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First, it was Dikembe Mutombo. Then it was Beyonce. Now the greatest Rocket of all-time wants in on the action.
According to ESPN, Rockets all-timer Hakeem Olajuwon has expressed interest in purchasing an ownership stake in the for-sale franchise. He told Mark Woods of ESPN:
"Many groups now have called me and want me involved," Olajuwon, now a Rockets team ambassador, said. "With two of the groups, I'm doing my background check to see if that is a possibility. Just an association would be great.
"I'm still with the organization now. I have a contract with the Rockets, not to be in an ownership position. But if the opportunity opens itself, it will be something great."
How cool would it be to have the last superstar to lead Houston to a title get involved with owning the team right when it looks like they could be the best Rockets squad to hit the hardwood since those mid-90s teams? Olajuwon also said he feels that the Rockets are ready to challenge for a ring.
"I think they were a championship team last year. That series we lost against San Antonio, I think we could have given Golden State a better series than San Antonio did.
"I believe that I've never played one season thinking we cannot win a championship. It's open in the playoffs -- I believe if this team plays with confidence and plays their game, they have a chance.
"I've always believed that if you have a legitimate team like Houston, with one of the best records in the league, they are a championship team. But of course, the West is so strong that you have to go against Golden State or San Antonio. But I think they can beat San Antonio."
It’s unfortunate that another Rockets great, former center Yao Ming, has publicly stated he’s not interested in ownership with the Rockets, because with both Hakeem and Deke already looking to be involved, we’re theoretically just one really tall retiree away from a potential Olajuwon-Mutombo-Ming ownership triumvirate.
I guess we’ll just have to settle for Beyonce instead.