Kyrie Irving took a moment on his Twitch stream to give flowers to one of the most underappreciated legends in NBA history, Hakeem Olajuwon. In a passionate message, Irving called for more respect and recognition for the Nigerian-born Hall of Famer, particularly highlighting his dominance, cultural significance, and deep faith as a Muslim athlete.
“Hakeem Olajuwon, y’all. Salams to my big brother, man. Salams to Hakeem. We’re not gonna let people pretend like Hakeem was not that. Before there was a Tim Duncan, there was a Hakeem Olajuwon.”
“Now, I’m not comparing the two, I’m not. But I’m saying: before there was a Kobe, there was a Mike. Before there was a Mike, there was a Julius Erving. You know what I’m saying?”
“Hakeem Olajuwon winning two championships when Mike left, the reason why I brought up Hakeem is because he’s a Muslim brother in the NBA. Playing, fasting, giving people 40 while fasting. During Ramadan. Fasting. Giving people 40.”
Irving’s point was clear: greatness has a lineage, and Hakeem Olajuwon is a pillar in that chain. Often overshadowed in conversations about the greatest big men, Olajuwon was a once-in-a-generation center whose combination of footwork, defense, finesse, and power remains unmatched.
Irving took particular pride in bringing attention to Hakeem’s faith, calling him a “Muslim brother” who played while fasting during Ramadan and still dropped 40-point performances.
Olajuwon’s basketball resume speaks for itself. A two-time NBA champion (1994, 1995) with the Houston Rockets, he was the Finals MVP in both years.
During Michael Jordan’s brief retirement, Olajuwon seized the moment and dominated the league, leading Houston to back-to-back titles, including a sweep of a young Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic in 1995. He remains the only player in NBA history to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season (1993–94).
In total, Hakeem played 18 NBA seasons, finishing with career averages of 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 2.5 assists per game. He ranks first all-time in career blocks (3,830) and was a 12-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA selection, and nine-time All-Defensive Team honoree.
Nicknamed “The Dream” for his smooth footwork and soft touch, his iconic “Dream Shake” became one of the most unstoppable post moves in basketball history.
Beyond the numbers, Olajuwon represented something deeper: a devout Muslim playing at the highest level while honoring his religious obligations. Irving, who is also Muslim, clearly feels a connection to that legacy. Hakeem didn’t just dominate opponents; he did so with humility, grace, and spiritual conviction.
Kyrie’s call to respect Hakeem is timely. In an era where the NBA community frequently debates legacies and GOATs, too many forget just how revolutionary Olajuwon was. His impact stretched beyond stats and trophies, it lived in the way he played, carried himself, and inspired players from across the globe.
Hakeem Olajuwon wasn’t just a big man. He was the big man. And as Kyrie Irving rightly pointed out, he deserves all the recognition.
