Hakeem Olajuwon to be honored for 50th Anniversary Special

It’s now time for the greatest Rocket of them all.

Hakeem Olajuwon will be honored at tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic as the Houston Rockets continue to celebrate the achievements of the organization’s 50 year history.

The Rockets have called Houston home since 1971 after relocating from San Diego. Since the beginning of the season, the organization has honored some of their best alumni at home games throughout the year. Shane Battier and Yao Ming were honored earlier this month at their respective games.

“Fifty years – it’s an incredible milestone, but being part of the community is both historical and aspirational based on where the organization is,” Rockets CEO Tad Brown said to the Houston Chronicle last September. “Having won the only major sports championships in the city, you have this connection with fans that historically is celebratory.”

Olajuwon, who originally won over the city while playing college ball at the University of Houston, was with the Rockets for 17 years and led the team to back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. The first 3,000 fans at tonight’s game will receive this Hakeem hat.