When is the best time to ask your boss to extend your $ 15 million contract? Never for most of us. For Big Man Akeem Orajwon, it was the winter of 1992. Sure, Rockets wasn’t that hot and had just fired Don Chaney, but Akeem was less produced than the league’s other elite centers, so what’s the harm of asking? beef? Is beef harmful to ask?
yes. First, owner Charlie Thomas and GM Steve Patterson refused to negotiate with him. Then Orajwon strained the hamstring, and the rocket brass said, “Oh yeah, you’re not injured. You’re just refusing to play until you negotiate a contract.” They suspended Orajwon and brought it to the press on allegations of fake injuries. Hakim counterattacked the press and really chased the intellect of Thomas and Patterson. The word “stupid” was used quite a bit. Oh, and he also demanded trade.
Rolling in the 92-93 season, Hakim wasn’t traded, but eventually signed an equivalent deal with David Robinson and Patrick Ewing. Despite the ugly moon, Hakeem was able to find happiness with Houston – it helped change ownership and GM.And maybe Orajwon above all, and the rocket brought the two home, it’s the correct two, then the championship, via Secret base..
