http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0122/1033633.html Olajuwon close to returning from injury Associated Press HOUSTON -- It's almost unthinkable that Hakeem Olajuwon would end his great career anywhere but in Houston. Since arriving in the city from his native Nigeria, Olajuwon's name has been synonymous with Houston basketball, first at the University of Houston -- taking the Cougars to three NCAA Final Four appearances -- and later leading the Rockets to consecutive NBA titles. Yet, in the final year of his contract that pays him $16.5 million, Olajuwon told the Rockets he would consider being traded and possibly extending his 17-year career beyond this season. But Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson has told the center it was highly unlikely the team could pull off such a deal. "He asked us to look into 'can he be traded,' and that's where we are and we can't do that," Dawson said Monday. "I keep getting these calls that I don't have an answer for (about trades)." Olajuwon, 38 and on the team's disabled list with a cyst on his right knee, went through a rugged workout Monday but probably won't be with the team when it plays in Denver on Tuesday night. Olajuwon has had difficulty previously playing in the high altitude of Colorado. "You don't want to start back in Denver," Olajuwon said, smiling. Olajuwon ended the interview, however, when asked when he planned to sit down with Rockets owner Les Alexander to discuss his desires. "I don't want to talk about that, that's it," Olajuwon said. Dawson said it was his understanding that Alexander and Olajuwon would meet this week, possibly Wednesday when the Rockets host the Philadelphia 76ers. "They are going to talk and something else may come out of that," Dawson said. "My job is to try to get him back and win as many games as we can." Dawson doesn't doubt there are teams that would take Olajuwon. "Anybody that's in the race would be interested in Hakeem as far as trading," Dawson said. "I think if they said they were interested in Hakeem, I believe it. But think how many players it would take for a deal like that." After Olajuwon's contract expires, the Rockets will be under the salary cap, giving Dawson room to sign his own players and possibly shop for free agents. Olajuwon missed four games after a cyst on his right knee caused swelling and on Jan. 9 he was placed on the team's disabled list, still affected by the swelling that first occurred when he fell Dec. 21 in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Olajuwon is averaging 10.2 points and 1.3 blocks in 29 starts this season. The Rockets have played their last 11 games without a true center. Kelvin Cato is out with a partially torn rotator cuff and Jason Collier is recovering from knee surgery. Is it just me or does Dawson sound frustrated? ------------------ Me fail English? That's unpossible.
I think CD is frustrated. Dream doesn't know what he wants. One minute he wants out, the next he is back at practice. $16 million for this? Is Dream hanging around Dennis Rodman? ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Who cares about these recycled Dawson comments? What I heard from Hakeem in Monday's papers that most interested me was that his first practice back, the team was practicing transition, and it was tough for him. That's what I want to hear. Things about the future. The Rockets are focusing primary practice time to transition, which is what I consider to be their key to improving the offense in the nearterm. I could start that thread, and it would get less than 10 responses. Is it just me, or do I sound frustrated, yet exhilarated?
You sound exhausted to me ------------------ When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view. -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Its good that they are working on the transition offense, but that type of offense is fueled by solid rebounding and consistent defense. Two areas in which the Rockets are still developing. Mango ------------------ We neeed more threads about Dream! Test Your NBA Trade Ideas 1. Put new topics in the proper forum. Things happening in the rest of the NBA 2. Use clear wording for new threads. 3. No duplicate threads 4. Conduct yourself as an adult. The Serious Police are watching. Donate Blood or be assimilated!
did anyone REALLY expect that he would be traded?....... ------------------ "A Champion team will always beat a team of Champions"
I can't help it. Every time I hear CD or Rudy try to squash the Hakeem rumors I'm reminded of <a href="http://www.clutchcity.net/news.cfm?NewsID=22">what they said about Pippen</a> before dealing him. ------------------ NOTHING BUT .NET CLUTCHCITY.NET
Yeah I'm pretty sure the Dream will have to wait til next season to going elsewhere. I'd hold on to him for the season, waiving him really is not an option. Thats a lot of money to release(waive) and to still have to pay, even if its the best player in Houston. ------------------
Thank you, Clutch. I wanted to ask your opinion on all this. It just doesn't make sense. Dream's former vociferous vehemence and other three-syllabilisms doesn't jibe with the Bambi-face he's wearing now. I think discussions are occurring as we speak, but will they pan out, what will they involve.... DocRocket did say something about Cato, but that could mean anything. After all, complicated trades take time. ------------------
