked the dream as his starting center for his team

[@bubot17]

@@290TheEmpireRecords everybody picked dream

[@Nic25]

@@bubot17 If want to WIN.....

[@delprice3007]

great videos!

[@MiguelMartinez-zh9qo]

Great Vid 👍

[@seansimms8503]

As a Celtics fan back then I knew The Dream was good, he was the only big man in the ,league with better foot work than Mchale, period.

[@chrismalone5198]

He on mount Rushmore top 5 players of alltime

[@meeee500]

Hakeem was amazing the type of post shots he would take and make was jaw dropping he knew how to work that back board like No other

[@factsonly2764]

Great video

[@kenney0313]

Pound4Pound the most complete big in history; Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwan!😎

[@jamescook6564]

I read Hakeem's book "Living the Dream" in it he talks about the proposed trade of Ralph Sampson for Clyde Drexler and the #2 pick. The Rockets almost had Hakeem, Drexler, and Jordan on the same team. That's 8-10 championships right there.

[@landey94grocks]

Good thing it didn’t happen, it wouldn’t be fair for the whole league 😂

[@monolithgeometry3221]

Yeah ,who was gonna pay those salaries. Not nobody

[@TerryT0114]

I was fortunate to be able to see Hakeen live a few times in Seattle, he was so quick for a 7ft tall guy. I got to see a lot of the 90's greats, he impressed me the most live. Hakeem was awesome.

[@patc1309]

He was actually closer to 6 ft 10

[@ryandavis8658]

🐐 Center, and it’s not even close!