30 players who define each NBA franchise
By Adam McGee
Houston Rockets 1984-2001. Hakeem Olajuwon. #34. player. 169. . C
Honorable Mentions: Elvin Hayes, Rudy Tomjanovich, Moses Malone
How many players in the history of the NBA could be drafted ahead of Michael Jordan, and yet still leave everybody hard-pressed to call it the wrong decision? The answer is very few, and that’s what makes Olajuwon one of the most unique players ever to grace the NBA.
“The Dream” didn’t live in Jordan’s shadow in any way, paving his own path to greatness with the Rockets throughout an illustrious NBA career that made most fans reassess what they had come to expect from 7’0″ big men.
Olajuwon moved with an ease and grace that is virtually unmatched across every center to have suited up in the history of the league. He just had greater awareness than so many of those he matched up against, and on offense that allowed him to have a feather soft touch, while defensively he’d bring all his power to swat away shots.
If I had to pick a center, I would take Olajuwon. And the reason I would take Olajuwon is very simple: he is so versatile because of what he can give you from that position. – Michael Jordan
Hakeem made twelve All-Star appearances, was named to six All-NBA First Teams, and was the league’s MVP in 1994. Most importantly of all, he led Houston to their only two championships back-to-back in 1994 and 1995 behind two Finals MVP showings. The Rockets have been dreaming ever since.
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