In the latter years of his career with the Houston Rockets, NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon faced challenges. Despite denying any decline in his abilities, the team gradually reduced his role as the primary offensive option. This shift led Olajuwon to express dissatisfaction and even consider leaving the team in the summer of 2000.
Olajuwon insisted, as reported by ESPN, “There’s a lot of talk about me being old, but that’s not true. I’m in shape. I’m healthy. Teams double- and triple-team me when I have the ball. I appreciate this style, but completely abandoning the post isn’t effective basketball.”
During that season, the Rockets adopted a more guard-oriented offensive strategy, focusing on rookie Steve Francis and second-year player Cuttino Mobley as their main scorers. Olajuwon’s reduced prominence stemmed from multiple injury-plagued seasons, including a respiratory issue and a hernia that required surgery, further complicating his role on the team.
“When Olajuwon returned and felt healthy enough to play, he was disappointed with his lack of involvement in the offense. During that season, the two-time NBA champion averaged just 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 23.8 minutes, his lowest since his rookie year.
“If the Rockets won’t utilize my talent this year, someone else will next year,” Olajuwon told the Chronicle. “They say I’m too old, but consider next year I’ll be older and yet more productive.
“I appreciate this playing style, but abandoning the post completely isn’t conducive to winning basketball,” he added. “If it’s not utilized this year, it motivates me for next year to find someone who will.”
Olajuwon returned to the Rockets for the 2000-2001 season, but found little change in his role. Despite playing 55 games, his opportunities and statistics only marginally improved. He ended up as the fourth-highest scorer on the team and gradually realized that the Rockets were moving in a different direction, where he wasn’t the focal point anymore.
After the season, “The Dream” left Houston and spent his final NBA year with the Toronto Raptors, essentially having a retirement tour. Despite his legendary status, Olajuwon couldn’t defy Father Time, bringing an end to his illustrious 18-season career.
