Kevin Durant Pays Ultimate Respect to Rockets Legend Hakeem Olajuwon

The NBA superstar had nothing but praise for the Hall of Famer in a recent one-on-one conversation.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:39pm

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In a recent interview on his media network show 'Boardroom', NBA star Kevin Durant showered Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon with praise, calling him 'one of the greatest players to walk the Earth' and 'the GOAT'. Durant acknowledged Olajuwon's incredible career accomplishments, including leading the Rockets to two NBA championships, winning an MVP award, and being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

Olajuwon is widely regarded as the greatest player in Rockets franchise history, and Durant's public recognition of the Hall of Famer's legacy helps cement Olajuwon's place among the all-time NBA greats. As a current Rockets star, Durant's admiration for Olajuwon also speaks to the enduring impact and influence of the team's past legends.

The details

Durant had the opportunity to interview Olajuwon on his media network show 'Boardroom', where the two basketball icons looked back on Olajuwon's illustrious 17-year career with the Rockets. During the conversation, Durant expressed his deep respect and appreciation for Olajuwon, stating 'It's a true honor to be in your presence. You're an icon. Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest players to walk the Earth... the GOAT. The great legend.'

  • Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
  • Durant and Olajuwon's one-on-one conversation took place in 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

An NBA superstar who currently plays for the Houston Rockets, Durant is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, one-time NBA MVP, 16-time All-Star, and four-time Scoring Champion.

Hakeem Olajuwon

A Houston Rockets legend who played 17 seasons with the team, leading them to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon was also a one-time NBA MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 12-time All-Star, and six-time All-NBA First Team selection before being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“It's a true honor to be in your presence. You're an icon. Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest players to walk the Earth... the GOAT. The great legend.”

— Kevin Durant (Boardroom)

What’s next

Durant and Rockets teammate Alperen Şengün are set to participate in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game together for the first time. After the All-Star break, the duo will look to lead the Rockets on a playoff push in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's public reverence for Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest players in Rockets franchise history, underscores the enduring legacy and influence of the team's past legends. As a current Rockets star, Durant's admiration for Olajuwon speaks to the importance of honoring and respecting the greats who came before, even as new stars emerge.