NBA All-Time Rank No. 12: Hakeem Olajuwon

Ranking the top 50 players in NBA history…

12. Hakeem Olajuwon

“The Dream” is one of the greatest centers ever.

Selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984 out of the University of Houston, where he reached three Final Fours, Olajuwon played 18 NBA seasons (Rockets 1984-2001, Toronto Raptors 2001-2002).

He averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, leading the league in blocks three times and rebounds twice.

A 12-time All-Star, Olajuwon won back-to-back championships (1994, 1995) during Michael Jordan’s retirement, earning Finals MVP both years (and dominating Shaquille O’Neal in 1995).

Olajuwon was NBA MVP in 1994, Defensive Player of the Year twice (1993, 1994), and snagged six All-NBA First Team selections.

Famous for his “Dream Shake” footwork, Olajuwon also retired as the all-time blocks leader (3,830). He was a force to be reckoned with on both ends, and you won’t find a more impressive example in NBA history of an athletic specimen who mastered footwork.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008, his post moves influenced stars who played any/all positions, including Kobe Bryant.

Despite early playoff struggles, Olajuwon conquered the NBA during his prime.

His combination of size, athleticism, skill and defense will seldom if ever be seen again.

But who ranks ahead of Olajuwon at No. 11 all-time?