24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Hakeem Olajuwon
Center Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets
Dream Shaking his way to two titles and basketball immortality
- 2-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
- 1994 NBA Most Valuable Player
- 12-time NBA All-Star and 2-time Defensive Player of the Year
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Hakeem Olajuwon revolutionised the centre position with his unparalleled footwork, defensive prowess, and smooth offensive game, becoming one of the NBA's all-time greats.
Overview
Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon's journey from soccer player in Lagos, Nigeria to NBA superstar is one of basketball's most remarkable stories. Olajuwon didn't start playing basketball until age 15, yet his natural athleticism and work ethic propelled him to become one of the most skilled and dominant centres in NBA history.
After leading the University of Houston to three Final Four appearances, Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in the legendary 1984 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as an elite big man, pairing with Ralph Sampson to form the "Twin Towers" that led Houston to the 1986 NBA Finals.
Olajuwon's game reached new heights in the 1990s as he perfected his array of post moves, dubbed the "Dream Shake." His combination of footwork, fakes, and touch around the basket made him virtually unstoppable on offense. Defensively, his timing and anticipation allowed him to be an elite shot-blocker and rebounder.
Career Snapshot
Olajuwon's individual accolades speak to his all-around brilliance. He remains the only player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season (1994). He made 12 All-Star teams, was named to 12 All-NBA teams, and earned 9 All-Defensive selections.
Statistically, Olajuwon ranks among the all-time leaders in blocks (1st), rebounds (14th), and points (12th). He is one of only four players to record a quadruple-double and holds the record for most "5x5" games (at least 5 in all five major statistical categories) with six.
Playing Style
Olajuwon made the centre position his own with a unique blend of power, finesse, and skill. While traditional centres of his era were often limited offensively, Olajuwon could score from anywhere on the court. His signature "Dream Shake" move combined lightning-quick footwork, multiple fakes, and soft touch to leave defenders helpless.
Defensively, Olajuwon was equally dominant. His blend of timing, athleticism, and instincts made him one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history. He could also defend on the perimeter, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Why Olajuwon is on our list
Olajuwon's peak in the mid-1990s represents one of the most dominant stretches by any player in NBA history. He led the Rockets to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP both times. His 1995 playoff run, in particular, saw him outplay a string of elite centres including David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal.
Beyond his on-court dominance, Olajuwon's impact on the game is immeasurable. He paved the way for international players in the NBA and showed that centres could be skilled offensive players, not just defensive anchors. His post-career legacy includes training many of today's top big men in his techniques.
Five Fast Facts
- Olajuwon is the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots with 3,830
- He is one of only four players to record a quadruple-double in NBA history
- Olajuwon was the first foreign-born player to win NBA MVP
- He led the NCAA in rebounding in 1983 and 1984 while at the University of Houston
- Olajuwon finished his career as one of only four players with over 20,000 points, 12,000 rebounds, and 3,000 blocks
Career Highlights Timeline
1984: Selected 1st overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft
1986: Leads Rockets to NBA Finals appearance
1989: Named to his first All-NBA First Team
1993: Wins Defensive Player of the Year
1994: Wins NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and leads Rockets to first NBA title
1995: Leads Rockets to second consecutive NBA championship
1996: Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
2008: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Hakeem Olajuwon's legacy as one of the most skilled and dominant centres in NBA history is secure. His unique journey to basketball stardom, coupled with his revolutionary playing style and incredible accomplishments, make him a true legend of the game. The "Dream Shake" will forever be remembered as one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball history, a testament to Olajuwon's creativity and skill that changed the centres position forever.
