Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Hakeem Olajuwon

Discover the career path of Hakeem Olajuwon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Hakeem Olajuwon, known as "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. He played center in the NBA from 1984 to 2002, primarily for the Houston Rockets, leading them to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2008) and the FIBA Hall of Fame (2016), Olajuwon is celebrated as one of the greatest centers in basketball history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1973: Shot-blocking Becomes an Official Statistic

In the 1973-74 NBA season, shot-blocking became an official statistic in the NBA.

1973: Blocked shots and steals statistics

Since the 1973-74 NBA season, blocked shots and steals were first kept as statistics in the NBA

1973: Starting recording blocked shots

The NBA started recording blocked shots in 1973-74.

1983: Rockets Record

In the 1983-84 season, the Houston Rockets had a 29-53 record.

1984: Olajuwon's First Pick Announced by Stern

In 1984, David Stern announced Hakeem Olajuwon as the first pick in the NBA draft.

1984: NBA Career Begins

In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon began his NBA career with the Houston Rockets.

1984: Teamed Up with Ralph Sampson

In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon teamed with Ralph Sampson to form the 'Twin Towers' duo.

1984: Drafted by Houston Rockets

In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in a draft class that included Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.

1985: Second Pro Season

During his second pro season in 1985-86, Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game.

1985: Runner-Up for Rookie of the Year

In 1985, Hakeem Olajuwon finished as runner-up to Michael Jordan in the Rookie of the Year voting, averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.68 blocks in his rookie season.

1985: Introduction of NBA draft lottery

The NBA draft lottery was introduced in 1985. Prior to this, the first pick was awarded by a coin flip.

1986: Western Conference Finals Victory

In 1986, Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets reached the NBA Finals, shocking the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. They ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in the Finals.

1986: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1986, Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games.

1986: Previous Finals

In 1986, the Rockets made it to the Finals.

1988: Sampson Traded

In 1988, Ralph Sampson was traded to the Golden State Warriors, making Hakeem Olajuwon the undisputed leader of the Houston Rockets.

1988: First Full Season as Rockets' Leader

The 1988-89 season marked Hakeem Olajuwon's first full season as the Rockets' undisputed leader, coinciding with the hiring of coach Don Chaney.

1989: Head-to-head Match-ups Against David Robinson

From 1989 to 1996, Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game against David Robinson, shooting 47.6% from the field, while Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%.

1989: Led the League in Rebounding

In 1989, Hakeem Olajuwon led the NBA league in rebounding.

1989: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 1989, Olajuwon led the NBA in rebounding.

1990: NBA Finals Involvement

From 1990 to 1998, at least one of Drexler, Jordan, and Olajuwon was involved in every NBA Finals.

1990: Rebounding and Blocks Leader

In 1990, Hakeem Olajuwon led the league in both rebounding and blocks.

1990: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 1990, Olajuwon led the NBA in rebounding for the second time.

1991: Championship Streak Begins

From 1991 to 1998, every NBA championship team included either Michael Jordan or Hakeem Olajuwon.

1991: Led the League in Blocks

In 1991, Hakeem Olajuwon led the league in blocks.

1992: Passing Improvement

In 1992-93, Hakeem Olajuwon improved his passing, setting a new career-high of 3.5 assists per game.

1993: Led the League in Blocks

In 1993, Hakeem Olajuwon led the NBA league in blocks.

1993: Clutch Performances and Top Center Status

In 1993, Hakeem Olajuwon started displaying clutch performances, solidifying his reputation as one of the top centers in basketball history.

1993: MVP, Defensive Player, and Finals MVP

In the 1993-94 season, Hakeem Olajuwon became the first player in NBA history to win the NBA's MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in the same season.

December 1, 1994: Triple-Double Against the Golden State Warriors

On December 1, 1994, Olajuwon recorded a triple-double with 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 113–109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

1994: Clutch Performances and Top Center Status

In 1993-1994, Hakeem Olajuwon displayed clutch performances, solidifying his reputation as one of the top centers in basketball history.

1994: First NBA Championship

In 1994, Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to their first NBA championship.

1994: MVP, Championship, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1994, Olajuwon achieved the pinnacle of his career, becoming the only player in NBA history to win the MVP, the Championship, the Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. He was also the first foreign-born player to win the league's MVP award.

1995: Second NBA Championship

In 1995, Hakeem Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to their second consecutive NBA championship.

1995: Rockets Repeat as Champions

In 1995, despite a slow start and Olajuwon's anemia, the Houston Rockets repeated as champions, bolstered by the acquisition of Clyde Drexler. Olajuwon outplayed David Robinson in the Conference Finals and Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA Finals, earning his second Finals MVP award.

1995: Dream Shake on David Robinson

In 1995, during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs, Olajuwon executed a notable Dream Shake on David Robinson.

1996: Head-to-head Match-ups Against David Robinson

From 1989 to 1996, Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game against David Robinson, shooting 47.6% from the field, while Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Hakeem Olajuwon was a member of the United States national basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal with Dream Team III

In 1996, Olajuwon received a FIBA exemption and played for Dream Team III in the Olympics, winning a gold medal in Atlanta.

1996: Rockets Eliminated in Playoffs

In 1996, the Rockets' two-year championship run ended when they were eliminated in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the Seattle SuperSonics.

1997: Rockets Add Charles Barkley

In 1997, the Rockets added Charles Barkley to their roster and posted a 57-win season, but lost the Western Conference Finals to the Utah Jazz.

1998: Championship Streak Ends

From 1991 to 1998, every NBA championship team included either Michael Jordan or Hakeem Olajuwon.

1998: Drexler's Retirement and Olajuwon's Dip in Point Production

In 1998, Olajuwon's point production dipped, and after the Rockets lost in the first round to the Jazz, Drexler retired.

2000: Mobley and Francis Join Rockets

In 2000, young guards Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis, co-Rookie of the Year, joined the Houston Rockets.

August 2, 2001: Trade to the Toronto Raptors

On August 2, 2001, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors for draft picks after refusing a $13 million deal with the Rockets.

2002: Retirement Due to Injury

In the fall of 2002, Olajuwon decided to retire due to a back injury, ending his NBA career as the all-time league leader in total blocked shots.

2006: Opening of Big Man Camp

In the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Big Man Camp, teaching young frontcourt players post play techniques.

September 2009: Training Kobe Bryant

In September 2009, Olajuwon worked with Kobe Bryant on post moves and the Dream Shake.

2010: Training Dwight Howard

In 2010, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus.

2011: Training LeBron James

In the 2011 offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston and spent time working with Olajuwon.

2013: Olajuwon Attends 2013 NBA Draft

In 2013, Hakeem Olajuwon attended the NBA draft to bid farewell to retiring commissioner David Stern as Stern announced the final pick of the first round.