The Associated Press reports that the Raptors? Hakeem Olajuwon will officially retire on November 9th in Houston. After an 18-year career and two championships, the former All-Star center is retiring because of back pain.
The Rockets said they knew only that Olajuwon would attend a ceremony honoring him that night in Houston before a game against Golden State. The Toronto Raptors, with whom Olajuwon played last season, are at Indiana on Nov. 9.
The Raptors excused him from training camp because of his back problems. Toronto general manager Glen Grunwald said earlier in the month he doesn't expect Olajuwon to play this season or in the future.
"We've determined he's just not going to be able to play anymore," agent Dan Fegan told KRIV-TV in Houston. "So it's not finalized, but he's going to make that retirement announcement official Nov. 9."