In recognition of his unique talents, the NBA have renamed and redesigned most of their individual awards, naming the Defensive Player of the Year after famous Muslim legend Hakeem Olajuwon.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate the league’s best defensive player each year,” Olajuwon told NBA.com.
“Great basketball teams are defined by their ability to defend, with every great team connected by an elite defensive anchor.”
📚 Read Also: Hakeem the Dream: How Houston Legend Rediscovered Islam
The NBA announced that the Defensive Player of the Year award has been renamed The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy!
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 13, 2022
An honor of eternity.
Congrats, Dream! 👏 pic.twitter.com/T4So2YHQVk
Other awards included the Most Valuable Player named after Michael Jordan, the Rookie of the Year named after Wilt Chamberlain, the Most Improved Player named after George Mikan, and the Sixth Man named after John Havlicek.
“Great basketball teams are defined by their ability to defend, with every great team connected by an elite defensive anchor.” – The Dream
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 13, 2022
Read more about the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy: https://t.co/ACCeFapBN7 pic.twitter.com/nHQne6iP9N
Hakeem the Dream
Hakeem “the dream” earned his place in the Basketball Hall of Fame for his unique quickness and defensive skill.
Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon grew up in a multicultural society. In Lagos, being Muslim was part of culture and tradition.
What made Olajuwon stand out was how he balanced being a devout Muslim with the career of a top-level NBA athlete.
However, it was only during his time with the Houston Rockets when Olajuwon began to make that transformation into a devout Muslim, visiting the local mosque regularly and fasting Ramadan.
He became an ambassador of Islam to Houston, helping create a positive image of Muslim people throughout his career.