More than two decades after his final NBA game, Hakeem Olajuwon’s legacy continues to command deep respect — even from those who battled him night after night.
In a recent interview on the All the Smoke Rewind podcast, a former NBA center — who requested anonymity for the segment — reflected on the dominant era of 1990s big men, naming the Houston Rockets legend as the toughest challenge of his career.
“There was nothing that guy couldn’t do,” the former player said.
“Footwork, mid-range, power, finesse, defense — Hakeem was a nightmare. He didn’t just beat you, he embarrassed you.”
The Dream’s Dominance
Hakeem Olajuwon, nicknamed “The Dream”, led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP both times. He’s widely regarded as one of the most skilled centers in league history, combining elite shot-blocking with ballet-like footwork and a devastating low-post arsenal.
During the 1990s — an era stacked with Hall of Fame big men like Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, and Dikembe Mutombo — Olajuwon consistently stood above the rest in matchups that often defined the postseason.
“People always talk about Shaq’s power or Ewing’s jumper, but Hakeem had everything. You couldn’t predict him. The footwork? Unreal,” the former center added.
Legacy That Still Resonates
Even in today’s positionless game, players and coaches frequently cite Olajuwon as the gold standard for post play. Superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant (RIP), and Joel Embiid have all trained with or studied footage of Olajuwon in hopes of replicating his unique blend of technique and athleticism.
In 2008, Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, capping off a career that included:
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12 All-Star appearances
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2 NBA Championships
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1 MVP Award (1994)
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3 blocks titles
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Top 10 all-time in blocks, rebounds, and steals among centers
“Underrated in Some Ways”
Despite his accolades, many fans and analysts believe Olajuwon is still underrated in all-time rankings, often overshadowed by flashier names or players with more mainstream exposure.
“He’s Top 5 all-time, easily,” the former center insisted. “Ask anyone who actually had to guard him — you’ll hear the same story every time.”
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