They say you never really miss something until it is gone. As such, I will probably not realize the full breadth of loss until sometime next November, when I’m standing in the Compaq Center, and someone other than Hakeem Olajuwon is the last Rocket introduced to the crowd. For almost two decades, Houston, and for that matter, the rest of the National Basketball Association, has been graced with the presence of one of the greatest centers of all time, and undoubtedly one of it’s finest examples of professional athlete. While Steve Francis is called "The Franchise" few people so completely define the term "Franchise Player" like Hakeem Olajuwon. A rare combination of grace, power, agility and professionalism that carried his team to consecutive championships. Nothing sticks so indelibly in my mind than the vision of Hakeem sitting calmly on the bench, moments after he had delivered the first major professional championship to Houston, while those around him gleefully celebrated. I will not forget the little skip that Hakeem makes as he turns after making his second free throw, nor will I forget the exquisite footwork and touch of the Dreamshake. For those who demand Hakeem’s retirement, to make way for the “new” Rockets – take a step back and consider the big picture – you are witness to the sunset of an incredible career. Accept it, enjoy it, and consider yourself lucky that YOU are a Rockets fans and Hakeem was YOUR player. My advice to you all - cherish and savor every game that Hakeem plays as if it is his last, because one day you will be right, and I hope it doesn't come a day to soon. ------------------ Maybe all the rulers are wrong. Current Rocket's Salary & Contract Info [This message has been edited by davo (edited November 28, 2000).]
Straight up! Davo, I agree with you 100%! ------------------ Rudy T. will find and fulfill Rockets destiny.
Well said, Davo. Although I don't like thinking of Hakeem's retirement too much...I have to go now, there's someting in my eye... ------------------ She hates testicles, thus limiting the men she can admire to Democratic candidates for president. -- John Greenway, "The American Tradition", on feminist Elizabeth Gould Davis
The MAIN reason I purchased a dish was to be able to watch Dream in his final(?) season. I have followed his career since he began at U of H. He will be greatly missed if/when he retires. ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
BobFinn*, Can I come over your house on game nights? ------------------ "I have a DREAM.........his name's Hakeem." DREAMer's Rocket Page
You might want to book a flight... he lives in an igloo in the Arctic tundra... a.k.a. Pennsylvania. ------------------ -------------- Did you know? Derrick Chievous sucked. It's true. -- from the ClutchCity.net "Did You Know" sidebar
Actually, Azim is the one who lives in an igloo. p.s. Whatever happened to Azim anyway? Is he a Raptors fan now? ------------------ In order to be a success in life, you need 2 things: 1. Don't tell everything you know.
Finn*, Looks like you got yourself a date, don't forget the flowers.... ------------------ "It's incredible to see how he [Mobley] can beat his guy one-on-one every time. That is a tremendous talent. The combination of Steve and Cuttino, I think, is wonderful in the backcourt." --the Dream
That last game is going to hurt. If it's at home - the Summit (I still think of it that way) - then I suspect about 12,000 people will give a teary-eyed standing ovation. Is that really going to happen this season? Can't we have one more year? Sh*t, I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Rational thought just disappears... He IS the Rockets. I just cannot imagine what this team will be like without him. Steve and Cat are badasses, yeah, but it just won't be the same... Something will be lost forever. ------------------
Its gonna be tough ! Man I remeber back in 1993, when i was working at the airport and I met him at the "IAB" terminel. It was cool because it was late at night. At the time I was working at a tax free shop and the procedure was to deliver the packages customers bought out to the "jetway" of the plane. Anyway I was just standing around finishing my run and walking slowly to the shop (KLM airways for those curious bound to Amsterdam), it was late 11:00 p.m. and not many people were around. I heard some baggage carriers getting excited saying Hakeem was coming up to send off his parents and I really got excited ( as i always wanted to meet Dream). I purposefully waited by the escalators and sure enough, here he comes! I could not believe it and my heart and adrenaline was racing as I worked up the courage to approach him. It was then that it dawned on me that I had nothing to get his autograph. It was at this moment that I thought about turning to the desk across the aisle to get some paper! ( and not the bill of ladings from customers that I had to turn in.) However, I heard a distinctive voice ask me a question about where the plane was at! I looked at him for a few seconds before I could answer and realized what he was asking to collect myself. I answered him. Ran and got the small white cardboard laying on the desk and ran back to him and asked for the autograph. The point and amazing thing was he told me "Thank you" after giving ME his autograph! It was then that I truly realized his class. But the funny thing I thought while standing in front of him was how he was shorter than I imagined and thinking I could take him to the hoop! ------------------ Sometimes you gotta do the next best thing!
Getting choked up here. Oh the memories. Sitting through my sister's graduation wondering whether or not we were beating the Suns. We were and we did. I'm sure that one can recall celebrating on Richmond after beating the Knicks, parking your car in the middle of the street, hugging strangers, running around like a lunatic. And then doing it again the next year. God that was awesome. I thank Dream for that. ------------------ "The world is filled with mediocrity; rise above it. Distinguish yourself!!!"
To all of us that got to party those 2 yrs straight.. say THANKS HAKEEM .... we owe him that ... ------------------ If you are a positive thinking person but yet you listen to country music, isn't that odd?
Hakeem the "Dream" Olajuwon............ Wow. I sit back and watch MY Rockets now, and forsee the things the Dream did for this city, and it makes me feel like it was yesterday. Watching the Rockets now, you get a little mad because, you want and know that they can do better, but you also get a little upset also at Hakeem because he is old and is embarking on the twilight of his illustrious career. When you get upset sometimes(Real Rockets Fans), stop yourself to think for a minute, and say to yourself like I do, Hakeem you can do whatever you want when you are on the court, because the INCREDIBLE HULK things that you did for me, and the city of Houston can never, ever, ever, be duplicated again. Hakeem is and was throughout his whole career, the most prolific, and dominating center/player besides whoelse, "AIR Jordan" of his era. Hakeem when you do decide to retire, please pass the torch to the Franchise and the Cat, and let them know if you guys can Stay Humble, and Hungry, nothing is impossible, because Franchise and Cuttino together can be dominating this league in about 5-6 yrs from now, trust me fans, I know. With that said, Hakeem I Love you, and no I'm not gay for those of you wondering, just that what more can you say to a Beast that just Took over the NBA for years even when MJ was at the helm, how many times did the Rockets have the Bulls number, I thought so. Ride off into the the sunset, big fella, and let these freaks that keep downing you now, cause they couldn't do it back then, know what it feels like to DREAM we wish we had him back forever. Love Ya Dream, you will be sorely missed. ......................... Remeber the presentation of the MVP trophy, and how Hakeem embraced Houston and its fans, especially his teammates on his success that year, and throughout his career. NUFF SAID Peace.......................Dream on ------------------
