Hakeem Olajuwon Rookie Era Houston Rockets Game-Used & Double Autographed Home Jersey
(JSA)
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rookie Season Jersey: A Piece of Basketball History
A Transformative Rookie Year
In the 1984-85 NBA season, the Houston Rockets experienced a remarkable turnaround, largely due to the arrival of Hakeem Olajuwon. The team’s win-loss record improved dramatically from 29-53 in the previous season to an impressive 48-34. Olajuwon, alongside the towering Ralph Sampson, formed the original NBA “Twin Towers” duo, a formidable presence on the court. Averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.68 blocks per game, Olajuwon quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league. His stellar performance earned him the runner-up position in the 1985 Rookie of the Year voting, second only to Michael Jordan, and he was the only other rookie to receive any votes.
The Iconic Jersey
This jersey is a testament to Olajuwon’s extraordinary rookie season. The front proudly displays “ROCKETS” in red tackle twill, with the player number “34” both on the front and back. The player name “OLAJUWON” is emblazoned across the back, also in red tackle twill. The jersey is accompanied by a “Rawlings” manufacturer’s size 42 wash tag, along with a “1 Inch Extra Length” flag tag, indicating its authenticity and unique specifications.
- Autographed Excellence: The jersey is autographed on both the front and back “4” in black marker, with the signature rating a 9.
- Game-Used Condition: Presented to us as game-used, the jersey shows good game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind.
- Accompanied by LOA: The autograph is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, further enhancing its value.
A Coveted Collectible
This jersey is not just a piece of clothing; it is a fragment of basketball history, representing the early days of a player who would go on to become one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Olajuwon’s legacy is immortalized in this jersey, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors and enthusiasts of basketball memorabilia. Its significance is further amplified by the fact that it is autographed and accompanied by a LOA, ensuring its authenticity and desirability.
For those looking to sell game-worn items or consign sports memorabilia, this jersey serves as a prime example of the type of high-quality, historically significant artifacts that are highly valued in the world of sports memorabilia auctions. As a piece of Olajuwon’s illustrious career, it stands as a testament to his impact on the game and his enduring legacy.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.