Hakeem Olajuwon: Age, Height, Career, Net Worth, and Legacy in 2024

Hakeem Olajuwon, a legendary figure in basketball, was born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. Renowned for his dominant shot-blocking abilities and famous for his iconic "Dream Shake" move rather than a finger wag (which was actually Dikembe Mutombo’s signature), Olajuwon is one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

Early Life and Family:

Hakeem was the third of six children in his family. His parents, Salim and Abike Olajuwon, were of Yoruba descent, and he grew up in Lagos, where he initially played soccer before taking up basketball at age 17. He later moved to the United States to play college basketball at the University of Houston, where he formed a strong partnership with Clyde Drexler, and their team was famously called "Phi Slama Jama."

Basketball Career Highlights:

Olajuwon was drafted by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, ahead of legends like Michael Jordan. His career spanned from 1984 to 2002, primarily with the Rockets and later with the Toronto Raptors. Some career highlights include:

• NBA Champion: 1994, 1995
• NBA Finals MVP: 1994, 1995
• 12-time NBA All-Star
• 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year
• Olajuwon is the all-time leader in blocked shots in NBA history.

Olajuwon was also known for his incredible agility for a center and his famous Dream Shake, a series of deceptive post moves that baffled defenders. His best partnership was with Clyde Drexler, with whom he won the 1995 NBA Championship.

Favorite Player and Inspirations:

Hakeem admired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his dominant play and professionalism, and this admiration helped shape Olajuwon’s own skills, especially his footwork in the post.

Business Ventures:

After retiring from basketball, Olajuwon became a successful businessman. He invested in real estate, especially in the Houston area, and has amassed a sizable portfolio, estimated to be worth over $100 million. He also focuses on charity work and runs basketball camps to mentor young athletes.

Net Worth:

As of 2024, Hakeem Olajuwon’s estimated net worth is around $300 million, thanks to his successful basketball career, endorsements, and real estate investments.

Height and Tools for Users:

Standing at 7'0" (213 cm), Olajuwon’s height was one of his greatest assets on the court. Want to see how you compare? Try our Height Comparison Tool or use our Height Predictor Tool to estimate your or your child’s future height based on your parents’ height. We also offer a cm-to-ft or ft-to-cm converter tool to easily convert your height measurements.

Table: Hakeem Olajuwon Overview