Hakeem Chat transcript from the Raptors website

Interesting read....


http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/olajuwon_answers.html?nav=ArticleList

Hakeem Olajuwon: Questions and Answers
Shortly after joining the Raptors, Hakeem Olajuwon answered questions about his decision to leave the Rockets and move to Toronto.

Q: How does it feel to be joining the Raptors?

Olajuwon: It is a very difficult position to even imagine. I'd been in Houston for 22 years. To imagine myself leaving Houston is very difficult. At the same time, I am looking forward to moving to Toronto. I see myself as a rookie again. I'm looking forward to it, I'm excited and it's raised my curiosity to a new level.

Q: How much impact did the signing of Toronto's own free agents impact on your decision?

Olajuwon: They've made a commitment to winning, made the effort to re-sign their own free agents and there is certainty in the organization. I'm very comfortable to come down to Toronto and complement the other guys.

Q: You said you feel like a rookie again. Why?


Olajuwon
Olajuwon: When I said I feel like a rookie again, I meant that I'm starting something new. Every end is a new beginning. I see a new opportunity and I feel I can make a difference and this organization sees the same. There is a mutual understanding that this team is a championship contender.

Q: What is like to leave Houston behind?

Olajuwon: It is very difficult since I've been here so long and my roots are here, but I look to expand. Toronto is a very international city. This gives me an opportunity to live there while I'm working there. I can see how beautiful a city it is.

Q: How are things different now that you'll be playing in the Eastern Conference?

Olajuwon: In the league you still have to play everybody. That's looking at the big picture. You have to be prepared to play the best and right now that is the Lakers who have won two championships.

Q: Do you feel you have something to prove?

Olajuwon: No, I'm not trying to be the man. There was never a question about that. My position as centre is so important, it's a foundation. Toronto already has a franchise player in Vince Carter but we can't play the same position so we need each other. Now I have given myself more of a chance to win.

Q: Did Houston try to lowball you with their offer?

Olajuwon: Toronto realized how much I would mean and the value I would bring to the organization. They know I can help the team get to the top and that was the only reason to go.

Q: Is there any bitterness between you and the Rockets?

Olajuwon: There are mutual feelings with Houston and tremendous respect. It was a beautiful end. I wanted to stay but at the same time, I wanted to move on. We ended on a nice note. I'm happy and so are they.

Q: How's your health?

Olajuwon: My health is fine. There are no problems.

Q: Some players in your situation would choose to retire. What has kept you going?

Olajuwon: When I do retire, I do plan to retire gracefully, but I look at it very differently. My basketball career is a one-time window and I need to maximize it if I can still help a team.

Q: What do you think it will be like to play with Vince Carter?

Olajuwon: I like that. It's like being in college with Phi Slamma Jamma when we were dunking over everybody. I'll love to play with him and it will be fun for me. I think I can help him tremendously and make it easier for him.

Q: What about Antonio Davis?

Olajuwon: It's wonderful to play with a legitimate power forward. That frontcourt is respected around the league.

Q: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the Raptors?

Olajuwon: I see strengths but I see the middle is open and with me here now we're more complete. As you see in the playoffs you have to have someone in the middle. That gives the team stability and something you can always count on. When you have the inside and outside games, you have balance.

Q: What do you think of Glen Grunwald?

Olajuwon: I was so impressed and encouraged when I met Glen and Lenny Wilkens. They were very clear, very honest, spoke highly of their team and I was convinced. I kept an open mind and when I looked at all the facts, I saw a win-win-win situation, a strong, young team that is committed to winning that needs me in the middle. It's just a perfect fit.

Q: Did you consider going to Cleveland because of your friendship with John Lucas?

Olajuwon: Toronto, New York and Indiana were the teams I seriously considered but I think as the only international team, and I see myself as a citizen of the world, and playing with Vince Carter, Antonio Davis and for Lenny Wilkens, I'm very happy with my choice.

Q: What was like in Houston over the last few days when it became more apparent that you would be leaving?

Olajuwon: It was so emotional and that was very complimentary. It says a lot about the people of Houston. It was sad, but they were supportive of me. I have a lot of gratitude for the fans of Houston.

Q: Do you remember when Vince dunked on you at the end of the game last season (March 2000)?

Olajuwon: He didn't dunk on me. I didn't jump. It's only a dunk over you when you try to block it.

Q: What is the most important thing that you bring to the Raptors?

Olajuwon: First of all, I bring the experience, the inside game, the stability and a defensive presence. I look at myself as a complete player, an all-around player.

Q: Glen said you were working out more this summer. Was that in consideration of your situation this year?

Olajuwon: I've been maintaining my workout program, but working on more basketball drills. This is the first time I've spent more time in Houston working out. Usually at this time of the year I'm out of the country because this is a transition time, but I was only out of the country for a couple of weeks this year. My parents are now here in Houston with my family so I spent more time in Houston.