Image via Complex Original
With players like Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and Pau Gasol, the NBA's foreign-born players have become some of the league's most prominent names. But many of the latest generation of imports need to pay respect to the O.G. and arguably the most dominant
foreign player in NBA history, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. The Nigerian two-time NBA champ celebrates his 48th birthday today,
and to salute the all-time leading shot blocker we've gathered his best on and off court highlights. From recording a quadruple-double to throwing 'bows with members of the Lake Show, here are
Hakeem Olajuwon's Most Badass Moments...
Named 1983 NCAA Player of the Year
DATE: 4/4/1983
COMPLEX SAYS: In his three years spent at the University of Houston Olajuwon led the Cougars to consecutive NCAA championship games and remains the last male player to win the award despite not being on the championship team. Also, Olajuwon only started playing basketball two years before moving to Houston. What's Nigerian slang for...BEAST?
First Overall Pick of the 1984 Draft
DATE: 6/19/1984
COMPLEX SAYS: In arguably the most-talented draft pool of all time, Olajuwon was selected before fellow-future Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. The tux and Jheri Curl seem straight out of Coming to America, but after being picked over all of those greats, homie deserved to let his soul glo.
Serves up Kupchack a Mean Two-Piece
DATE: 5/21/1986
COMPLEX SAYS: Dude was known for his smooth footwork, but that doesn't mean the 7-footer didn't have nice hands. Mitch Kupchack found out what the business was in this clip from the 1986 Western Conference finals. The Rockets went on to win the series 4-1. Adding insult to injury? Uh, huh! Wiz voice ©.
Records Quadruple-Double
DATE: 3/20/1990
COMPLEX SAYS: In a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Olajuwon went off for 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocked shots and 10 assists. He became only the third player at the time, and is currently only one of four in league history to accomplish the feat. Wonder why Cube doesn't say "fucked around and got a quadruple-double?" Cuz no one gets those shits son! And it's damn near impossible to squeeze into a nice flow.
The Big Payback
DATE: 5/21/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: During game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Suns' Kevin Johnson gave Olajuwon a facial (II) that would go down as one of the most vicious in league history. But only a few days later, Olajuwon extracted his revenge with a monsterous rejection in game 7 as the Rockets closed out the series. K.J. may be the current mayor of Sacramento, but The Dream was the one vetoing shit out of court that night.
Appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman
DATE: 6/13/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: After game 3 of the 1994 Finals, Olajuwon took time out to show a bit of his off-the-court personality on the Late Show With David Letterman. Props to Hakeem for showing his funny-side, but with that Big Bird blazer he's rocking we have to ask: WTFYW?
The O.G. Knick Killer
DATE: 6/19/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: With the Knicks leading the series 3-2 in Game 6 of the 1994 Finals, John Starks hoisted a potential chamionship-winning three-pointer but it was blocked by The Dream, forcing a game 7 which the Rockets went on to win. Reggie, who?
Sons MVP David Robinson
DATE: 5/22/1995
COMPLEX SAYS: Pissed off after losing the MVP race to The Admiral, Hakeem stunted on Robinson and the Spurs on the way to the Rockets' second-consecutive title. Fuck a regular season MVP (word to Bron Bron), The Dream's back-to-back Finals' MVPs gets our salute.
HOF Induction and Jersey Retirement
DATE: 4/11/2008
COMPLEX SAYS: After an 18-year career, Olajuwon retired in 2002 as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and the best foreign-born player of all time. Since retiring, he's gone onto make an estimated $100 million on the Houston real estate market. Living the dream? No doubt.
Training Current All-Stars
DATE: 2006-present
COMPLEX SAYS: A number of the league's best including Yao Ming, Dwight Howard, and Kobe Bryant have gone to Olajuwon for lessons on improving their footwork. Almost a decade after retirement, The Dream is still schoolin' young'ns. Literally.