1986 Fleer #82 Hakeem Olajuwon PSA 9

1986 Fleer #82 Hakeem Olajuwon PSA 9 – A Mint Rookie of the Rockets’ Towering Legend

By 1986, Hakeem Olajuwon—then still going by “Akeem”—had already made his presence known as one of the most dominant big men in the NBA. A former No. 1 overall pick out of the University of Houston, Olajuwon had helped lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals in just his second season. His mix of shot-blocking, footwork, and post scoring was unlike anything the league had seen, and it was only a preview of the Hall of Fame career to come. He would go on to become a 12-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Champion, MVP in 1994, and the all-time leader in blocked shots. Simply put—Hakeem changed the game for big men.

This 1986 Fleer #82 rookie card is the first mainstream issue of Olajuwon and one of the true keystone cards in the most iconic basketball set ever printed. This PSA 9 example is a beauty, boasting sharp corners, vibrant colors, strong registration, and excellent centering—no easy feat in a set notorious for print flaws and off-centering. The classic red, white, and blue Fleer border frames the rising Houston star in all his early-career dominance, making it a striking visual piece.

For collectors looking to add a pillar of '80s and '90s NBA greatness to their collection, this Hakeem Olajuwon PSA 9 rookie is a no-brainer. It’s a card that embodies both historical significance and long-term collector appeal, honoring a player whose grace and power in the paint made him one of the most complete centers the game has ever seen.