The former Houston center addressed that hypothetical during an appearance on FS1’s First Things First on Wednesday. Analyst Nick Wright asked Olajuwon whether he believed his Rockets could have beaten Jordan’s Bulls in the Finals — and the Hall of Famer didn’t hesitate to give his honest take.

“People ask me that question all the time. And the only thing we can refer back to is that we played in the regular season,” Olajuwon said. “We didn’t play in the playoffs, but in the regular season, I think Chicago had trouble playing against Houston. Facts are facts.”

“But we don’t know about the playoffs — things might change,” Olajuwon said. “I’m comfortable with my team. We would have done some damage.” The Rockets were a solid team and very physical; without a doubt, they probably could have reached a 7-series NBA finals.

When the Rockets and Bulls actually faced off

Drafted in the same year (1984), both Jordan and Olajuwon went on to become icons of their generation. Olajuwon captured his two NBA championships during Jordan’s first retirement from basketball in the mid-1990s. Still, the hypothetical Finals matchup remains one of the great “what ifs” in NBA history.

The Rockets and Bulls squared off 23 times in the regular season, with Houston holding the upper hand. Chicago struggled to contain Olajuwon’s dominance in the paint, as the Rockets won 13 of those matchups while the Bulls claimed 10.

Had the two met in the Finals and the Rockets prevailed, it would have underscored the enduring value of dominant big men in an era increasingly ruled by guards. Olajuwon’s brilliance challenged Chicago’s supremacy, even if Jordan’s absence from the league during Houston’s championship years adds an asterisk to the debate.

“We’re not going to allow people to revise history: Hakeem Olajuwon…We’re not going to let people pretend like Hakeem was not that. Before there was a Tim Duncan, there was a Hakeem Olajuwon… I’m not comparing the two—I’m not. But I’m saying before there was Kobe, there was Mike. Before there was a Mike, there was Julius Erving. You guys gotta really just put it in perspective how I’m saying these things,” Kyrie Irving said on his Twitch stream.

Kyrie is not attempting to discredit any historic player in the NBA. Instead, he wants to remind us of the foundation upon which the league was built, and Hakeem Olajuwon was a significant part of it. Therefore, leaving him out of the GOAT debate could be unfair. His ability to make a difference for the Houston Rockets impacted all areas of the game. He even won two Defensive Player of the Year awards while maintaining a high level of offensive contribution.

Michael Jordan delivers high praise on Hakeem Olajuwon’s all-around dominance

While Michael Jordan dominated the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls, he encountered several formidable challengers. Among them was Hakeem Olajuwon, the star of the Houston Rockets. His imposing physique and versatile skill set caught the attention of the Bulls legend, who did not shy away from offering him high praise.

“He was in the top 10 in five categories, steals, rebounds, blocked shots, scoring, and shooting percentage. To have a big guy of his size to be in the top 10 in steals, you would assume that he would be in blocks, which to me showed versatility and what type of guy he really was,” he said, via NBA 2K14.

Hakeem Olajuwon makes a crystal-clear choice in the GOAT debate

In a 2015 interview with CNBC Worldwide Exchange, Hakeem Olajuwon was asked about the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Without hesitation, the Rockets legend delivered a resounding answer. “When people start comparing him (LeBron James) with Jordan, then that’s not a fair comparison. Jordan was a far more superior player in a very, very tough league, and very, very creative.”

Despite this, Hakeem spoke about LeBron James, making it clear that he does not seek to discredit what the Lakers veteran has achieved. A decade has elapsed since he made those statements, and much has evolved. James has extended his illustrious career, shattering numerous league records. However, the Rockets legend position likely remains unchanged, as he highlighted that the distinctions he drew went beyond mere statistics and numbers.

“Look at his statistics. He’s (James Harden) a player to the level of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. It’s something unbelievable in this era. There’s no question about James’ ability as a champion. I think it’s just a matter of time. Any player you put with James Harden, it will work. Because James is such a complete player,” Hakeem Olajuwon said back in 2020, via SportsTalk 790.

James Harden, often the subject of bold comparisons among NBA fans, has undeniably proven himself one of the league’s most talented players. Over the course of 1,151 games, he has consistently averaged 24.2 points, along with 5.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists. His exceptional scoring ability made him the league’s leading scorer for three consecutive seasons, marking the pinnacle of his career.

Although Harden has yet to secure an NBA championship, he went on to become a Houston Rockets legend. During his nine-year tenure with the franchise, he had impressive performances, averaging 29.6 points per game.

However, despite his stellar individual performances, team success at the championship level eluded him. The closest he has come to a championship was in the 2018 Conference Finals, where the Rockets were bested by the formidable Golden State Warriors.

James Harden’s unexpected move helped Clippers land Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal

To enhance their roster’s competitiveness, the Los Angeles Clippers have added two seasoned NBA veterans: Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal. This move solidifies their position as one of the league’s oldest teams. Despite this age factor, enthusiasm is running high among fans, who view the Clippers as strong contenders in the short term. Notably, James Harden’s decision played a significant role in bringing these two players to Los Angeles.

In a strategic move, Clippers’ president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, announced that James Harden opted to decline his player option to renegotiate a lower contract. This decision facilitated the arrival of both Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez in Los Angeles. Harden’s initiative underscores his deep commitment to the team and his burning ambition to secure his first NBA championship, aiming to solidify his legacy before retirement.

During his podcast, The Draymond Show, Green engaged with fans in a lively Q&A session. When asked to name his top five defenders in NBA history, his response sparked considerable discussion. “My top five in no particular order is myself, Ben Wallace, Tony Allen, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon,“ he expressed.

Despite the Warriors’ veteran showing deep respect for legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, he left them off his list. He explained that he never saw them play. Relying only on statistics, he said, does not fully capture a player’s greatness. He added that watching someone play offers a better sense of their true impact.

Tim Duncan’s selection sparked little debate among NBA fans. The San Antonio Spurs legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in league history. A two-time MVP and 15-time All-Defensive Team selection, Duncan built a legacy as one of the most fundamentally sound and dominant big men to ever play the game.

Ben Wallace’s case was very different. Many fans disagreed with his inclusion, as they mostly saw him as a physical enforcer. However, Wallace won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. That success placed him among the most dominant defenders of his era. Despite the controversy, he became a game-changer for the Detroit Pistons.

Hakeem Olajuwon, like Duncan, drew little criticism. Fans remember ‘The Dream’ as a player ahead of his time, effortlessly blending size, skill, and finesse. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95, earning Finals MVP honors both years while showcasing one of the most refined post games the league has ever seen.

Tony Allen holds a special place in league history. Over 14 years, he played in 820 NBA games. He became a role model for modern defenders. Many players studied his defensive intensity and discipline. Even Kobe Bryant once called him the toughest defender he ever faced, during a BodyArmor press conference.

“Underrated is Hakeem Olajuwon,” Shaq said on The Big Podcast in April 2025. “He don’t get the credit he should. You always talk about these great big men, and I love that my name is brought up… You gotta put him in there, he was an animal.”

Between O’Neal’s debut in 1992 and Olajuwon’s retirement at age 39 in 2002, the two shared a full decade in the league. That gave Shaquille plenty of opportunities to face the Houston Rockets legend. “He was the only guy that I really couldn’t check,” the three-time champion with the Lakers admitted. “I really couldn’t understand him. So, he was underrated because he didn’t get a lot of props.”

In a 2022 interview with The Ringer, Shaq also emphasized another side of Hakeem. “He was just a nice guy, and when I really respect you, I’m never going to talk trash to you or do anything,” the former center said. “But I tried talking to him and he didn’t respond, so that kind of let me know that he had me.”

O’Neal then explained how Olajuwon differed from other stars in that regard: “I knew that if I said something to the Georgetown boys, they’d get pissed. I knew David Robinson would get all military on me. With Hakeem, I’d elbow him and he’d go, ‘Nice elbow, brotha.'”

How did Shaq fare against Olajuwon?

During the 10 years they overlapped in the NBA, O’Neal and Olajuwon squared off 20 times in the regular season. In those matchups, Shaquille held the edge, with 14 wins and just six losses. But the postseason told a different story: they met eight times in the playoffs, with Olajuwon holding a 5–3 advantage.

Their most memorable clash came in 1995, when the Houston Rockets reached the NBA Finals for the second straight year and faced the Orlando Magic. Olajuwon led his team to another championship, sweeping Shaq’s team in four games.

O’Neal reflects on the 1995 NBA Finals

That 1994–95 season marked just the second time Shaq reached the postseason as a pro. And in that Finals series, he learned a valuable lesson from Olajuwon. “Hakeem was way better than me, but he never did to me in the regular season what he did in the Finals,” O’Neal said during an episode of The OG’s Podcast.

“So, I learned that when you get to that level, you’ve got to step it up a notch—I didn’t know that at the time,” reflected the four-time NBA champion. “So now, I’m saying to myself, ‘If I ever get back to the Finals again, I’ve got to dominate.’ Especially if I’m not shooting free throws well—I’ve got to have such a dominant performance that it won’t even matter.”

According to the official website of the Olympic Games, Yao has long idolized Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, the Hall of Fame center who led the Rockets to two NBA titles in the 1990s. “His idol was Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, the mega star center who played for… the Houston Rockets, the club Yao Ming would go on to play for. In fact, he had basically predicted his entire career,” reads the Olympics’ official tribute to Yao.

The admiration is well documented. Olajuwon wasn’t just an idol—he was a direct inspiration. When Yao made his NBA debut, it happened to coincide with a major moment in Rockets history. “I remember my first game for the Rockets was when we retired his [Olajuwon’s] jersey,” Yao told ABC News in a 2017 interview. “We watched it in the locker room, and I remember saying that was motivation to play hard.”

A journey that changed basketball

Born in Shanghai in 1980, Yao began his professional career with the Shanghai Sharks, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest talents in Asian basketball. Standing at 7-foot-6 (2.29 meters), he combined size with a unique blend of touch, footwork, and basketball IQ. He led the Sharks to a Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship before drawing the attention of NBA scouts worldwide.

In 2002, Yao made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Houston Rockets. He became the first international player ever drafted first overall without prior college or professional experience in the U.S. From the start, Yao captivated fans with his polished post moves, soft shooting touch, and poise on the court. He quickly earned the respect of NBA peers, including Shaquille O’Neal, with whom he shared some of the most memorable battles of the early 2000s.

Over the course of his eight-year NBA career, Yao was named to eight All-Star teams and averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. But his legacy extends far beyond the box score. Yao served as a cultural bridge between China and the United States, drawing millions of new fans to the NBA and playing a pivotal role in globalizing the sport.

Yao’s final steps

Though his career was cut short by a series of foot and ankle injuries—forcing him into retirement in 2011 at age 30—his influence never faded. In 2016, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to shape the future of the sport as president of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Yao’s story remains a powerful testament to resilience, cultural impact, and the global power of basketball—and his reverence for Hakeem Olajuwon speaks to the lineage of greatness that defines the Rockets franchise.

“The Dream” confidently asserted that he aged better as a player compared to Ewing. “The difference between Patrick and me is that he’s had serious injuries, and I’ve never had those,” Olajuwon said after signing with the Toronto Raptors in the same summer the Orlando Magic acquired Ewing. “My problems have been cosmetic.”

Both stars were widely expected to finish their careers with the franchises that defined them, but in a surprising turn, each was traded late in their storied careers. In 2000, Ewing was dealt to the Seattle SuperSonics, and the following year, Olajuwon was shipped to the Raptors.

The Olajuwon-Ewing rivalry took shape in the 1980s and 1990s, with both players leading their respective franchises—the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks—to consistent playoff success. Their battles were often seen as a clash of styles: Olajuwon’s fluid footwork and agility versus Ewing’s physicality and elite mid-range shooting. As two of the league’s premier big men, their matchups were must-watch television, particularly in high-stakes regular-season and playoff encounters.

1994 NBA finals showdown

The pinnacle of their rivalry came in the 1994 NBA Finals, when Olajuwon’s Rockets met Ewing’s Knicks in a grueling seven-game series. Olajuwon delivered an iconic performance, averaging 26.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.9 blocks per game, while Ewing countered with 18.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks per contest.

In Game 6, Olajuwon made one of the most memorable defensive plays in Finals history, blocking John Starks’ last-second three-pointer to force a decisive Game 7. The Rockets ultimately prevailed, securing Olajuwon’s first NBA championship and leaving Ewing just short of his elusive ring.

Regular-season and playoff duels

Throughout their careers, Olajuwon and Ewing clashed multiple times in both the regular season and postseason, with Olajuwon often holding the statistical advantage. Over their careers, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 51.2% from the field.

Ewing, on the other hand, posted career averages of 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game with a 50.4% field goal percentage. While their numbers were close, Olajuwon had the edge defensively with superior shot-blocking, steals, and a more refined post game that made him nearly unguardable in the paint.

Legacy and impact

Both players left a lasting mark on the game, inspiring future generations of big men with their skill, leadership, and defensive dominance. While Olajuwon is widely regarded as the more complete player due to his two-way brilliance and postseason success, Ewing remains one of the greatest centers of all time, known for his resilience and ability to anchor the Knicks through one of the league’s most competitive eras. Their rivalry not only defined a generation of basketball but also showcased the importance of elite center play in the NBA’s golden age of big men.

In a 2015 interview with CNBC, Olajuwon was asked about the GOAT debate, particularly those who place LeBron James at the top. Olajuwon responded firmly: “When people start comparing him with (Michael) Jordan, then that’s not a fair comparison. Jordan was a far more superior player in a very tough league, and he was very creative.”

However, the former center made sure to express his deep respect for James. “That’s not taking away anything from LeBron because he is a great player, but it is not a fair comparison because Jordan is a far superior player,” Hakeem clarified.

Olajuwon further elaborated on what made Michael Jordan the greatest in his 1996 book Living the Dream. “If he were an animal in the jungle, Michael Jordan could lie out on the biggest rock and no one would disturb him, no one would attack him,” the Rockets icon wrote.

“Most superstars, if they match up against each other, at the same position, neutralize each other. When you put together your game plan, you figure that unless someone has an outstanding night, this is a stand-off, and the game will be won by the other teammates,” the Olajuwon explained. “But Michael Jordan isn’t neutralized. He’s different. Michael Jordan dominates superstars.”

Olajuwon praises LeBron James

Following a tough six-game loss in the 2011 NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James sought to improve his game and mental toughness. That’s when he turned to Hakeem Olajuwon for guidance.

Reflecting on that time in a 2018 interview with the Sun Sentinel, Olajuwon said: “He was so determined. He was always saying, ‘I’m here.’ That pushes me. When somebody wants it so much and is so eager, it motivates me. I was very happy because I knew I could help him.” Hakeem’s mentorship proved invaluable, as LeBron James went on to lead the Miami Heat to back-to-back championships in the following seasons.

What did Jordan think about Olajuwon?

Michael Jordan has also praised Hakeem Olajuwon’s skills and versatility on the court. In a 2013 interview with NBA 2K, MJ was asked to name his ideal starting five, which included himself, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Scottie Pippen, and Olajuwon. “I got no chance of losing. None at all,” the Chicago Bulls legend said.

“Olajuwon—he was in the top 10 in five categories: steals, rebounds, blocks, scoring, and shooting percentage,” Jordan remarked. “You know, to have a big guy this size be in the top 10 in steals, now you can assume that he would be in blocks, which to me shows the versatility of what type of guy he really was.”

Olajuwon’s NBA career

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1963, Hakeem Olajuwon entered the NBA with star potential. Selected by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, he was chosen ahead of other future legends such as Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. Hakeem quickly proved his worth, earning a spot in the All-Star Game during his rookie season, an honor he would achieve 12 times throughout his career.

During his 17 seasons with the Rockets, Olajuwon became arguably the most significant player in the franchise’s history. He led the team to its only two championships, in 1994 and 1995, winning Finals MVP honors both times. He also earned the league’s MVP award in 1994.

A six-time All-NBA First Team selection, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time rebounding leader, and three-time blocks leader, Olajuwon’s remarkable achievements earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, and the Houston Rockets honored his legacy by retiring his No. 34 jersey. Additionally, Olajuwon won a gold medal with Team USA at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

“First of all, you have to look at the physique,” Olajuwon explained in an interview with AZCentral. “It’s light. A guy that size and the ball handling skills, he has that ball handling skills to go with the length and with the fundamentals.”

After touching on Durant’s physical traits, Hakeem shifted focus to the forward’s immense talent. “He has fundamentals where he can go right, he can go left. He can get you off balance, he can drive, he can shoot,” he said. “When you have a scorer like that, he’s capable of whatever the opponent gives him. He’s getting what he wants anytime he wants it.”

Elaborating on the diverse arsenal of moves Kevin has at his disposal, Olajuwon continued: “You have to respect every move. If he’s going right, he can cross you over. When he’s coming down, he just pulls up. He catches you on the ground. You can’t jump at that point.”

Finally, the Rockets icon compared Durant to other players in the league, emphasizing how effortless the game seems for him. “Fundamentals. The game comes to him so easily. You see some guys struggling for points. He can get a bucket anytime he wants to,” Olajuwon said. “He can take advantage of almost whatever is available to him. He’s a complete player … He can play as long as he wants to play.”

Olajuwon knows what he’s talking about

To hear such high praise from a legend of Olajuwon’s caliber only highlights the immense respect Kevin Durant commands. Hakeem was one of the league’s brightest stars for nearly two decades. A first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft—over other future legends like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley—the Nigerian center spent the majority of his career with the Rockets.

During his tenure in Houston, he led the team to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors both years. He was also named league MVP in 1993-94, a 12-time All-Star, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Olajuwon’s remarkable impact on the game earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Rockets retired his No. 34 jersey in tribute to his legacy.

Who can Kevin Durant catch up to next?

Having surpassed 30,000 career points, Kevin Durant now finds himself in elite company among the greatest players in NBA history. With 30,008 points, the Phoenix Suns forward ranks eighth on the all-time scoring list, with his closest competitor being the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, who sits at 31,419 points. Although Chamberlain’s mark is formidable, Durant has a realistic chance of surpassing it in the near future.

Next in line is Dirk Nowitzki, who has 31,560 career points, and ahead of them in the top five are Michael Jordan (32,292), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Karl Malone (36,928), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), and LeBron James (41,623).

Embiid’s God-given talents are just remarkable. He’s savvy and understands the flow of the game, and how to make the most of his physical edge and skills to get an advantage over any defense.

That’s why NBA insider Bill Simmons went as far as to compare him with former legends of the game, stating that he’s already a better offensive player than the great Shaquille O’Neal ever was.

Bill Simmons Says Embiid Is A Better Offensive Player Than Shaquille O’Neal

“To me, Embiid has reached this point where his f***ing offensive toolbox that he has now, his face-up stuff, his ability to overpower people,” Simmons said on his podcast.“I was thinking about watching late 80s (Patrick) Ewing when he really had his knees. He was just this awesome, could face up, could hit long shots, could hit the little jump hook, and he had this whole package, it’s like, ‘Wow, Ewing, he’s really got it together.’ To me, Embiid is just offensively better than Ewing was, and Ewing was one of the 40 best players of all time.”

“I’m not ready to go there with Hakeem (Olajuwon), but I think he’s a better offensive player than David Robinson was. I think he had more stuff to his game than Shaq ever did. Shaq was a little more overpowering, but Embiid brings more to the table,” Simmons added.

He has a valid point in terms of Embiid being a better shooter, but Shaq was more physically dominant. Also, we already know that Simmons hates everything slightly related to the Lakers, so we have to take his words with a grain of salt.

Even so, perhaps people don’t seem to realize that what Giannis has done in the past three years alone is enough to guarantee him not only a spot in the Hall of Famebut perhaps in the list of the top 10 best players of all time.

That may sound like a bit of a reach right now but that’s mostly because he doesn’t get the credit he’s due. If you were to look at his accolades, there aren’t many things you could say to demeanor his legacy, especially after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their second championship in franchise history.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Jordan, And Hakeem Olajuwon: Only Players With MVP, DPOY, And Finals MVP

After being named Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo has joined perhaps the most elite group of two-way players in NBA history, as he’s now one of just three players to ever win Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP.

Kevin Garnett and David Robinson complete the list of players who won both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year but – even though they were both champions – they were never able to completethis trifecta.

Michael Jordan

MVP: 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998
DPOY: 1988
Finals MVP: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998

It’s not surprising to see perhaps the greatest player of all time make our list. Michael Jordan is one of just 7 backcourt players to win Defensive Player of the Year and he did it all while being the league’s Most Valuable Player as well.

Jordan would go on to win 4 more MVPs and was named Finals MVP in every single one of the times he made it to basketball’s biggest stage. He’s the greatest Finals performer of all time as he didn’t even play in a Game 7.

Hakeem Olajuwon

MVP: 1994
DPOY: 1993, 1994
Finals MVP: 1994, 1995

Hakeem Olajuwon made sure that no one else ate while Michael Jordan was out of the league. He made the most of the chance to dominate without the best player in the picture and had one of the greatest seasons in NBA history in 1994.

Olajuwon is the only player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP all in the same year, a feature Giannis could’ve matched last season. For now, it seems unlikely that another player will ever accomplish such an incredible thing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

MVP: 2019, 2020
DPOY: 2020
Finals MVP: 2021

And, as you may know by now, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest member of this unique club. He won back-to-back MVPs in 2019 and 2020, was Defensive Player of the Year as well in 2020but he and his team fell short in the playoffs both times.

Now, the Greek Freak has proven again to be one of the most unique talents in NBA history, and perhaps the most amazing thing about his playoff run is the fact that he hyperextended his knee less than two weeks before the NBA Finals, yet he came back to drop multiple 40-point games.