What nickname was NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon best known by?

The NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon was best known by the nickname “The Dream.”

Olajuwon received the nickname during his college years at the University of Houston. His coach, Guy Lewis, reportedly said that Olajuwon's effortless-looking dunks resembled a dream. The name became attached to one of basketball's most graceful and technically gifted centers.

Drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984, Olajuwon spent most of his 18-season NBA career in Houston. He led the Rockets to championships in 1994 and 1995 and was named Finals MVP in both seasons. In 1994, he became the only player to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP awards in the same season.

His signature low-post footwork became known as the “Dream Shake,” another expression of the nickname. “The Nigerian Nightmare” is occasionally listed as an alternate nickname, but “The Dream” is the canonical answer associated with Olajuwon.