For 17 years, Hakeem Olajuwon was a cornerstone of the Houston Rockets. A dominant force in the paint, the center led the team to two NBA championships in the 1990s—the only two titles in the franchise’s history. Following his retirement, he was asked to weigh in on the debate surrounding the greatest player of all time.

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.

Hakeem Olajuwon guarded by Michael Jordan and Luc Longley during a game between the Houston Rockets and the Chicago Bulls on January 3, 1996.

“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.