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Tuesday, October 31, 2000
Olajuwon says he might play next year
Associated Press
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HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets star center Hakeem Olajuwon says
he's feeling so good heading into what's supposed to be his final
NBA season that he may not quit when the year is up.
"If I say I'm retiring now, then it's over, it sounds final,"
he told the Houston Chronicle in a story published Friday. "I just
want to leave the possibilities open."
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| Olajuwon |
Olajuwon, 37, a former two-time Most Valuable Player in the NBA
Finals and the league's all-time leading shot blocker, said he'd
hold no grudge if the Rockets set him free when his contract
expires with the end of this playing year. That would make him a
free agent and allow him to sign with another team.
He will make $16.7 million this year, his 17th with the Rockets.
"I have enjoyed training camp so much," he said. "I came into
it not knowing if I was going to be able to play at all. I was
concerned about the asthma returning. But the doctors have gotten
the medicine working perfectly and I've trained to get myself in
great shape. I feel better than I have in years. I'm pain-free and
I want to see what that will allow me to do before I make any final
decisions."
Olajuwon last year was limited to 44 games, averaging a
career-low 10.3 points, as he endured through a hernia and asthma.
"It is so early and we haven't played a game yet to see how
things will work out," Olajuwon said. "Why close the door?"
What he doesn't want is a farewell tour, with other teams giving
him gifts and holding news conferences for him.
"I don't want to be getting rocking chairs like Kareem
(Abdul-Jabbar)," he said. "That's not me. It's not my
personality."
Olajuwon shared his sentiments Thursday with coach Rudy
Tomjanovich.
"I respect his decision," Tomjanovich said. "But I told him I
was surprised... I didn't think he was thinking that way."
"With the way that I feel, with my health back and my legs
back, it has given me a new outlook," Olajuwon said. "I feel
fresh. I feel good. I still like to play basketball. I would just
like to see how well I can play.
"If I play well and the Rockets want to talk to me about next
season, maybe we'll talk. If I play well enough to satisfy me and
they want to go in another direction, that is fine. I'll wish them
well and consider the possibilities. Maybe somebody would want me
to help them."
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