The Dream is over

[LonestarROB]

Olajuwon reportedly plans to retire Nov. 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services


Rather than undergo back surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, Hakeem Olajuwon of the Raptors plans to announce his retirement on Nov. 2 when Toronto visits the Houston Rockets, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Retirement can be painful in its own way. But back surgery would require Olajuwon, who won two NBA titles in his 17 seasons with Houston before joining the Raptors last season, to be incapacitated for 9 to 11 months, according to the Post's report.

"Hakeem's a warrior, and I think his love for basketball is almost overpowering," his agent, Dan Fagan, said last week. "However, he's a realist, and if his back injury is what's been described to us, and we believe it is, the possibility of a retirement due to his injury is something we are going to discuss."

Toronto general manager Glen Grunwald said last week that he didn't expect Olajuwon to play this season. Olajuwon is in Houston and has been excused from the Raptors' training camp.

Olajuwon is thought to be among the greatest centers of all time, just outside the famed circle of Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain. Olajuwon is a 12-time All-Star, a 20-points-plus per-game scorer and an all-defensive first- or second-team selection nine times.

He also led the league in blocked shots in 1990, '91 and '93.

Olajuwon made only 37 starts last season for the Raptors, averaging 22.3 minutes, 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds. Late in the season, when the Raptors were pushing for a playoff spot, Olajuwon was pulled from the starting lineup.

Olajuwon, who has two years remaining on his contract, went to the Raptors in August 2001 after turning down a three-year, $13 million contract offer to stay in Houston. He signed a three-year, $18 million contract with Toronto.

According to the Post, the Wizards may consider adding Olajuwon as an assistant coach. Patrick Ewing retired last month and joined the Wizards' staff the next day.

ESPN

[Drbio]

sadly....this is long overdue. Props to the Dream though....nice career.

[NBAfreak02]

yeah i heard about that.
Now we wont get to see him dominate anymore... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

[#1MavsFan]

He had a long nice career and could have had alot more championships than 2 if MJ wasnt there. He should be in the hall in 2007.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]