Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle Image 1 of / 69 Caption Close

Image 2 of 69 Born Akeem Abdul Olajuwon on Jan. 21, 1963, Hakeem first came to Houston in 1980. Born Akeem Abdul Olajuwon on Jan. 21, 1963, Hakeem first came to Houston in 1980. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 3 of 69 Hakeem was the backbone of the Phi Slama Jama teams of 1982-84. Hakeem was the backbone of the Phi Slama Jama teams of 1982-84. Photo: Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 69 Hakeem was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player in 1983. Hakeem was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player in 1983. Photo: Associated Press file photo

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Image 6 of 69 Hakeem was a first-team All-American in 1983-84. Hakeem was a first-team All-American in 1983-84. Photo: Tim Bullard / Chronicle file

Image 7 of 69 The Rockets selected Hakeem with the top pick in the 1984 draft. The Rockets selected Hakeem with the top pick in the 1984 draft. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 8 of 69 Hakeem teamed with Ralph Sampson, right, to form the Twin Towers. In 1986, the duo led the Rockets to NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. Hakeem teamed with Ralph Sampson, right, to form the Twin Towers. In 1986, the duo led the Rockets to NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 9 of 69 Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition. Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition. Photo: Tim Johnson / Associated Press

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Image 11 of 69 Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season. Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 12 of 69 Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 13 of 69 The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets. The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 14 of 69 In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. He also won the regular season MVP award that season. less In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. ... more Photo: Chronicle file

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Image 16 of 69 Behind Hakeem, the Rockets rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1995 playoffs. Behind Hakeem, the Rockets rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1995 playoffs. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 17 of 69 Hakeem, left, and San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson vied for the 1994-95 MVP award and a spot in the NBA Finals. Hakeem, left, and San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson vied for the 1994-95 MVP award and a spot in the NBA Finals. Photo: Tim Johnson / Associated Press

Image 18 of 69 One of Hakeem's defining moments came in the 1995 Western Conference finals when he towered over David Robinson (the regular-season MVP) and the San Antonio Spurs. One of Hakeem's defining moments came in the 1995 Western Conference finals when he towered over David Robinson (the regular-season MVP) and the San Antonio Spurs. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 19 of 69 Shaquille O'Neal and the young Orlando Magic couldn't keep up with Dream and the Rockets during the 1995 NBA Finals. Shaquille O'Neal and the young Orlando Magic couldn't keep up with Dream and the Rockets during the 1995 NBA Finals. Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Image 21 of 69 Hakeem, left, and Clyde Drexler celebrate the Rockets' four-game sweep of the Magic in 1995 NBA Finals. Hakeem, left, and Clyde Drexler celebrate the Rockets' four-game sweep of the Magic in 1995 NBA Finals. Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

Image 22 of 69 Riding atop a firetruck, Hakeem and his daughter, Abisola, celebrate during the championship parade down Jefferson Street in downtown Houston after the Rockets won their second straight NBA title. Riding atop a firetruck, Hakeem and his daughter, Abisola, celebrate during the championship parade down Jefferson Street in downtown Houston after the Rockets won their second straight NBA title. Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 23 of 69 It took an appeal to the international basketball federation, but Hakeem finally was able to live a lifelong Olympic dream in 1996, winning a gold medal with Team USA in Atlanta. It took an appeal to the international basketball federation, but Hakeem finally was able to live a lifelong Olympic dream in 1996, winning a gold medal with Team USA in Atlanta. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 24 of 69 Hakeem used his 'Dream Shake' move to score 26,946 points. Hakeem used his 'Dream Shake' move to score 26,946 points. Photo: Chronicle file

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Image 26 of 69 Hakeem finished his career with 13,748 rebounds. Hakeem finished his career with 13,748 rebounds. Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 27 of 69 Hakeem often beat his man by spinning baseline, another pet move. Hakeem often beat his man by spinning baseline, another pet move. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 28 of 69 Hakeem would often show off his soccer skills during warmups. Hakeem would often show off his soccer skills during warmups. Photo: AP

Image 29 of 69 Hakeem always came out last during player introductions. Hakeem always came out last during player introductions. Photo: Chronicle file

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Image 31 of 69 Hakeem and Clyde Drexler chased more NBA championships with Charles Barkley when he was acquired via trade. However, they were unable to get Chuck a ring. Hakeem and Clyde Drexler chased more NBA championships with Charles Barkley when he was acquired via trade. However, they were unable to get Chuck a ring. Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

Image 32 of 69 Hakeem finds some time to rest in the final minutes of a 1996 first-round playoff matchup against the Lakers. Hakeem finds some time to rest in the final minutes of a 1996 first-round playoff matchup against the Lakers. Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 33 of 69 Hakeem and the Rockets often got the best of Michael Jordan and the Bulls in regular-season action. Hakeem and the Rockets often got the best of Michael Jordan and the Bulls in regular-season action. Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 34 of 69 Hakeem averaged 3.1 blocks per game during his career. Hakeem averaged 3.1 blocks per game during his career. Photo: Tim Johnson / Associated Press

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Image 36 of 69 Known for his sweet touch, Hakeem could also rock the rim when needed. Known for his sweet touch, Hakeem could also rock the rim when needed. Photo: Steve Campbell / Chronicle

Image 37 of 69 Hakeem stood tall for the Rockets, leading the team to the playoffs 14 times. Hakeem stood tall for the Rockets, leading the team to the playoffs 14 times. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 38 of 69 The Mailman Karl Malone had a hard time delivering against the Dream. The Mailman Karl Malone had a hard time delivering against the Dream. Photo: Douglas C. Pizac / Associated Press

Image 39 of 69 Hakeem was a 12-time All-Star. Hakeem was a 12-time All-Star. Photo: Lou Cappozola / NBC Sports

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Image 41 of 69 After the 1998 lockout ended, the Rockets traded for Scottie Pippen, right, in hopes of creating a championship trio with Charles Barkley and Hakeem. After the 1998 lockout ended, the Rockets traded for Scottie Pippen, right, in hopes of creating a championship trio with Charles Barkley and Hakeem. Photo: Associated Press file

Image 42 of 69 Hakeem is showered with confetti as he walks off the court for the last time as a Rocket on April 17, 2001. Hakeem is showered with confetti as he walks off the court for the last time as a Rocket on April 17, 2001. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 43 of 69 Hakeem's last game with the Rockets was an emotional one. Hakeem's last game with the Rockets was an emotional one. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 44 of 69 Familiar faces Hakeem and Patrick Ewing finished their Hall of Fame careers in unfamiliar places: Hakeem in Toronto and Ewing in Orlando. Familiar faces Hakeem and Patrick Ewing finished their Hall of Fame careers in unfamiliar places: Hakeem in Toronto and Ewing in Orlando. Photo: Joe Skipper / REUTERS

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Image 46 of 69 Patsy Demarest gives Hakeem a hug prior to his first game in Houston as a member of the Toronto Raptors in March of 2002. Patsy Demarest gives Hakeem a hug prior to his first game in Houston as a member of the Toronto Raptors in March of 2002. Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

Image 47 of 69 Hakeem hugs Kelvin Cato before the start of the game. Hakeem finished the night with seven points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes of action. Hakeem hugs Kelvin Cato before the start of the game. Hakeem finished the night with seven points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes of action. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 48 of 69 The Rockets retired Hakeem's jersey number in November of 2002. The Rockets retired Hakeem's jersey number in November of 2002. Photo: Chronicle file

Image 49 of 69 Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and that was evident when he had his number retired. Olajuwon got a warm reception for the ceremony, and many fans has signs expressing their gratitude for what he meant to them and the city. less Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and ... more Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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Image 51 of 69 In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey. In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey. Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 52 of 69 Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Photo: Associated Press file

Image 53 of 69 Hakeem Olajuwon has called Houston home for more than 30 years. Hakeem Olajuwon has called Houston home for more than 30 years. Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

Image 54 of 69 Guy V. Lewis, (center) with two of his star pupils: Hakeem and Clyde. Guy V. Lewis, (center) with two of his star pupils: Hakeem and Clyde. Photo: Michael Paulsen / Chronicle

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Image 56 of 69 Phi Slama Jama reunited in 2011. Pictured from left to right are Michael Young, Hakeem, Clyde Drexler and Larry Micheaux. Phi Slama Jama reunited in 2011. Pictured from left to right are Michael Young, Hakeem, Clyde Drexler and Larry Micheaux. Photo: Michael Paulsen / Chronicle

Image 57 of 69 Still a fan of the game and the Rockets, Hakeem can be seen sitting courtside from time to time. Still a fan of the game and the Rockets, Hakeem can be seen sitting courtside from time to time. Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

Image 58 of 69 Yao Ming and Hakeem spent some time working out on the Toyota Center floor. Yao Ming and Hakeem spent some time working out on the Toyota Center floor. Photo: Steve Ueckert / Chronicle

Image 59 of 69 Hakeem currently serves as a guru for post players and he's worked with some of the NBA's best: From Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. Hakeem currently serves as a guru for post players and he's worked with some of the NBA's best: From Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. Photo: Mayra Beltran / Chronicle

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Image 61 of 69 A man of faith, Hakeem prays among a crowd during the Muslim holiday that signals the end of the month of fasting known as Ramadan. A man of faith, Hakeem prays among a crowd during the Muslim holiday that signals the end of the month of fasting known as Ramadan. Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

Image 62 of 69 Along with former Rockets teammates (from left) Mario Ellie, Clyde Drexler and Robert Horry, Hakeem was part of the Rockets Team of the 90s. Along with former Rockets teammates (from left) Mario Ellie, Clyde Drexler and Robert Horry, Hakeem was part of the Rockets Team of the 90s. Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

Image 63 of 69 Hakeem, left, shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after coming onstage to pay tribute to Stern at the end of the first round on June 27, 2013, in New York. It was Stern's final draft as commissioner as he retired Feb. 1, 2014. less Hakeem, left, shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after coming onstage to pay tribute to Stern at the end of the first round on June 27, 2013, in New York. It was Stern's final draft as commissioner ... more Photo: Jason DeCrow / Associated Press

Image 64 of 69 Dwight Howard, center, poses for a group photo with, from left, Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem and Elvin Hayes after Howard was introduced as the newest member of the Rockets legacy of great centers on July 13, 2013. less Dwight Howard, center, poses for a group photo with, from left, Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem and Elvin Hayes after Howard was introduced as the newest member of the Rockets legacy of great centers on July ... more Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Image 66 of 69 Hakeem was on hand along with Elvin Hayes and Clyde Drexler as legendary UH basketball coach Guy V. Lewis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 8, 2013 in Springfield, Illinois. Hakeem was on hand along with Elvin Hayes and Clyde Drexler as legendary UH basketball coach Guy V. Lewis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 8, 2013 in Springfield, Illinois. Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

Image 67 of 69 Hakeem worked with Dwight Howard and the Rockets during training camp for the 2013-14 season. Hakeem worked with Dwight Howard and the Rockets during training camp for the 2013-14 season. Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 68 of 69 The Dream put in some extra work with Dwight during the 2014 playoffs. The Dream put in some extra work with Dwight during the 2014 playoffs. Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle