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Wednesday, January 17, 2001
Center says he'll do whatever helps the team
Associated Press
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HOUSTON -- Houston general manager Carroll Dawson said
Tuesday it is unlikely and improbable that Hakeem Olajuwon will be
traded or waived.
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| Olajuwon |
"I don't like the idea of trading him," Dawson told The
Associated Press. "We have talked about it a couple of times over
the last month."
The Houston Chronicle reported in a story for editions Wednesday that Olajuwon would welcome a chance to move on with
either a trade or by being waived.
"I think he understands with the salary cap that a trade like
that would be very difficult," Dawson said.
"For me personally, I'm against it. I was fortunate to coach
the big men for this team for 17 years. I just can't ever see him
in another uniform. It's just what he's done for this franchise,
what he's done for me, what he's done for Rudy (Tomjanovich), for
everyone," Dawson said. "Our main focus right now is just to try
to get him well and back on the court."
Olajuwon told the newspaper and Houston television station KRIV that he wanted what was best for the team.
Olajuwon is eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday
after missing nine games with a swollen knee. "I only want to do
what's best for everybody, and that's what I said."
The newspaper quoted sources as saying Olajuwon didn't demand a
trade and knows that the chances of a deal are remote. His salary
this season is $16.5 million.
Olajuwon declined to answer other questions and wouldn't discuss
talks with Dawson.
Dawson said a trade wasn't impossible. "It's not likely and
it's not probable," he said. "You have to think how many players
it would take in the middle of a season to equal $16.5 million."
he said. "It would be a major problem."
Dawson said he expected Olajuwon to complete his career with the
Rockets.
A meeting Olajuwon had planned with Rockets owner Les Alexander
on Tuesday was postponed. The newspaper said sources told it
Olajuwon didn't plan to ask to be moved.
Olajuwon was placed on the injured list Jan. 9. He was benched
with a swollen knee. The swelling was caused by a cyst. He has
suffered swelling since falling hard Dec. 21 against the Los
Angeles Lakers.
He was averaging 10.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 25.6 minutes in
29 games this season, his last in a five-year deal with the
Rockets.
"I just still really think, for all he has done for the
Rockets, it would be hard for me to see him playing for anyone
else," Dawson told the newspaper. "I still think this will work
out."
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