Hakeem Olajuwon
Drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984, the Nigerian-born center grew into the NBA's most complete big man. His defining moment came in the 1993-94 season, when he became the only player ever to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same year while leading Houston to its first title. He became a superstar in 1994 and led the Rockets to back-to-back championships.
From Lagos to Houston
Hakeem Olajuwon grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, playing soccer and team handball before taking up basketball as a teenager. At the University of Houston he starred for the dunk-happy 'Phi Slama Jama' teams. The Rockets made him the first overall pick in the 1984 draft.
The Dream's Reign
Nicknamed 'The Dream' for his graceful footwork, Olajuwon led Houston to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. In 1993-94 he swept MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP, a feat no other player has matched. He remains the NBA's career blocks leader.
Lasting Legacy
A 12-time All-Star, Olajuwon won Olympic gold with the 1996 U.S. team and was named one of the NBA's 50 greatest players. He finished his career with Toronto in 2002 and entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. His 'Dream Shake' is still taught to young big men.
Career Timeline
- 1984Rockets draft him first overall
- 1986Leads Houston to the NBA Finals
- 1993Wins first Defensive Player of the Year
- 1994Named regular-season MVP
- 1994Wins first NBA title and Finals MVP
- 1995Leads Rockets to second straight title
- 1996Wins Olympic gold with Team USA
- 2002Retires after final season in Toronto
- 2008Inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- In 1993-94 Olajuwon became the only player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in one season.
- He is the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots with 3,830, and recorded over 2,000 career steals.
Portrait: Uncredited (San Angelo Standard-Times) · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons