Hakeem Olajuwon is undoubtedly one of the best centers the NBA has ever had. However, that doesn’t mean he was perfect. He had his problems on and off the basketball court, which is why he was on the hot seat before the 1988-89 season kicked off.
Olajuwon became the Rockets' main man following Ralph Sampson's trade to the Golden State Warriors. With that, the University of Houston product needed to lead by example. This was one reason why the 7-footer wanted his teammates to keep their game at a high level.
“I think I can improve my game 20 percent this year,” the All-Star center said via UPI. “I don't set goals. I just try to be the best I can,” he added.
Rockets fizzle
After reaching the 1986 Finals, the Rockets were unable to replicate that same success in the 1987 playoffs. They went as deep as the Western Conference semifinals but got eliminated by the Seattle Supersonics in six games.
Houston fared worse in the 1988 playoffs. The Rockets failed to advance beyond the first round, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in four games, and the team looked like it would be sentenced to mediocrity.
Aside from lashing out at his teammates, Olajuwon dealt with personal problems. This was after he was sued by his ex-girlfriend for allegedly breaking a promise to marry her after giving birth to their daughter. Moreover, the Nigeria native was facing another lawsuit for allegedly assaulting a TV photographer.
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Setting the right course
So, with all these issues, how could the American-Nigerian keep his focus and push the Rockets to success? The first thing he had to do was solidify his commitment to Houston.
This stems from allegations that the top pick of the 1984 Draft was contemplating playing in Europe at the time. To put all of the rumors to rest, Olajuwon blamed the media and gave a promise to the Rockets. He stressed that he planned to be with the Rockets and honor the contract he agreed to in 1986.
“This is where I want to play. I signed it for three main reasons. First, the security it provides. Second, I'm very happy, and I want to stay in Houston. Third, I'm happy with the organization,” he said via UPI.
Olajuwon stuck to that and practiced patience as Houston tried to assemble the best team possible. Houston got the right mix in the 1993-94 season, winning the franchise’s first NBA crown in 1994. They would replicate that feat in 1995 to make it back-to-back championships.
“The Dream” remained with the Rockets until 2001 before getting traded to the Toronto Raptors in August of that year. His performance with the Raptors was hardly a shade of his peak years, and Olajuwon ended up retiring in the fall of 2002.
Regardless, Olajuwon had a great career. His efforts earned him a seat on the NBA's 50th and 75th-anniversary teams. He is today remembered as one of the most talented big men the league has had.
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