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Arguably, the all-time best foreign born player in NBA history is Hakeem Olajuwon. If you followed NBA basketball in the 1980’s or 1990’s, you watched “The Dream” block shots in every basketball arena in the United States. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the 7’0” tall Center played nasty defense for the Houston Rockets for almost 2 decades!
Hakeem Olajuwon Basketball Cards should always be popular. As time passes, I have no doubt that they will remain in demand. Very simply, Hakeem Olajuwon is a legend. For many years, maybe he was an overlooked legend, but that did not influence the way he played the game. Let’s take a look at some rookie cards and a few other notable cards.
Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie Cards
1986-87 Fleer Hakeem Olajuwon #82
Many collectors consider this the first “official” Hakeem Olajuwon rookie card. Hailing from the famous 1986-87 Fleer Basketball card set which contains MANY famous rookie cards other than just Olajuwon, this card displays Hakeem in the red and gold uniform of the Houston Rockets. This card, graded Mint or Near Mint, may cost collectors a pretty penny, but this card graded mid-level may be very attainable. Notice the name on the front of the card? That is not a misprint. When Hakeem first came to America, people at the University of Houston dropped the “H” from his name. So for about the first 5 years of his NBA career, he was known as “Akeem.” Hakeem reclaimed that “H” in 1991. More on that below…
This card displays a perfect image of Hakeem. As he is boxing out a Laker’s defender, collectors can see the look of determination on Hakeem’s face. This is a common thread that I have found in Hakeem Olajuwon cards. That look of intensity was the facial expression that Hakeem displayed on the court. Could you expect any less from this man?
Find the Card on eBay
AKEEM HAKEEM OLAJUWON 1986-87 Fleer SET BREAK 82 RC Rookie HOF CW15
$32.00 (10 bids) End Date: Thursday Jun-08-2023 22:47:24 EDT Bid |
1986-87 Fleer Basketball #82 Hakeem Olajuwon Rockets RC Rookie HOF BGS 9 MINT
$255.00 (13 bids) End Date: Monday Jun-12-2023 22:55:01 EDT Bid |
Hakeem Olajuwon 1986-87 Fleer Rc #82 NM PSA 7
$150.00 Buy It Now for only: $150.00 Buy it Now |
1986-87 Fleer Basketball Hakeem Olajuwon #82 BGS 8 Rockets AR1
$52.00 (4 bids) End Date: Friday Jun-09-2023 22:14:49 EDT Bid |
HAKEEM OLAJUWON 1986-87 FLEER #82 signed auto Beckett BAS AUTO 10 00014057940
$110.50 (16 bids) End Date: Sunday Jun-11-2023 22:05:01 EDT Bid |
SGC 7 - 1986-87 Fleer # 82 Akeem (Hakeem) Olajuwon RC Houston Rockets HOF
$139.95 Buy It Now for only: $139.95 Buy it Now |
1986-87 Fleer Sticker Hakeem Olajuwon #9
This sticker insert can also be found in the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Set and it is referred to by some as Hakeem Olajuwon’s 2nd rookie card in the set. Look closely at this image. I love it! Hakeem is blocking a shot from none other than Magic Johnson! That vertical leap is incredible. Some great players from an amazing era of the NBA.
This sticker insert is viewed by many as an affordable alternative rookie card. This Fleer Sticker #9 is attainable for most collectors. And the image shows us what was to come. 3,830 lay in the future!
Find the Card on eBay
AKEEM HAKEEM OLAJUWON 1986-87 FLEER NBA BASKTBALL STICKER ROOKIE CARD RC #9
$11.50 (4 bids) End Date: Sunday Jun-11-2023 20:34:12 EDT Bid |
1986-87 Hakeem Olajuwon Fleer Basketball Sticker #9 of 11 Rookie Year Rockets
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1986-87 Fleer Sticker #9 Hakeem Akeem Olajuwon PSA 8.5 HOF Houston Rockets -8255
$234.88 Buy It Now for only: $234.88 Buy it Now |
1986-87 Fleer Stickers #9 Hakeem Olajuwon RC
$11.05 (5 bids) End Date: Thursday Jun-08-2023 18:58:06 EDT Bid |
AKEEM HAKEEM OLAJUWON 1986-87 FLEER BASKETBALL #9 STICKER ROOKIE RC EX-MT
$0.99 (1 bid) End Date: Tuesday Jun-13-2023 21:52:00 EDT Bid |
1986-87 Fleer Sticker #9 Hakeem Akeem Olajuwon SGC 6 HOF Houston Rockets Rookie
$59.88 Buy It Now for only: $59.88 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon #237
This is technically the first Hakeem Olajuwon Basketball card and even though it predates the 1986-87 Fleer card by 2 years, some collectors don’t view it as the “official” Hakeem Olajuwon rookie card. That is a pity because this is a fine card. Hakeem’s facial features on this card show the intensity that the man played with throughout his career. The light orange border will grab the attention of anyone, despite whether a person appreciates it or not.
The Star company did not mass produce their cards, so finding an authentic 1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon may be difficult, tricky, or expensive. And yes, I did say “tricky” because collectors should be warned that Star basketball cards were easy to counterfeit. PSA will not grade Star cards for this reason, but collectors can still get these cards graded by BGS. This card may be elusive for some, but obtaining it can be rewarding.
Find the Card on eBay
💎 1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon #237 - HOF Rookie RC - BGS 8.5 NM-MT+
$2,399.00 Buy It Now for only: $2,399.00 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star #237 Hakeem Olajuwon Rare Centered True Rookie Card ‘96 Reprint
$189.97 Buy It Now for only: $189.97 Buy it Now |
1984 Star Akeem Olajuwon #237 Gai 7 True Rookie Trc Xrc 1984-85 Hakeem not bgs
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1984-85 Star #237 Hakeem Olajuwon BGS 8.5 Rare Centered True Rookie Card ("TRC")
$19,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $19,999.99 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon 237 XRC Rookie Card PSA 6
$750.00 Buy It Now for only: $750.00 Buy it Now |
Hakeem Olajuwon 1984-85 Star RC Rockets Gem 10 Auto The Dream Beckett 14984871
$1,695.00 Buy It Now for only: $1,695.00 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon Court Kings #47
Why Some collectors refer to this card as an “Oddball Rookie Card,” due to its 5”x7” format. Star released these Court King cards the same year as Hakeem Olajuwon’s first card. Again, you can see that intensity as Hakeem is lining up a free throw. The Deep Blue border will again catch your eye, despite what your opinion is of the format. Collectors must heed the same warning as the 1984-85 Star #237, Star cards have been counterfeited and there are multiple “fake” Star basketball cards somewhere out there. But if you can find an authentic Court Kings #47, I am sure you will be quite fond of it.
Find the Card on eBay
1984-85 Star #47 Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie Card Court Kings 5x7 BGS 8.5
$600.00 Buy It Now for only: $600.00 Buy it Now |
💎 1984-85 Star Court Kings Hakeem Olajuwon #47 - HOF Rookie RC - BGS 7.5 NM+
$299.99 Buy It Now for only: $299.99 Buy it Now |
Hakeem Olajuwon 1984-85 Star Court Kings #47 5x7 BGS 8.5
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1984-85 Star Court Kings 5 x 7 #47 HAKEEM OLAJUWON BGS 9 MINT First Year Card
$999.00 Buy It Now for only: $999.00 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star Court Kings 5x7 #47 Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie HOF Rockets BGS 8.5 *238
$525.00 Buy It Now for only: $525.00 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star Court Kings #47 Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie 5x7 BGS 9 Mint Huge Subs
$2,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $2,000.00 Buy it Now |
Other Notable Hakeem Olajuwon Cards
1985-86 Star Hakeem Olajuwon #18
When would you ever expect to see a man who’s 7 feet tall be “dwarfed” by a man standing behind him? This is my favorite image from an Hakeem Olajuwon card! Hakeem Olajuwon is a very intimidating 7’0” but on this card he is standing in front of his teammate, the 7’4” Ralph Sampson. Hakeem and Ralph made up the duo known as “The Twin Towers.”This card displays exactly what opponents of the Houston Rockets faced during the 1985-86 season. A frightening height advantage. The border of the card is similar to the 1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon, although this time it is bright yellow.
This card still precedes the 1986-87 Fleer Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie Card, but unlike the similar 1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon, collectors do not view this card as a possible rookie card. After all, it is from his second season. I need to issue a similar warning statement as the one I mentioned above. Collectors should be careful purchasing Star basketball cards because three are numerous counterfeit cards out there. Mint or near mint versions of this card are available and can be attained for a modest sum. Like previous Star sets, the print level was limited, so authentic versions of this card may be tough to find. But for the novelty of this card and a clear display of “The Twin Towers,” this card is worth it.
Find the Card on eBay
Hakeem Olajuwon #18 signed autograph 1985-86 Star Card Auto Grade 10 BAS Slabbed
$850.00 Buy It Now for only: $850.00 Buy it Now |
1985-86 Star - #18 Hakeem Olajuwon (RC)
$75.00 Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy it Now |
1985-86 Star AKEEM OLAJUWON #18 HAKEEM Rookie BGS 7.5 Near Mint+ HOUSTON ROCKETS
$149.99 Buy It Now for only: $149.99 Buy it Now |
1985-86 Star Co. NBA #18 HAKEEM OLAJUWON BGS 8 NM-MT ... Houston Rockets
$170.95 Buy It Now for only: $170.95 Buy it Now |
1985-86 Star HAKEEM OLAJUWON Akeem Basketball Card Houston rockets BGS 7.5 NM+
$170.00 Buy It Now for only: $170.00 Buy it Now |
1985-86 Star #18 Hakeem Olajuwon BGS 8
$250.00 Buy It Now for only: $250.00 Buy it Now |
1991 Fleer #214 All-Star Team Hakeem Olajuwon
This card is one of the earliest cards to ever print the name “Hakeem” to replace “Akeem.” As I stated above, Hakeem reclaimed the “H” in his name in March 1991. Hakeem states in his autobiography, Living the Dream, that in 1991, his thoughts on this aspect were, “I’m not changing the spelling of my name, I’m correcting it.” So the value of this card is simple. It was one of the very first times that Hakeem saw his name correctly written on a basketball card.
This card is very attainable and collectors of Hakeem Olajuwon memorabilia may definitely be interested in this card. Something else interesting? People remember Olajuwon in goggles but they weren’t common until the 1993 season. So Hakeem in goggles and Hakeem with the all-important “H,” make this card a nice collectible.
Find the Cards on eBay
1991 Fleer All-Star Team- Hakeem Olajuwon #214- Houston Rockets HOF
$1.75 Buy It Now for only: $1.75 Buy it Now |
1991 Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets All-Star Team Fleer #214
$0.65 End Date: Saturday Jun-17-2023 03:00:37 EDT Buy It Now for only: $0.65 Buy it Now |
1991-92 Fleer Houston Rockets Card #214 Hakeem Olajuwon All Star Team Free Ship!
$0.99 End Date: Thursday Jun-08-2023 00:09:44 EDT Buy It Now for only: $0.99 Buy it Now |
1991-92 Fleer Basketball Fleer 1991 All-Star Team Hakeem Olajuwon #214
$1.50 Buy It Now for only: $1.50 Buy it Now |
1991-92 Fleer Basketball Hakeem Olajuwon #214 Houston Rockets All Star team
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1991 Fleer #214 All Star Team Hakeem Olajuwon Houston Rockets
$1.99 Buy It Now for only: $1.99 Buy it Now |
1991-92 Upper Deck #254 Hakeem Olajuwon
I included this card as notable because it is the Upper Deck card from the first season that Hakeem Olajuwon was known as “Hakeem” rather than “Akeem.” But also, I like this card! The camera captured a perfect instance where Hakeem’s massive body frame was completing the process of a very powerful slam dunk. Watching Olajuwon in the early ‘90’s, I remember not only seeing him slam home some beautiful dunks, but I also remember hearing them. There is nothing quite like the sound of a massive hand pounding and pulling the rim of the net.
Find the Most Expensive Hakeem Olajuwon Cards on eBay
1984 Star Hakeem Olajuwon #237 PSA 9
$100,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $100,000.00 Buy it Now |
1997-98 Metal Universe 59 Precious Metal Gems / Hakeem Olajuwon 038/100 Psa4
$25,980.00 Buy It Now for only: $25,980.00 Buy it Now |
1985 Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie STICKER Card Puzzle Houston Rockets Yugoslavian Rare
$19,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $19,999.99 Buy it Now |
1984-85 Star #237 Hakeem Olajuwon BGS 8.5 Rare Centered True Rookie Card ("TRC")
$19,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $19,999.99 Buy it Now |
1986 Fleer HAKEEM OLAJUWON #82 Rookie PSA 10 GEM MINT RC
$13,995.00 Buy It Now for only: $13,995.00 Buy it Now |
1998 FLAIR SHOWCASE LEGACY COLL MASTERPIECE ROW 2 HAKEEM OLAJUWON #45 1/1 PSA 9
$13,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $13,000.00 Buy it Now |
2006-07 Exquisite YAO MING HAKEEM OLAJUWON Auto Dual Patch Scripted Swatches # 5
$11,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $11,999.99 Buy it Now |
1986 Fleer #82 Hakeem Olajuwon BGS 9.5
$10,742.00 Buy It Now for only: $10,742.00 Buy it Now |
Hakeem Olajuwon 1/1 ONE-OF-ONE PSA 10 Auto 2020 Leaf Signature Series SP SSP
$9,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $9,999.99 Buy it Now |
2013 Retro PRECIOUS METAL GEMS RED HAKEEM OLAJUWON BGS 9.5 POP 1 None Higher!!!!
$8,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $8,000.00 Buy it Now |
1986 Fleer 82 Akeem Hakeem Olajuwon RC Rookie PSA 10 Gem Mint HOF GOAT
$7,499.99 Buy It Now for only: $7,499.99 Buy it Now |
2004 UD Exquisite Hakeem Olajuwon Number Pieces Patch Auto /34 BGS 9.5 Rockets
$7,500.00 Buy It Now for only: $7,500.00 Buy it Now |
1984 STAR HAKEEM OLAJUWON ROOKIE #237 PSA 8
$7,500.00 Buy It Now for only: $7,500.00 Buy it Now |
Skybox Premium 1998-99 Hakeem Olajuwon Star Rubies 12/50 Pop 2 Owned Since 1998
$6,800.00 Buy It Now for only: $6,800.00 Buy it Now |
1986 Fleer #82 AKEEM "HAKEEM" OLAJUWON AUTOGRAPHED Rookie RC PSA/DNA AUTO 10
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What’s in a Name?
Multiple times in this article, I have mentioned the spelling of Hakeem Olajuwon’s first name. And for very good reason. In March 1991, when asked about the addition to his name, Hakeem stated, “It’s no big deal… I just want to go back to the original spelling, the way it is meant to be spelled in Arabic.” Well, he may have stated, “It’s no big deal,” but I think we all know it was a big deal. “Hakeem” when translated from Arabic means, “a wise man, a doctor.” “Akeem” does not translate into any meaning in English. As Hakeem became a more devout muslim in the 1990’s, reclaiming his “H” must have meant a lot to him. Knowing his name means, “a wise man,” and knowing that others now understood his name translation, must have given Hakeem some confidence.
Hakeem Olajuwon Collector’s Cards
Are Hakeem Olajuwon basketball cards valuable? The very simple answer is, in many ways, Yes! Some people are Lifelong Houston Rockets fans. Olajuwon cards have a definite value to these fans. Even if it is not monetary. Let’s say you are a collector of cards from certain athletes. Yes, Hakeem Olajuwon is definitely an individual whose cards you would want to collect. Even if you only want to collect cards from 3 players in the NBA. Hakeem Olajuwon could definitely be one of those 3 players.
I hinted at it earlier. Hakeem Olajuwon still holds the NBA record as the All-Time Leader in Blocked Shots with 3,830. Fans of defensive basketball love that! But something else to keep in mind, Hakeem Olajuwon was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary team in 2021. That means that he is no longer overlooked. True followers of the NBA now recognize what a valuable player Hakeem Olajuwon was and how he changed the league just by his presence. These are all factors that will lead to the increased popularity of Hakeem Olajuwon’s cards in years to come.