Michael Jordan once jokingly said, “I’m scared of the big African.”
That big African was Hakeem Olajuwon, the most skilled big man in NBA history. He didn’t just dominate centers—he humiliated them. Guards studied his footwork. Big men prayed he didn’t take it personal. That Dream Shake ended careers.
Hakeem is the only player in NBA history with over 3,000 blocks and 2,000 steals. He’s the only one to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season. 2 championships. 2 Finals MVPs. 12 All-Star selections. 9 All-Defensive teams. The all-time leader in blocks.
He destroyed Shaq in the Finals. Gave David Robinson nightmares after he won MVP. Shut down some of the greatest centers ever and made it look easy.
Hakeem didn’t need a superteam. He was the system. Offense, defense, IQ, and footwork—no big man in history had it all like him.
The one Jordan respected.
The one legends feared.
The Dream was a nightmare.