Peter Vecsey of the New York Post reports that Hakeem Olajuwon will retire. Though no official announcement has been made, sources say he has played his final game. The African Dream plans to announce his retirement when the Raptors engage Houston in its home opener Nov. 2.

Rather than choosing back surgery which would incapacitate Olajuwon for 9 to 11 months, he will instead choose to retire with honor from the game he conquered by winning the NBA championship in ?94 and ?95.

As a Rocket, Hakeem was generally recognized as the fourth-best center to play the game (behind Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain and Russell). A 12-time All-Star and 20-plus scorer, he was voted all-defensive first- or second-team on nine occasions and led the NBA in blocks in '90, '91 and '93.

Last season?s tour with the Raptors was the pits. Vecsey recalls a a 45-second sequence late in the season against Washington with his jumper being blocked, him getting devoured on defense, and a perfect pass squirting through his hands. Hakeem's numbers plunged to 7.1 points and six boards with the Raptors.

Vecsey adds that team sources strongly suggested last April that every attempt would be made during the offseason to buy out the two remaining years of Hakeem's contract. His fractured back conveniently allows Olajuwon to save face and the Raptors to save money; medical insurance will assume near 80 percent of the $12M obligation. Until further notice, Jelani McCoy is manning the middle. Well, at least the Maple Leafs are set at center.

Vecsey also weighs in on the battle between the Knicks and Latrell Sprewell.