Home / Sports / What If? Dream Team with Jordan, Olajuwon, and Drexler
What If? Dream Team with Jordan, Olajuwon, and Drexler
20 Jul
Summary
- Olajuwon's early potential was recognized by Chris Pond.
- A proposed trade could have united Olajuwon, Drexler, and Jordan.
- Mark Price was a missed opportunity for the Rockets in 1986.
Hakeem Olajuwon, a future NBA Hall of Famer, arrived in U.S. basketball in 1981 with less fanfare than contemporaries like Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. Initially uncertain as a freshman at Houston, Olajuwon's exceptional talent and footwork quickly became apparent.
By 1984, Olajuwon was a star, facing Patrick Ewing in the NCAA championship. Their rivalry continued in the NBA, with both eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame, though Olajuwon is often considered to have had the superior career.
Intriguing 'what if' scenarios surround Olajuwon's career. Before the 1984 draft, a trade was reportedly proposed to send Ralph Sampson to Portland for Clyde Drexler and the second pick, which could have led to Houston acquiring Olajuwon, Drexler, and Jordan.
Furthermore, in the 1986 draft, the Rockets overlooked Mark Price, who was selected shortly after their pick. A hypothetical team featuring Olajuwon, Drexler, Jordan, and Price might have achieved an astonishing 75 regular-season wins.
