I will countdown the top 10 players of all-time, two a day until we get to numero uno.
10th best NBA player of all-time:
Hakeem Olajuwon, C
As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Hakeem's dunks and blocks will never be forgotten by those who watched him. Along with Clyde Drexler, they were Phi Slama Jama, the first slam-dunking fraternity, so named because of its well-known above the rim prowess and tendency to dunk the basketball.
One of the most electrifying centers in the NBA, Hakeem was teased because of his height at a young age. However, Hakeem stood tall, took the humiliation, and turned it into passion; passion to win at an NBA level.
And that he did. Leading the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995 to become world champions was only one of his many great accomplishments. Here are the rest that highlighted his career:
(Source: Wikipedia)
- 2x NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
- 1x NBA MVP (1994)
- 12x All-Star (1985-1990, 1992-1997)
- 2x Finals MVP (1994-1995)
- 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993-1994)
- 6x All-NBA First Team Selection (1987-1989, 1993-1994, 1997)
- 3x All-NBA Second Team Selection (1986, 1990, 1996)
- 3x All-NBA Third Team Selection (1991, 1995, 1999)
- 5x NBA All-Defensive First Team Selection (1987-1988, 1990, 1993-1994)
- 4x NBA All-Defensive Second Team Selection (1985, 1991, 1996-1997)
- 1985 NBA All-Rookie Team
- NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
He was regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history because of his great rebounding, tight defense, and wonderful ability to spread his arms high and get the clutch block. Also, he could score as well as any center in the league.
So, as any Houston Rockets fan would agree, Hakeem Olajuwon is definitely deserving as the title of one of the 10 Greatest Players of All-Time. We may never again see a center who balanced all his talents so well and led his team the way Hakeem did, and for that, his NBA career will stand strong.
Coming tonight: 9th best NBA player of all-time
