Ralph Sampson Reflects On What Could Have Been With Hakeem Olajuwon

Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon were once one of the best frontcourt duos with the Houston Rockets

Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon were among the most dominant frontcourt duos in the history of the NBA. 

Together, they led the Houston Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics.

In 1987, Sampson was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He never played in another NBA Finals.

In a recent interview, Sampson was asked how many championships he and Olajuwon could have won if he stayed in Houston.

"You never know," Sampson said. "I'm sure we would have had quite a few."

Sampson said that the Rockets needed a point guard and some other pieces, but winning multiple championships would have been possible.

Sampson's career was cut short by injuries, but he is still considered one of the greatest centers ever. He averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Olajuwon won two NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995. He is widely considered one of the greatest centers of all time.

It is impossible to say how many championships Sampson and Olajuwon could have won if they had stayed together in Houston. However, they had the potential to be one of the most successful duos in NBA history.

What if?

Sampson's comments raise the intriguing question of what could have been if he had stayed in Houston. The Rockets were already a championship contender with Sampson and Olajuwon, and adding a few more pieces could have made them even more formidable.

It is possible the Rockets could have won multiple championships in the late 1980s and early 1990s if Sampson had stayed healthy. The Detroit Pistons were the dominant team in the Eastern Conference during that time, but the Rockets could have given them a run for their money.

Sampson's trade to the Warriors with Steve Harris for Joe Barry Carroll, Sleepy Floyd, and cash was a significant setback for the Rockets. However, Sampson's comments suggest that he and Olajuwon could have won multiple championships together.

It is a shame that we will never know for sure.