Hakeem is more than the Rockets--he's been here for 20 years with the Cougars and Clyde, Micheaux, Young and everyone else I can't remember on the moment. He's been Houston and the first to bring us a championship in the last 30 years. He's upright, strong, honest, direct and humble. He's the antithesis of the brash, disrespectful yet extremely marketable breed of NBA star that dominates the league today. Of course we want another championship. We want another dynasty and we all realize that Francis, Mobley, Anderson and, I believe, Taylor are going to be a part of it. I think of the era of Phi Slamma Jamma, of two championships I had only dreamed of them having when I was a child; of the unrewarded greatness of Earl Campbell, J.R. Richard, Nolan Ryan; of the biggest heartbreak in the UH loss to North Carolina State; of the Sampson last second shot over LA; of Hakeem's punch that dropped Mitch Kupchak (the same GM of today's gangsta-Lakahs); of Mad Max's 31 points in the second half in a critical game against Barkley's Suns; of the Dream's growing domination that crested like a tidal wave over Robinson to fall over a young Shaq's Magic team in 4 games straight. How many memories will pass with this great man and sports figure? I grew up with him as a hero, and now I'm a grown man. True respect is to give him what he wishes, and we know, or should know because of his character, that he only truly wishes the best for both the team and himself. A trade, a waiver, I have a feeling that his leaving will be more than a line in the NBA action column. A true memorial city-wide should celebrate the great gift he has given us and I believe that Rudy, CD and Les Alexander understand this. How can I say goodbye? ------------------
[edited--sorry for the double post] [This message has been edited by Gypsy (edited January 17, 2001).]
For somebody with only two post, that was well said Gypsy. ------------------ Stevie Wonder says "they call him FRANCHISE because his dunks are for sale at an arena near you."
If Dream wants out, there's nothing to be gained by fighting with him to stay. I'd hate to see him go, but I'd also hate to see the Rockets put themselves in a bind trying to keep him -- especially since he was supposed to retire a Rocket. If he goes, I could only accept it if the Rockets got an agreement that Olajuwon doesn't wear #34 anywhere else, and that they get good value in the deal. I'm talking the kind of no-brainer deal that you don't have to analyze for hours to convince yourself that it's fair... something that you can accept without having to talk yourself into it (Astros fans can relate, I'm sure). ------------------ [This message has been edited by Grendel (edited January 17, 2001).]
Dear Rockets, I have never been one to embrace hype. If you do this with Hakeem's blessing, and it is for the best for the team, I will support you in this. You have always been an organization of class, honor, and loyalty. It is because of the Houston Rockets that I am a sports fan of any kind. Although I wish Dream would retire a Rocket, I am aware of the direction this team is heading, and I like it. I bleed Rocket red. Rockets for life! Dear Dream, I love you as a player and for what you have done for this city. I watched you when I was a child all the way until I became a man. You are not only my favorite Rocket, but my favorite player, and my favorite athlete. I wish you the best, but I wish you would retire a Rocket. ------------------ "Salt Lake City, Utah. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villany." --Olaju-Won Kenobi, to young jedi Steve (Fran)'chiseWalker
Why the hell does he have to be called benedict? Why can't he simply be respected for having the balls to say it? Grow up and don't start the name calling Bullsh*t! ------------------
Hakeem Olajuwon is the reason I am a Rockets fan. He is the reason I even care about the NBA at all. He was my first ever "favorite player" and still is to this day. I would be very sad to see the great one leave Houston and play somewhere else. Having said that though I think both the Rockets and the Dream can make good out of this. To see Hakeem win another ring.....Sure it would be hard to watch him play for another team in the finals. But I dont doubt that if Hakeem was in the finals playing for just about any team (Except the jazz) Im sure all Rockets fans would be hoping he won. To see such a great player pick up his third ring would be terrific and the media coverage would be what such a great player deserves. Yes it would be hard. But if you thibnk of it in a positive light it could also turn out to be so good for a player that has given so much to the Rockets. For The Rockets themselves, maybe they could work a three way trade to get us a good young player and at the same time send Hakeem to a contender. I know that we will get cap space anyway for next season but there are some good players out there wanting to be traded and we could win out. Whatever happens I think the Rockets will be ok in the long run. It will be sad to see Hakeem play for a different team. He has given us SO MANY great memories. He is the reason I am a Rockets fan, and he is the reason I will always be a Rockets fan. Christopher ------------------ Your Starting Power Forward for the Clutch City Allstars My Expert Opinion Of Steve Francis:Mate he is a special player!
Hakeem is The reason I became a Rockets fan. I remember being in JR High and watching the Houston/Celtics finals, and hearing "Hakeem The Dream Olajuwan" for the First time. One on one with any other center Hakeem was a killer. After Career scoring numbers in the high to mid 20's for 14 years and seeing that go into the low teens, his offense has seen better days. I love his play, He is still a silky smooth, finesse play with the power among the greatest. It would be great to be able to use him in the game for the rest of the season. But if he can be used for his Defense and not be the target for the offence. If he can get 8-13 rebounds and 1-3 blocks a game, that would be great. Houston no longer has the dominate rebounder anymore once Chuck was gone, seeing how Barkley's replacement in the Starting PF position was averaging very poor numbers on the boards.(before Kenny was starting PF) A healthy Cato may be able to come around and get the nightly double double like Kevin Willis, and Chuck could do. But for now I don't know what is the answer. The team that was on the floor aginst Toronto last night was a killer combinaton. It would seem disrespectful to let the team's legend go, like what the publics feelings on Patrick Ewing. But It seems like Dream would not leave on bad terms with anybody. But I would like to see his last game played in Houston. ------------------
Hakeem is The reason I became a Rockets fan. I remember being in JR High and watching the Houston/Celtics finals, and hearing "Hakeem The Dream Olajuwan" for the First time. One on one with any other center Hakeem was a killer. After Career scoring numbers in the high to mid 20's for 14 years and seeing that go into the low teens, his offense has seen better days. I love his play, He is still a silky smooth, finesse play with the power among the greatest. It would be great to be able to use him in the game for the rest of the season. But if he can be used for his Defense and not be the target for the offence. If he can get 8-13 rebounds and 1-3 blocks a game, that would be great. Houston no longer has the dominate rebounder anymore once Chuck was gone, seeing how Barkley's replacement in the Starting PF position was averaging very poor numbers on the boards.(before Kenny was starting PF) A healthy Cato may be able to come around and get the nightly double double like Kevin Willis, and Chuck could do. But for now I don't know what is the answer. The team that was on the floor aginst Toronto last night was a killer combinaton. It would seem disrespectful to let the team's legend go, like what the publics feelings on Patrick Ewing. But It seems like Dream would not leave on bad terms with anybody. But I would like to see his last game played in Houston. ------------------
My love basketball originates from the Dream, not the Rockets. My loyalty to Rockets came after Barkley and Drexler came aboard. As much I as appreciate the Dream for what he has done in the past, the management has to always act for the best for the Rockets. We fought so hard to stay in Houston, do we want to be tied down by a salary-cap from an aging superstar, as we try so hard to bring in young players? I think not. The Dream has unfortunately gone against his previous statements, and I have lost a little respect for him. Then again, while I would have no hard feelings letting get traded, I wouldn't want to see the Rocks get scrub players who would only hang around Houston with trade talks surrounding them, or worse, see them waived or placed on IR. Let's hope the organisation and the Dream manage to come to an agreement that would benefit both parties. As such, I see no benefit having the Dream abroad. The Dream is now what he is.. just a dream of the past. ------------------ Do not harm little children!
