Drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Rockets from nearby University of Houston, Hakeem Olajuwon carved out a Hall of Fame career that included back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995 and cemented the great center as one of the game’s greatest players. It’s often overlooked that Olajuwon was drafted before Michael Jordan, but the Rockets used their No. 1 pick to take the best big man available. Forming the Twin Towers, Olajuwon would help lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals in his second season of 1985-86.

Entering his 13th season in 1996-97 at the age of 34, Olajuwon was still one of the top centers in the league as he averaged 23.2 points per game and led Houston to a 57-25 record. Olajuwon wore this road navy Rockets jersey during the 1996-97 season. This size 50 Champion mesh jersey features “ROCKETS” sewn on in white, red and silver tackle twill across the chest. The tackle twill lettering is sewn on over the red basketball and blue rocket ship that was dye-cast and made up the complete Rockets’ logo. Olajuwon’s number “34” is sewn on the upper right chest in white, red and silver tackle twill. The jersey has white and blue patterned vertical stripes and the Champion and “DESIGNED & TAILORED 96/97 EXCLUSIVELY FOR HOUSTON ROCKETS BODY LENGTH +6” tags are sewn on the bottom front left tail.

The back of the jersey has “OLAJUWON” sewn on in white and red tackle twill above his number “34” that is sewn on in white, red and silver tackle twill. Like the front of the jersey, there are white and blue vertical stripes. The gold NBA logo patch is sewn on the upper left chest. This design was only used during the 1996-97 season as the NBA celebrated their 50th Anniversary. The open sleeves and collar are bordered with a red/white/red striping pattern. This jersey displays light game use and comes with a letter of provenance from Cristy Nordstrom, the widow of former Rockets equipment manager David Nordstrom, who worked for the Rockets between 1977 and 1998. This jersey, according to the letter of provenance, was acquired during David Nordstrom’s tenure with the club and has been in Cristy’s possession ever since.

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