Photo Credit: Slam

Hakeem Olajuwon Says He Sees Himself in Joel Embiid

From 1991-1998, one NBA team not led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen was crowned champions. That team was the Houston Rockets led by revolutionizing center, Hakeem Olajuwon and his “Dream Shake.” Olajuwon was one of the most dominant players of the 1990’s and proved it winning back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.

Fast forward, say, 23 years later. A cocky, flamboyant center has set sail to revive his defeated franchise. Joel Embiid, and his partner in crime, Ben Simmons, are reviving the Philadelphia 76ers. Comparing Embiid’s style (not greatness) of play to Olajuwon’s, one which includes impressive post moves, mid-range jumpers, and tenacious blocked shots is respectable.

Dominating headlines with his impressive play and hysterically entertaining his social media audience on a nightly basis, everyone is on the Embiid train. Hakeem Olajuwon has taken great notice of the 76ers phenom, himself, and sees resemblances of his game.

In a video posted by the NBA, Hakeem Olajuwon had words of advice for the rookie who has similar upbringings.

It’s National Mentoring month and @Sixers rookie stud @JoelEmbiid gets some sage advice from Hall of Famer Hakeem @DR34M Olajuwon! pic.twitter.com/1QrGYdKYQi

— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2017

Footwork. The “Dream Shake.”

“He has the tools and the talent to be able to do those moves,” Olajuwon said. “That’s him. That’s his game. So, he could even take it to another level.”