The Origins of Hakeem Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake”

Getty Images/Ringer illustration In an exclusive excerpt from 'Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon,' Mirin Fader explores how soccer, handball, and Olajuwon's upbringing in Lagos, Nigeria, coalesced to create one of the most singular and devastating post moves in NBA history. "He's no dream," says former Lakers center Mychal Thompson. "He was a nightmare." Rick Mahorn, the former Pistons power forward and center, had Hakeem Olajuwon right where he wanted him. He dipped his shoulder into the Houston Rockets big man, backing him down before gently pulling away for the shot. Olajuwon lost his balance and fell to the ground, but quickly popped up. "You won't get me with that move again," Olajuwon said as the two ran downcourt, according to Mahorn. Now Olajuwon was on offense, pushing Mahorn back, faking one way, spinning the other way, then swishing a buttery fadeaway jumper. Now Mahorn was on the ground. "Sorry," Olajuwon called out to him. "Did I … shake you?" Olajuwon started laughing. Mahorn, one of the original "Bad Boys" Pistons, scowled: "The hell outta here with that bullshit!" Only now, more than three decades later, can Mahorn admit that Olajuwon had gotten...