NBA: Nugg Love's top 10 defensive players in NBA history.

Nugg Love’s top 10 defensive players in NBA history

Phoenix Suns v Utah JazzSALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot by Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)Getty ID: 918398032 /

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HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 22: Former Houston Rocket Hakeem Olajuwan waves to the crowd at Toyota Center on November 22, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Hakeem Olajuwon: DWS: 94.47

At 7′, 255, from Lagos, Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon remains one of the most respected and revered players in modern NBA history.

Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

A cornerstone of the the University of Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” squad, Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler elevated the game to a different level.

The #1 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, “The Dream” made the NBA all-rookie first-team in his first season.

5 NBA first-team Defensive awards, 2 DPOY nods, 2 championships, 2 championship MVP’s, 12 all-star nominations and a league MVP later, Olajuwan’s legacy was secure.

Always reliable, his baseline fadeaway (the dreaded ‘Dream Shake’) terrorized opponents for 18 years.

A feared interior defender, his 3.1 block-per-game average is 3rd in NBA history. He led the league in total blocks 3 times and rebounds twice.

Always an ambassador, Olajuwon carried himself with grace and dignity throughout his career.