NBA Hall of Famer and Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon was recently recognized as the greatest foreign-born basketball player, according to HoopsHype. In a list of the 80 best foreign players of all-time, Olajuwon topped the competition.
The Nigerian big man had an 18-year NBA career, 17 of those years he spent in Houston. Olajuwon was the catalyst to the Rockets' success, as Houston made the playoffs in 14 of his 17 and they finished below .500 just once.
Throughout his career, Olajuwon piled up accolades, earning an MVP award, 12 All-NBA selections, two NBA Finals MVP awards, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, two rebounding titles and three blocks titles. In 1,177 games for the Rockets, Olajuwon averaged 22.5 points, 11.4 rebounds,
2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and an incredible 3.2 blocks.
Although he finished seventh in MVP voting during the 1989-1990 season, it was likely his strongest campaign, averaging 24.3 points, 14 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.1 steals and 4.6 blocks. Olajuwon was snubbed of the Defensive Player of the Year award that season in favor of Dennis Rodman.
Behind Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Steve Nash rounded out the top five.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets legend named best international player in NBA history
