Legendary Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the best big men in NBA history, and the Hall of Famer is particularly well regarded for his footwork in and around the low post.
That’s why numerous current stars, most recently two-time MVP and 2021 NBA Finals champion Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, often attempt to work with Olajuwon to improve their games.
Buy Rockets Tickets“This season, (before) training camp, I have a trip that I’m going to go down to Houston and try to work out with Hakeem Olajuwon,” Antetokounmpo said on the “48 Minutes” podcast. “I love his game and if I can take a few things from his game or learn anything from the few days I’m going to spend with him, it’s going to be a blessing.”
Olajuwon is believed to charge $50,000 for a week of his services, according to past media reports. That price is excessive in the eyes of former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas.
In a light-hearted rant, here’s a sampling of what Arenas had to say about it on his own podcast, “No Chill Gil”:
First of all, who wants to learn a move from somebody who did it in 1990, anyway? He ain’t been good since the 90s. That means any moves from the 2000s, he don’t know. Who (are) you going to do the moves on? (Victor) Wembanyama?
Nobody wants that Hakeem Olajuwon skyhook. You should be ashamed of yourself. Charging these young whippersnappers $50,000. When you came into the league in 1984, you weren’t getting $50,000 a game. You’re trying to make the money back through the youth!
Gilbert Arenas roasting Hakeem for charging NBA players $50K for workouts:
"He ain't been good since the 90s. That means any moves from the 2000s he don't know…Who the f— you going to do the moves on? Wembanyama?"@GilsArenaShow @2Cool2Blog pic.twitter.com/9igaf0l2MR
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 19, 2023
Arenas didn’t explain why he believes Olajuwon’s rates should be relative to salaries 39 years ago, as opposed to today’s figures.
Whatever the case, Olajuwon’s training has received high marks from legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, and that’s of greater significance than a bizarre slight by Arenas.
