YEAH! ======== Houston (AP) – Nobody knows, even Hakeem Olajuwon himself, whether Tuesday night's season-ending game will be the final one for the star center in a Houston Rockets uniform. Olajuwon started the season thinking he would retire after completing his $16.5 million contract with the Rockets but changed his mind during the season. "It could be his last game but we can't be sure, I can‘t say that," coach Rudy Tomjanovich said Monday as the Rockets closed their final workout before their finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Compaq Center. Olajuwon, who missed the Rockets' last three games with an ankle sprain, planned to be in uniform. But he could offer little else about his future other than to say he will test the free agent market and plans to play next season. "I‘ve never been a free agent before, I don‘t know the rules," Olajuwon joked. "As a free agent, I like my position. The big man role is as important as ever. They have changed to rules to zone defenses so the big man is still important." Olajuwon missed three games with his latest injury. He was twice sidelined earlier this season with a swollen right knee and most recently from March 5-27 because of a blood condition that threatened to end his career. No special presentation is planned for Olajuwon at the game, although Hakeem Bobble Head Dolls will be distributed to the first 10,000 fans. Olajuwon just wants to finish the season and see what happens in the offseason. "I think everyone has leverage," Olajuwon said. "I can't predict the future. The world does not swirl around me. To me, I want to finish this contract. That will be the accomplishment." The Rockets want Olajuwon back if they can work out a contract under their salary cap constraints. Olajuwon doesn‘t plan to push the issue. "I want to get a program started on Wednesday to stay in shape, that will make it easier to play," Olajuwon said. "Naturally, we'll check (the free-agent market) that is basic. Houston is my home but I don't want to put the Rockets on the spot. "I can't make it clearer than that. A good deal is when both parties are happy." ------------------ They couldn't stop him in the early 90s; now they can't stop him in the 21st century -- Bill Worell on Phoenix defense on Hakeem
What? I thought the whole idea was to honor hakeem tonight. ------------------ ..as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him. Current Rocket's Salary & Contract Info
Dream playing? NO! Dream shining! ------------------ They couldn't stop him in the early 90s; now they can't stop him in the 21st century -- Bill Worell on Phoenix defense on Hakeem
