2.) Hakeem Olajuwon
(Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors)
Original Pick – Round 1 Pick 1 (Houston Rockets) from Houston
Playing Career – (1984 -2002)
Games – 1238
Playoffs – 145
Points Average – 21.8
Rebounds Average – 11.1
Blocks Average – 3.1
2 x NBA Champion
2 x NBA Finals MVP
NBA MVP Award – 1994
12 x NBA All-Star
6 x All-NBA First Team
2 x Defensive Player of the Year
Originally from Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon provided the Houston Rockets with a lot of value throughout his decorated career.
One of the best post-up big men in NBA History, Olajuwon was difficult to defend and was just as good a defender.
He is a two time NBA Champion, 12 Time NBA All-Star and a member of the All-NBA First team on 6 occasions. Hakeem Olajuwon had a significant impact on the NBA and was one of the great big men to play the game.
I’m not the sports buff that my sons are, but they talk frequently about the different drafts, including NBA and also NFL. Not only are they following the drafts themselves, they are also involved with the fantasy sports leagues. Although they haven’t talked about the 1984 draft (they were born after that) they have talked about a couple of the players from it. It seems teams are always hunting for the next Jordan or Barkley.
I found it interesting that you mention that teams often find misses, as well as hits, in the draft. I guess we don’t always think about how a great college player may just not make it in the pros. I’m sure the teams are acutely aware, though.
Thanks for the article. I’m going to share with my sports-loving sons and get their opinions, too!
Hi
I appreciate your comments.
The 1984 NBA Draft has become a hot talking point in recent months with the release of The Last Dance, Chicago Bulls Series.
It still remains one of the great NBA Drafts of All-Time with the greatest player of All-Time being apart it. It is always hard to nail the pick, but some of the top picks in NBA Drafts have failed to love up to expectations.
Cheers
Chris