In the 1984 NBA Draft, Hakeem Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets, becoming the first international No. 1 overall pick in NBA history. This milestone marked the beginning of the NBA's globalization process and opened doors for future international players. Interestingly, in the same draft, Michael Jordan was selected third overall, and both Olajuwon and Jordan later became legends at their respective positions. Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" technique is still studied and imitated by many post players today, proving that international players can also achieve great success in the NBA.

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• Olajuwon is from Nigeria and showed amazing talent during his time at the University of Houston
• In the 1984 draft, he was selected first overall, ahead of many talented players including Michael Jordan
• Olajuwon won 2 championship rings in his career, both with the Rockets
• He helped the Rockets win consecutive championships in 1994 and 1995, making Rockets history
• Olajuwon won Finals MVP twice (1994 and 1995), showing dominance in crucial moments
• In the 1993-94 season, he won regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP simultaneously, the only time in NBA history
• Olajuwon is one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, winning Defensive Player of the Year 3 times
• He blocked 3,830 shots in his career, an NBA record (later surpassed by other players but still ranks high)
• Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" technique is his most famous signature move
• In the 1995 Finals, he averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, showing complete dominance
• Olajuwon is the only player in NBA history to win regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season
• He was selected to 12 All-Star teams and 6 All-NBA First Teams in his career
• Olajuwon stands 7 feet (2.13 meters) tall, but his flexibility and coordination are remarkable
• In college, he helped the University of Houston reach the NCAA Tournament finals, showing dominance at the college level
• Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" technique is still studied and imitated by many post players, including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
• In the 1994 Finals, he helped the Rockets defeat the Knicks, who had Patrick Ewing
• In the 1995 Finals, Olajuwon helped the Rockets defeat the Magic, who had Shaquille O'Neal
• He is one of the greatest international players in NBA history, opening doors for future international players
• After retirement, Olajuwon became a consultant for the Rockets, continuing to contribute to the team
• His "Dream Shake" technique is considered one of the most elegant and deceptive post moves in NBA history