In Olajuwon's college career and early years in the NBA, he was often undisciplined, talking back to officials, getting in minor fights with other players and amassing technical fouls. Later, Olajuwon took an active interest in spirituality,[56] becoming a more devout Muslim. On March 9, 1991, he altered his name from Akeem to the proper Arabic spelling Hakeem, saying, "I'm not changing the spelling of my name, I'm correcting it".[57] He later recalled, "I studied the Qur'an every day. At home, at the mosque...I would read it in airplanes, before games and after them. I was soaking up the faith and learning new meanings each time I turned a page. I didn't dabble in the faith, I gave myself over to it."[57] "His religion dominates his life" Drexler said in 1995.[58] Olajuwon was still recognized as one of the league's elite centers despite his strict observance of Ramadan (e.g., abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours for about a month), which occurred during virtually every season of his career. Olajuwon was noted as sometimes playing better during the month, and in 1995 he was named NBA Player of the Month in February, even though Ramadan began on February 1 of that year.[5][59]
Everyone is talking about dirk being as good as bird, no way is dirk under rated. Yao hasn't accomplished enough. Daugherty didn't play enough (same as Yao) due to injuries to be part of this list. Only Malone belongs on this list! You need to check your facts.
Yeah. And Mourning was NEVER as good as Hakeem was in his first and second seasons. And as for Robinson - Hakeem won an MVP before Robinson did. How exactly was he not considered in the same class as Robinson until he won a championship when he won an MVP first? Meanwhile, Ewing and Mourning were never named MVP. Were they ever even seriously considered?
Yeah that comment about Hakeem peaking late and not being in the mourning/ewing/robinson class is ****ing r****ded. You bring up some legit points, and it was also badass when Robinson won the MVP and Hakeem DESTROYED him in the playoffs....
I hate to use their site, but your enemies truly know you the best. http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/showthread.php?t=5208
"Hakeem Olajuwon has gone beyond all star status, or even MVP status, to rank now among the very greatest players who have ever played the game at any position." - Bob Costas, post-game Game 4 of NBA Finals, 1995
Dikembe is the most underrated NBA player (All-Star 8x, Defensive Player of the Year 4x- with 3 different teams, 2nd in Most Block Shots) and he ain't in the HOF.
He can't be in the HOF right now, he retired in 09 Reggie was eligible for the first time this year and he retired back in 05
He's not eligible yet, but I do agree he is underrated, probably to do with the offensive side of the court.
