NBA Stories: Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (/əˈlaɪʒuːˌɒn/;[1] [olaɟuwɔ̃]; born January 21, 1963), formerly known as Akeem Olajuwon, is a Nigerian-American retired professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In 2008, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. Listed at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) (but standing closer to 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) by his own admission), Olajuwon is considered one of the greatest centers ever to play the game. He was nicknamed "The Dream" during his basketball career after he dunked so effortlessly that his college coach said it "looked like a dream."

[@wiley666]

Not only the greatest center to ever play, but an amazing human being as well. I don’t think I’ve ever met a nicer guy. Caught him outside the grocery store in Houston one day and just blurted out “hey Hakeem, can I get an autograph!” I had no pen and nothing to sign. He went to his car, got a pen and a piece of paper and signed an autograph and gave it to me. Then thanked me for my support and shook my hand. I don’t think I’ll ever meet a nicer professional sports player than Hakeem.

[@rusli9175]

So happy knowing your story, God bless Dream

[@michaelreyes6258]

Kevin W nice 👍🏼

[@avery-james]

He gave you the dream handshake

[@gordieevans2263]

Kevin W I’d say you could chalk that up to his roots. Being from Nigeria humbleness was in his heart as there were no basketball heroes in his hometown and family, until him

[@qaddfeyirichardson7907]

@@gordieevans2263 Great way to express 👍

[@celebratedfamilycards1802]

I was 13 years old, my dad comes home from work and tells us he just got season tickets to the Rockets. We had never had season tickets to any sport so this was a huge deal. It was 93/94 season. Thanks to my dad getting those season tickets I was at game 7 in Houston when we won it all! Thanks dad

[@paksta]

Whooooaaaa! Mate, that's amazing. When I first got into hoops, I loved the Knicks and how they took it to the Bulls. I was always so disappointed from them being one shot away that year, but now your story makes me feel better about it. That season must have been a helluva ride. I remember Knicks and Suns were favourites, but Rockets jumped out to some record winning run to open the season.

[@JoshuaSoto-xi7rt]

I remember when the Rockets won the Champions I was in my hood TG Trinity Garden at the spot good old times H-Town in the 90's was so much fun how times fly bye 🌴🌴🌴😎😎🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽📡🛰️🛰️🛰️🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@michaelastorga3187]

Hakeem Olajawon. The greatest Houston sports figure ever

[@peteramarillo8952]

he was in the top ten in steals every year for 8 straight years. a center in the top ten in steals? ??? you got to be kidding me

[@tompaulcampbell]

No, not kidding!

[@mikaelpecan5991]

He’s #1 in blocks and top ten all time in steals. One of the most versatile players to ever play the game

[@devinlwoods]

Closest big guy is garnett... and he's not that close.

[@corylopez8149]

And for 8 years... damn

[@JoshuaSoto-xi7rt]

Yessir check that H-Town status 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@mikaelpecan5991]

In the 2nd championship season, they beat Stockton&Malone, Barkley, Robinson, and Shaq&Penny. One of the best post season runs

[@1951RKP]

They beat every one of the top teams and had to do it on the road every series.

[@ernieestrada193]

🐂🤠☝️🇨🇱💍💍

[@peteramarillo8952]

hakeem is the only player in history to be in the top ten in steals, rebounds, blocked shots, shooting percentage and scoring for a season. and he did it in many seasons. Amazing

[@derricklbraddock4402]

Also one of few to have quadruple double

[@juanio7036]

Hakeem would annihilate every center and pf in today’s nba on both ends of the floor. Most humbled dominate nba player I’d ever seen play

[@Johnkoth]

I see him has a top 5 center all time. And todays centers are the weakest ever. David Robinson, Kareem, Wilt, would also.

[@Throwedxiii]

A once in a lifetime type of talent. No big man had handles, agility, defensive skills, post game and shooting ability like Dream did. We were robbed of a chance to see Jordan vs Dream.

[@eddiebowles7903]

ReturnoftheBrotha, nope. The Rockets swept the team that knocked the Bulls out in 95.

[@eddiebowles7903]

OneofAKind 13, Jordan robbed us by quitting.

[@jasonelliott7977]

OneofAKind 13 Houston couldn’t get past Seattle.

[@timothybessemer7316]

@@jasonelliott7977 Seattle had Houston's number as much as Houston had Chicago's number back then. Houston just couldn't get to the match up vs. Chicago. Jordan was a Hakeem fan. Would have been nice seeing those two on the same court with it all on the line.

[@kvltizt]

Arvydas Sabonis

[@Aih1616]

Best center in NBA history

[@derricklbraddock4402]

One of the best Kareem, wilt moses not bad company though

[@halfogre7843]

wilt said the only person that could hang with him was olajuwon because of his foot work and speed

[@FuShengAlex]

@@halfogre7843 Kareem was a problem for any version of Wilt

[@jaleelmuhammad9659]

1.Kareem 2.Russell 3.Wilt 4.Dream 5.Shaq 6.Malone 7.Mikan 8.Robinson 9.Ewing 10.Walton

[@Aih1616]

Derrick L Braddock yea true should have wrote “one of the” and to be specific “One of the best from whom I’ve seen” I’ve only seen highlights of Bill Russel, Mikan, Wilt etc

[@mrjmart06]

This man never gets his respect greatest Center of all time

[@chefmyhouseandrepyourflag6483]

Jorge Martinez He will never gets it cause he’s from Africa. The media is racist too my friend.

[@LakersFanSinceJulyst]

+Jay Buissereth no, it’s because his accolades don’t contend with Kareem’s, Russell, or Wilts.

[@Johnkoth]

Hakeem had greatest footwork and was greatest stealing for a center. Kareem best hooks ever, all time points leader. Better scorer, passer and rebounder than Hakeem. Wilt #2 Most points ever for a center, best passing center ever, has PPG for center ever, Most APG for a center. Most RPG per game, 2nd highest PPG ever. Only player to ever a double double times 2 for a career. 20 pts and 20s rebounds. Most NBA records and 2nd most is way behind.

[@Johnkoth]

Bill Russell best defense player ever, #2 in rebounds per game all time. 1 of ONLY 2 players to average 20 rebounds per game for a career.

[@FuShengAlex]

@@LakersFanSinceJulyst pfft....only Kareem was greater. Hakeem > Wilt/Russell. Neither could hold a candle to Olajuwon offensively in the playoffs and Hakeem was at either of their levels defensively. They both were fortunate to have FAR more talented teammates than he ever had in his prime

[@shake1494]

The most skillful centre and the most graceful player in the NBA!

[@derrickhepburn528]

Shaiakh Amjad amen

[@AdemolaVictorTv]

Watching this from Lagos Nigeria. The home of Hakeem 👌👍

[@justawinddown]

Thats awesome. Im eating my own shit rite now.

[@lloydkline7245]

AdemolaVictorTv really, i know you are proud of Hakeem

[@monolithgeometry3221]

Lagos should switch to a monarchy and make Hakeem your King

[@gbemisayoquadri9916]

Same on this day, october 2020

[@T.R.R.Jolkien]

Hi from Houston, Texas. 😎🇺🇸

[@maximilianpro113]

Guys he created a club in Birmingham and he is my coach the club is called cob rockets I see him everyday at training

[@zachh13]

The most skillful center of all time

[@jarekwajcfeld5127]

Definitly

[@Johnkoth]

There is a guy named Wilt Chamberlin that played center and has 72 records. Could do anything Hakeem could do. Plus Jump higher, get way more Rebounds, points and run faster. Block Kareem's skyhooks. Have more stamina.

[@N1_4Z]

j k so you’re telling me has the same footwork as olajuwon yeah sure mate

[@calvinpoe8379]

Hakeem the greatest Center the NBA has ever seen. The man was amazing to watch.

[@tantk6187]

Hakeem visited Malaysia once back in 1993. My friend skipped school to meet him and proudly showed off his signed cards the next day. Years later I obtained 2 Hakeem upperdeck autographs. And just last month I bought 2 of his sgc graded fleer 86 rookie cards and a psa graded sticker. Duncan and Olajuwon are 2 of my favorite big men.

[@larrytaylor3804]

if you think about it, to me Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most humbling big centers and big men that have ever played the game. And that's why he had a fantastic career in the NBA.

[@becboone7540]

MJ's bitch?? The Rockets were the only team with a winning regular season record against the Bulls from 1992-1997. MJ came out of retirement midway through the 95 season to lead the Bulls to the title but lost to the Magic, who the Rockets SWEPT. MJ would be ecstatic the West was sooo much stronger than the East and he never had to face the Rockets for the title. The Dream would have dropped 45pts every night on Luc Lonley :)

[@becboone7540]

My mommy lol, Im 42. Jordan is and always will be the GOAT but I won't stand for disrespect to the greatness of the Dream. Revolutionised the centre position, exceptional at offence, rebounding, blocking, stealing, transition, posting, facing up...and probably had 8 of the greatest individual seasons of all time from 1988 to 1996. And your buttbuddy Jordan called the Dream the greatest centre of all time so stop dissing Jordan!!

[@donaldyoung9901]

ok..being from Houston..I am everything rockets..when reporters ask micheal Jordan who he thought was the best player ever..without hesatation..he said hakeem..now..for those who guessing if the rockets would have won the title if m.j had not retired..in micheal entire career..the Bulls played the rockets 8 times..the rockets won 7 ( look it up)..look this up..off the record..micheal said: I'm glad they can't make it out of the west..why? asked one reporter..micheal said: because that guy is a monster (hakeem) then he said: we have no answer for him..I don't think we can beat them...look it all up

[@thedude3538]

_Lebum James_I need sum more Help_Bring In Kobe & Duncan_ educate yourself little kid no emojis allowed Read more

[@joepropsnyc]

No one that big was good on both sides of the court. That dude dribbled the ball down court like a guard. Underrated.

[@majikmoments9933]

Hakeem was one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. Nigeria is loaded with gifted and talented people, not just in sports.

[@naturalblockade3412]

Like every country

[@eddiebowles7903]

Top 6 all time. I don't care what media members say. Name another player who was as good offensively and defensively at the same time and lead a team with no other all star to a ring.

[@123dan165]

Imagine Houston could have had Jordan, Clyde Drexler and THIS BEAST in one team.

[@supertarzan12]

Never ever ever ever underestimate the heart of champions

[@devinlwoods]

Or hakeem

[@oohweeoohwee9222]

Houston has the most Nigerians in the United States because of akeem.

[@kurtadams3021]

My Dude . I named my only son after this great man

[@EternityMTC]

Wow, that’s gay.

[@cjtrashcan]

@@EternityMTC you are gay.

[@jamesmartin9401]

@@EternityMTC Not only was your comment insulting, it was homophobic. Down vote.

[@amadoubarry908]

@@EternityMTC shut tf up rude ass

[@johnwolfe5960]

i remember that block on starks when he was driving to the basket ,,smashed it into 2nd row...starks was in shock . Didnt play well after that always looking over his shoulder. Long live "the Dream"

[@derricklbraddock4402]

That was rod Strickland

[@AseeF]

When you look up the definition of the word 'Humble' in the dictionary. Youll find this guy right there. Such a down to earth person!

[@MrAceFab]

i remember his shoe contract with spalding.... he signed that contract because he wanted a good shoe but not expansive like nike.. all that ... for the kids...a different champion from any point of view

[@michaelreyes6258]

MrAceFab I remember that

[@reesee2068]

He's a nice guy all that for the kids because he didn't have much growing up

[@sabin97]

he wasnt greedy.

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@reesee2068 he didn't have much growing up? By whose standards?

[@runningsuperska]

What a great era for basketball. How many hall of fame players did he have to battle for those championships!? Great player.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Especially Michael Jordan period.

[@clanwaddell5628]

Guy has best smile in NBA history

[@sirjer73]

Along with Magic

[@bigdaddy5011]

The best ever it really sucks how he don’t get the respect and attention he should get

[@derricklbraddock4402]

You must've not been watching at the time, they give much love and respect

[@arnoldstrickland5742]

He was not only the greatest NBA center of all time I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him I am now 50 and don't think I've ever seen a more humble and thankful human in my life and that comes from his roots and was nurtured in his soul over the years always respected and always showing he was willing to help others succeed

[@welwynmanager323]

I get goose bumps from this but what a generation of great players we saw in the 90s. I remember the adverts from NBA in thoses days " I love this game..." Great men like The Dream Hakeem, Magic Johnson, Air Jordan, Larry Bird, The Admiral Robinson, Sir Charles Barkley, Mailman Malone, Clyde Drexler, Reggie Miller, John Stockhon, Scottie Pippen, Shaq, Patrick Ewing, Penny Hardaway and so many more... Winners, Leaders, Men ... they let the game speak rather than get involved in controversy... Enough respect to these LEGENDS... Love from Nigeria

[@Franco_City]

MOST UNDER RATED PLAYER IN ANY SPORT

[@Romamb]

Can he be considered underrated if he was awarded MVP? 🤔

[@ILLCLAPYOCHEEKSBOI]

@@Romamb yes. He's a top 5 all time player but is rarely mentioned as such

[@naturalblockade3412]

Underrated NOT.

[@desireedurant20]

THE "DREAM SHAKE" enough said period!!!!!🤷

[@zbsrrxrobertson5780]

Definitely a gifted/anointed player. Showed what Our Heavenly Father can do through basketball players He uses!!! Amen!!

[@georgetosounidis5545]

Hakeem is probably the best center of the NBA, ever and my personal favorite. But no one was as frightening to see as Shawn Kemp.

[@samiahmed6875]

The only Center who did crossovers

[@hectorlopez1069]

To fool his opponents

[@gilmoskovich7304]

The best center of all time (my opinion). He is amazing.

[@joepermenter7228]

Only player in NBA history with the dribble of a guard, dominance of a center inside the paint on both sides of the ball, range of a small forward, and agility of a rebounding power forward guru. The bias of Jordan, front office trade mistakes, injuries to key players during his youth, and a late assembly of supporting cast during his prime are the reasons people don't think of him as the GOAT.

[@sabin97]

and also the fact that jordan is the goat has a lot of weight in that. there can be only one goat. and that's jordan. olajuwon is probably second. which is also amazingly impressive.

[@marioallison7018]

I can agree with that good point

[@Johnkoth]

MJ does not agree with being called the greatest. Kobe list of the greatest 3 players ever 1 Wilt 2 Himself 3 MJ

[@rxj0765]

the greatness centre in NBA history

[@hectorlopez1069]

He was terrific

[@ernieestrada193]

☝️🇨🇱🤠🏆🏆🐂

[@thundroz4173]

I'm 23 this year and only learn basketball for 5years now. Although i have no proper training and watching youtube just to be the best version of myself, I would like to thank hakeem for all the moves that he had. Man i just wished i was born in 90s so i can see the dream. Forever will be indebted to you. Thank you Dream!

[@grantwileyesq.5962]

Still to this day my all time favorite athlete.

[@JeriDro]

he held the mvp trophy with the team, true teammate

[@hectorlopez1069]

That was beautiful

[@manug7957]

Greatest center in NBA history. Fluid footwork while playing gracefully throughout his career. True champion.

[@YOTD777]

Just one word to describe him......HUMBLE

[@Kimo22425]

When MJ says that with Olajuwon on his team nobody was going to beat them, it sums up everything

[@jamesvickers2026]

Hakeem gave David the bizzness...the best center ever!!!!...the man is so humble!!...#dreamshake

[@MrKike1313]

Best center ever. He won a championship w nothing but roll players, unlike teams like now. Since him, only Dirk has done it. Even Jordan, he has pippen.

[@Dented_Battle_Armor]

DON'T EVER, UNDER ESTIMATE THE HEART OF A CHAMPION!

[@meghatre6140]

Respect for Hakeem The Dream!!!! 34

[@David-lz5dn]

He's one of the best centers of all time if not the best, he definitely had the best footwork. They say he's 7 foot but i think he's more like 6'10.

[@hectorlopez1069]

He was not 7'0 feet, that's what I hate about the NBA. They always like to lie about people's height.

[@simonzhouxiao]

Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion!

[@reyyboyy8346]

He carried a team team yoo. For the fact he did all that without fellow stars in the team is jus crazy

[@redsammy7789]

I lived in Houston through out his career, my friends and I got together and watched every game.

[@olbaprabocse9940]

Superb player and person. Excellent centre up there with Wilt and Kareem. When MJ puts him in his greatest team and when Shaq says he couldnt break him you KNOW this guy was great.

[@KimMessengerOfRap]

When basketball was super exciting to watch👍🏾👍🏾 Houston will always love you Dream ❤️

[@hectorlopez1069]

The dream was needed in Houston

[@hectorlopez1069]

This African man dominated the basketball world.

[@christopherwoods9830]

This whole time I watched this I was crying for joy. Houston streets were lit when we won the first time ,

[@Afghanistan603]

Best NBA player ever

[@grantwileyesq.5962]

Ismail Burale Yes!!

[@theesotaricitalian6338]

his name is michael jordan ? lol

[@pickzkickz]

@@theesotaricitalian6338 Olajuwon owned Jordan....

[@Fuzzyeyebrowsyo]

My man Johnny Starks! Loved that Knicks/Rockets series.

[@bubbahenderson7418]

ReturnoftheBrotha it hurts

[@derricklbraddock4402]

Just think if Mike wouldn't had retired, 94 series would have had Mike and Hakeem head to head. That would have been beyond awesome!

[@hectorlopez1069]

​@@derricklbraddock4402 Hakeem defeating Jordan

[@oscarl.ramirez7355]

Mr. Olajuwon was is and the Best Center in the NBA. Much respect from this Texan.

[@harithhunter4671]

the best center I seen play in the NBA

[@Nkosinati]

Without question the greatest defender in the modern era (respect to Bill Russell). Arguably the most skilled center of all time. Listed at 7' feet, but was actually 6'10"; dominated 7' footers with ease. A quadruple double machine. Quadruple. Come on now. Hakeem mf Olajuwon. Recognize. Is he actually the greatest center of all time?!

[@laz44laz44]

Jordan, magic, Bird, Tim Duncan, and olajuwon. Top 5 basketball players ever

[@michaelreyes6258]

laz44laz44 I love it! Agree!

[@tombouu]

jabbar

[@AMAZNGMUSIC]

I like this list

[@FireAngelChris]

Mine Bron,Kareem,Jordan,Magic,andWilt.

[@jamalwalker]

Kareem gets no respect

[@boston312]

He had the best footwork of any big man throughout the history of the NBA

[@MWXassassinXWM]

Yomi Bakset his first Basketbal mentor back in Nigeria, He has an Amazing Basketball career, Very proud of him ,

[@naturalblockade3412]

Who is Yomi Basket in the hierarchy of basketball in Nigeria when Hakeem was growing up? How is/was he Hakeem's mentor. The basketball coach? While it is true that he was on the junior Nigerian basketball team, Hakeem developed his skill at U of H and in the NBA. More importantly he worked hard, very hard. Let no Yomi Basket claim credit for Hakeem's greatness.

[@reycarlos4436]

The only Hall of Famer to win a championship without other Hall of Fame or All Star help, something Jordan will never claim. How many championships would Dream have won in Chicago with all that All Star help? How many rings would Jordan have trying to carry Houston, especially when alot of Houston's players were CBA bred. Don't forget the Bulls were still a 50 win team without Jordan. Pippen still carried that team. Dream did it by himself, making his team Champions for two straight years without being the No. 1 seed. Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Curry will always be overrrated compared to Hakeem's accomplishments. Hakeem Olajuwon=GREATEST OF All TIME!

[@salihahmad4131]

rey carlos only for the 1st championship, he had drexler for the 2nd

[@austinsullivan57]

Dirk did it. My 2 favorite players of all time. Hakeem 1A, Dirk 1B.

[@therealflamelit]

yep Dirk did it... but dont foget..the 2004 Pistons beat a squad FULL OF ALL STARS & HALL OF FAMERS, so I count them too

[@charlesgayles894]

rey carlos he had drexler for one

[@whiskers11234]

rey carlos Robert Horry is a Hall of famer and was a part of both Houston championships

[@jaybirdjaybird9410]

Top 5-10 All Time. Defense was brilliant. Strong enough for Shaw. Best footwork EVER in the post. Loved him!

[@skeet5984]

this gotta be the best Hakeem Olajuwon documentary

[@patrioticlion9773]

None of the Centers in NBA history get the credit they deserve

[@bowsershark]

He was due. It is a shame that Akeem &Clyde did not win a NCAA tittle together. It is sweet that both joined together in Houston to win 2 rings in the NBA. The hunger and drive of college helped fuel their professional experience when they had more control of team situations with a more disciplined coach.

[@Romamb]

Clyde won 1 ring.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Olajuwon did it by himself in the first championship, Clyde wasn't there yet. He was still in Portland.

[@dunez_icy4831]

All the good things that happened in my life is all bc of you. Damn that’s deep

[@brentlowe568]

One my favorite players humble nice guy, killer on the court was phenomenal to watch size power agility and speed. Handles were phenomenal as well!

[@dolliejones2295]

Respect the Man. Thank you Jesus ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@johnc9793]

Best overall around center in NBA history.

[@panosmaxvalde9410]

The GOAT 🐐 of centers with outstanding performance in both sides of the field

[@richardruss30]

Excellent video, perfect closing remarks!

[@lekandare8939]

Watching from Nigeria. Inspired!

[@arturollanderal529]

The dream!🐐🐐🐐

[@lomasticas8720]

The fact that current players still go to him for help with they game tells you just how unstoppable his game was and still is

[@michaelastorga3187]

Greatest 2 years in Houston sports

[@henrymambo3098]

Hakeem Olajuwon the best export from Africa

[@dahirmohamed7018]

Respect the great Center the dream

[@dr.levanpertenava6051]

Hakim olajuan thank you

[@joshuaferris7520]

One of my favorite players all time

[@eliasdunlao2362]

Hakeem best center ever, all around player, 🙏🙏🙏

[@fcos4583]

Tha Dream 🐐

[@sdfgsdfg9549]

Hakeem had power forward moves and fade-away when Centers back then were only known for their rebounds and tower defence. If there is ever a GOAT team he will be one of the starting 5.

[@andreaspapadakis2602]

such a pity that sampson didnt have a long career..what a duo both huge,athletic and very skilled players..

[@0maj0hns0n3]

People don't realize how many hall of fame players got clowned by Hakeem Olajuwon

[@shyiso]

Humility & Manners should be the title of his biography.

[@ALKING3434]

The GREATEST to EVER bless the court #34

[@LAR-hs2qt]

The Dream, basketball royalty. 🏀🏅🏆

[@meghatre6140]

One of the greatest NBA Centers and a hall of famer. He is a really intelligent basketball player and propagates his intelligence in his post moves and especially the Hakeem ' Dream Shake'

[@Indigo_LaCrown]

And now almost 15 years after this documentary was made, he's coaching up Sengun. *Inspiration may come and go but Dreams Are Forever*

[@ellismarcelle321]

95 WCF.... the stuff of LEGENDS!!!

[@taysteiner9199]

Best center of all time.. and I also think that if there ever was a one on one NBA tournament,, dream would be the G.O.A.T.

[@abdinasiraden8875]

Respect

[@b01tact10n]

Patrick's baseline shots are pretty sweet to watch. Hakeem's shake... I can watch him do that all game 😁

[@khanchango]

Legend

[@ernieestrada193]

The Houston rocket legend

[@Olbear040]

The heart of a champion….