Hakeem

Olajuwon

Olajuwon announced his retirement last season because of a lower back injury and was kept on the injured list all year. Waiving him was a formality. Roberts didn’t take part in training camp with the Raptors, but he might be given an opportunity once in shape. “He made good progress but he isn’t ready to play,” Toronto general manager Glen Grunwald said.

In addition, former coach and broadcaster Dick Vitale will go, along with Immaculata University coach Cathy Rush, a pioneer who led her team to three championships; and Detroit Pistons and Shock owner Bill Davidson.

His exact job has yet to be announced and he will spend most of his time at home in Jordan. Olajuwon has taught plenty of big men in the NBA and most of the time it isn’t cheap. The Dream reportedly charges $50,000 for a week of lessons to the likes of Amare Stoudemire and others. Dwight Howard and Omer Asik don’t have a bevy of offensive moves, so if Olajuwon is brought on as a big-man coach close to full time, it could be a very helpful hire.