Hakeem Olajuwon

The Dream Who Redefined the Center Position

Some centers dominated the paint. Hakeem Olajuwon dominated the game.

With unmatched footwork, a legendary arsenal of post moves, and elite shot-blocking, Olajuwon wasn’t just one of the best big men in NBA history—he was one of the most complete players to ever step on a court.

Nicknamed “The Dream”, his ability to move like a guard while controlling the paint like a titan made him the prototype for the modern big man.

And when the spotlight was brightest, he delivered—leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back championships, securing his legacy as one of the greatest centers ever.

From Soccer Fields to NBA Stardom

Born in 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon didn’t even play basketball until he was 15 years old.

Grew up playing soccer, which developed his footwork—later becoming his greatest weapon.
Moved to the United States to play for the University of Houston, where he quickly became a dominant force.
Led Houston to three straight Final Fours (1982-1984).
Named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1983.

After an incredible college career, the Houston Rockets selected Olajuwon No. 1 overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, ahead of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.

It would become one of the best picks in NBA history.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Hakeem wasn’t just dominant—he was historic.

Two-time NBA Champion (1994, 1995).
Two-time NBA Finals MVP.
NBA MVP (1994).
Two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994).
Twelve-time NBA All-Star.
Twelve-time All-NBA selection.
Nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.
NBA All-Time Leader in Blocks (3,830).
Career Averages: 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks per game.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Olajuwon remains the only player in NBA history to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season (1994).

The Most Skilled Center in NBA History?

Hakeem wasn’t just a dominant big man—he was a master technician.

His "Dream Shake" was one of the most unstoppable moves in NBA history.
Had footwork that rivaled guards, making defenders look foolish in the post.
Was an elite rim protector, leading the league in blocks three times.
Developed a deadly mid-range jumper, making him unguardable.

His game was so polished that modern stars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwight Howard trained with him to refine their footwork.

Two Moments That Define Hakeem Olajuwon

1994 NBA Finals – The MVP Season

With Michael Jordan temporarily retired, Olajuwon seized the moment and led the Rockets to their first-ever NBA championship.

Averaged 26.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 blocks per game.
Completely dominated Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks in the Finals.
Became the first foreign-born player to win NBA MVP and Finals MVP in the same year.

It was the moment that cemented him as the best player in the world.

1995 Western Conference Finals – “The Dream Shakes” Shaquille O’Neal

In 1995, the Rockets returned to the NBA Finals, but before that, Olajuwon had to go through the young Shaquille O’Neal.

Hakeem put on a masterclass, averaging 35.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists against Shaq’s Orlando Magic.
Used his footwork and Dream Shake to completely dismantle Orlando’s defense.
Led the Rockets to a second straight championship, making Houston the only team other than the Bulls to win a title in the 90s.

After that, Shaq openly admitted that Olajuwon was the best center he ever faced.

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Most Iconic Basketball Cards

1986 Fleer Hakeem (Akeem) Olajuwon Rookie Card

The holy grail of Olajuwon collectibles, featuring his pre-name-change “Akeem” spelling.

1994 Upper Deck Hakeem Olajuwon MVP Card

A must-have for fans, celebrating his legendary 1994 MVP and championship season.

1995 Topps Finest Hakeem Olajuwon Championship Card

Captures his dominant second title run in 1995.

Why Hakeem Olajuwon’s Legacy Still Matters Today

Hakeem wasn’t just one of the greatest big men of all time—he was the most skilled.

He changed how centers play, proving footwork and finesse were just as deadly as power.
He remains the NBA’s all-time leader in blocks, setting a record that may never be broken.
He paved the way for international stars, inspiring generations of global talent.
He trained some of the greatest modern players, from Kobe Bryant to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Even today, his influence can be seen in every center who moves like a guard and every player who perfects footwork in the post.

To own a Hakeem Olajuwon card is to own a piece of basketball’s evolution, a tribute to the most complete center the game has ever seen.