Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

Fader (Giannis), a staff writer for the Ringer, delivers a serviceable biography of Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon, “the first true international superstar in the NBA.” Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, in the 1960s and ’70s, Olajuwon played “every sport except basketball,” only picking up the game at the encouragement of a high school coach who recognized the six-foot-eight 16-year-old’s potential. Despite Olajuwon’s late start, his athleticism, determination, and height were a winning combination, and he earned a spot on the University of Houston’s team in 1980. His impressive college career convinced the Houston Rockets to select him as the first pick in the 1984 NBA draft, a choice that paid off when Olajuwon led the team to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Fader offers a smart assessment of Olajuwon’s approach to playing center, suggesting he operated “like a guard, using his quickness, creativity, and mobility to outsmart taller opponents.” Covering Olajuwon’s life off the court, Fader describes how he reconnected with his Islamic faith in the late 1990s after becoming disillusioned with the materialism of his peers. Unfortunately, Fader doesn’t provide much psychological insight into Olajuwon, struggling to make sense of his quick temper and offering few details on his personal relationships. The result is a robust account of Olajuwon’s legendary basketball career that leaves his personal life frustratingly out of focus. Agent: Anthony Mattero, CAA. (Oct.)