1987-88 Fleer Akeem Olajuwon #80 Houston Rockets HOF

Description: Hakeem Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Known for his incredible footwork, defensive prowess, and offensive skill, Olajuwon dominated the league during his career, particularly in the 1990s. Here's a summary of his career: ### Early Life and College- **Born**: January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria.- Initially a soccer player in Nigeria, Olajuwon transitioned to basketball and moved to the U.S. to play college basketball at the **University of Houston**.- At Houston, he teamed with Clyde Drexler and helped the Cougars reach three consecutive **NCAA Final Fours** (1982-1984), with the team famously known as "Phi Slama Jama." ### NBA Career- **Drafted**: Olajuwon was the **first overall pick** in the **1984 NBA Draft**, selected by the **Houston Rockets**. This was the same draft that included Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.- **Position**: Played as **center** throughout his career.- **Teams**: - **Houston Rockets** (1984–2001) - **Toronto Raptors** (2001–2002), his final season in the NBA. ### Career Achievements- **NBA Championships**: 2-time NBA champion with the **Houston Rockets** in **1994 and 1995**.- **NBA Finals MVP**: Named Finals MVP both years, in 1994 and 1995.- **NBA MVP**: Won the regular-season **NBA MVP** award in **1994**.- **All-Star Selections**: 12-time NBA All-Star (1985–1997).- **All-NBA Teams**: Named to **12 All-NBA Teams** (First, Second, and Third).- **NBA All-Defensive Team**: A 9-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams.- **Defensive Player of the Year**: Won the **NBA Defensive Player of the Year** award twice (1993, 1994).- **Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the **Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame** in **2008**. ### Career Stats- **Points**: 26,946 (21.8 PPG)- **Rebounds**: 13,748 (11.1 RPG)- **Assists**: 3,058 (2.5 APG)- **Blocks**: 3,830 (3.1 BPG) – **Most blocks in NBA history**.- **Steals**: 2,162 (1.7 SPG) – The only center to be in the top 10 all-time in both blocks and steals. ### Playing Style and Signature MovesOlajuwon was known for his incredible footwork, particularly his signature move, the **"Dream Shake,"** a series of fakes, pivots, and spins in the post that left defenders guessing and unable to block his shots. His combination of size, agility, and skill made him one of the most versatile centers to ever play the game. He was also a dominant defensive player, excelling in shot-blocking, rebounding, and protecting the paint. His ability to block shots and disrupt plays, along with his skillful offensive game, set him apart from other big men of his era. ### Notable Accomplishments- **1994 NBA Championship**: Olajuwon led the Rockets to their first NBA title, defeating the New York Knicks in a seven-game series. This was especially significant as Olajuwon became the first player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (1994).- **1995 NBA Championship**: The Rockets, as the 6th seed, defeated four 50-win teams on their way to the title. Olajuwon outplayed fellow Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, and Shaquille O'Neal during this playoff run. ### Post-Playing CareerOlajuwon has become well known for mentoring NBA players, particularly centers and forwards, on footwork and post moves. Players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwight Howard sought him out for offseason training. ### LegacyHakeem Olajuwon is remembered as one of the most skilled big men in NBA history. His unique combination of offensive finesse, defensive dominance, and leadership on the court helped shape his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats. His back-to-back championships with the Rockets, especially in an era dominated by other greats, solidified his place among the basketball elite.

Price: 15 USD

Location: Olathe, Kansas

End Time: 2025-01-05T03:07:02.000Z

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