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Wednesday, January 24, 2001
Olajuwon close to returning from injury



HOUSTON -- It's almost unthinkable that Hakeem Olajuwon would end his great career anywhere but in Houston.

Hakeem Olajuwon
Olajuwon

Since arriving in the city from his native Nigeria, Olajuwon's name has been synonymous with Houston basketball, first at the University of Houston -- taking the Cougars to three NCAA Final Four appearances -- and later leading the Rockets to consecutive NBA titles.

Yet, in the final year of his contract that pays him $16.5 million, Olajuwon told the Rockets he would consider being traded and possibly extending his 17-year career beyond this season.

But Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson has told the center it was highly unlikely the team could pull off such a deal.

"He asked us to look into 'can he be traded,' and that's where we are and we can't do that," Dawson said Monday. "I keep getting these calls that I don't have an answer for (about trades)."

Olajuwon, 38 and on the team's disabled list with a cyst on his right knee, went through a rugged workout Monday but probably won't be with the team when it plays in Denver on Tuesday night. Olajuwon has had difficulty previously playing in the high altitude of Colorado.

"You don't want to start back in Denver," Olajuwon said, smiling.

Olajuwon ended the interview, however, when asked when he planned to sit down with Rockets owner Les Alexander to discuss his desires.

"I don't want to talk about that, that's it," Olajuwon said.

Dawson said it was his understanding that Alexander and Olajuwon would meet this week, possibly Wednesday when the Rockets host the Philadelphia 76ers.

"They are going to talk and something else may come out of that," Dawson said. "My job is to try to get him back and win as many games as we can."

Dawson doesn't doubt there are teams that would take Olajuwon.

"Anybody that's in the race would be interested in Hakeem as far as trading," Dawson said. "I think if they said they were interested in Hakeem, I believe it. But think how many players it would take for a deal like that."

After Olajuwon's contract expires, the Rockets will be under the salary cap, giving Dawson room to sign his own players and possibly shop for free agents.

Olajuwon missed four games after a cyst on his right knee caused swelling and on Jan. 9 he was placed on the team's disabled list, still affected by the swelling that first occurred when he fell Dec. 21 in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Olajuwon is averaging 10.2 points and 1.3 blocks in 29 starts this season.

The Rockets have played their last 11 games without a true center. Kelvin Cato is out with a partially torn rotator cuff and Jason Collier is recovering from knee surgery.
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Olajuwon, owner Alexander have 'very productive' meeting




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