I had a Muslim architectural client who was building a house and they explained they were financing it in a similar way. As for Dream. GOOD FOR HIM! There are so many stories about pro-athletes blowing their fortunes on women, cars and drugs or getting ripped off by shady business associates because they lack business acumen so it great to see Dream do well. I like his philosophy too by looking at the infrastructure and public amenities to determine what properties to buy. As someone who has done some urban planning I love to see someone buying and making something with those "donut" properties.
To each his own, but I admire the way he's been able to put basketball in the past and move on into something different. Some ex-athletes do nothing but milk their playing careers for the rest of their lives. It's like they can't find another purpose and keep living in the past.
Heh! I know he's wealthy, but I am not sure he's that wealthy to fork up $400 mil for a sports team...it would mean that he has at least double that in his bank accounts. Plus, even I can tell you that it wouldn't be a very sound investment to make, because the Rockets' franchise value is at an all-time high. One thing I do think, however, is that Les Alexander intends to sell the team before the Yao era is over, he's probably banking on it. As with all things, you buy low and sell high. Anyways, to be honest, I would love to see him back in some capacity with the team, but that's clearly not something he's looking for right now. He has other priorities in his life and he has the right to do as he sees fit. I don't think he owes the Rockets organization anything, he has earned the right to be left alone to live his life. From what I hear/read about him, he is still very involved in Houston and still considers it home, and he has a network of friends/family who still live in Houston.
WTF? Do you really think that way? Yes, there are muslim terrorist organizations. But guess what? There are also Christian terrorist organizations. (Does Oklahoma City ring any bells?) But whenever there is an article about a Christian doing well in business, do you feel the need to say "As long as his money doesn't go to a terrorist organization, I'm happy for the guy."? No. It doesn't even enter your mind, but the word Muslim is clearly very closely tied to the word terrorist in your mind. That's blatant religious discrimination. I don't don't think you intended any harm, but you really ought to examine that view. It's unjust. Further, and to the guy who isn't a fan of Hakeem any more because he never made amends for leaving - hogwash. He doesn't have to make amends. Toyota Center ought to be named Olajuwon Center. He built it. The only person in the history of the Rockets organization that may have possibly contributed as much or more is Rudy Tomjanovich. You seem completely ungrateful for all Hakeem did for the organization and the city then and now. Incidentally, I know we're all devoted to our Rockets, but how many jobs have you had in your lifetime that you felt an obligation to continue a relationship with them well after you left that company and that field? Are you still checking in with McDonalds or Kroger or wherever you had your first job? Because no matter how much love we have for the Rockets, being a professional basketball player is just a job for them in the end. That's why very few players remain with their teams even half as long as Hakeem remained a Rocket.
I think he's referring to the story from a year or so ago that linked Hakeem and his money to some organization accused (?) of having terrorist ties. I believe it was some mosque he funded. The mosque sent his funds to organizations believed to be fronts for Al Qaida. Hakeem apparently thought the funds were going to help the needy in Africa. I don't remember any more details than that.
I'll throw this into the discussion: When Yao retires from the Rockets he will probably be even more disconnected from the team than Hakeem. I bet he relocates back to Shanghai, takes everything with him, and dedicates himself to his country in some way (probably involving basketball). His connection with the city of Houston would be over and out. Does anyone have a problem with that? I certainly hope not. So why is there a problem with Hakeem?
I think it's safe to say that Yao is doing just fine without being 'coached' by Hakeem. It would be nice if he did, but I don't hold it against Hakeem for wanting to spend his time (and $$) on something other than Houston Rockets basketball.
Van Gundier, this is really silly of you to do and an insult to the intelligent mind. I am suprised this thread has not be locked or the header editted. What utter nonsense.
I must have missed that. However, if Hakeem didn't directly fund them.... there is little you can do about where your money goes once it's donated. But yeah, I suppose that makes sense and so I retract my diatribe! My apologies!
Did anyone HONESTLY think Hakeem would make a good coach? Seriously? I love the guy. He was a brilliant player. But, he had the OPPOSITE personality for coaching and he was never someone very interested in the X's and O's of coaching. His level of coaching was really just playing with guys out on the floor a la Patrick Ewing. He was never destined to become a head coach. That requires a completely different skill set. Nevermind that the guy lives in Jordan most of the year and prefers to stay out of the public eye. I just can't figure out why so many people have clamoured over the years for him to coach. It always seemed like a really bad fit to me.
i love hakeem and always will, and i am in agreeance with most of you that he owes us nothing. the one thing that he did that i really thought was bad form was when we had the allstar game in town and he was supposed to be involved in the festivites and he completely flaked out. besides that hakeesm owes us nothing and we should fell blessed that he has chosen our city as his part time adopted home.
this is awesome. its good to see a good guy make money in a nice decent way. especially an athelete. couldn't happen to a better man.
I like players who doesnt stick to basketball his whole life, because these players know to do something else than basketball. Good for Hakeem, and its nice to know what is Hakeem doing right now.
How many stories do we read of former athletes now homeless under a bridge, or working at Whataburger, or something like that. I'm glad people can walk away from basketball and go onto other ventures. I think he still cares about the game, with his big man camp.
lariba and guidance financial are two companies that work with muslims on no interest financing. its more of a lease to own thing... and yes, many muslims still adhere to the teachings and dont take out interest loans, reason why education becomes harder and costlier to cover.
Other players should be learning from this. instead of buying 40 cars and huge houses with their money, they can invest and make more after basketball. Can't hate the guy for being a smart business man.
