Hakeem Olajuwon interested in ownership stake of Rockets

Hakeem Olajuwon delivered the Houston Rockets their only two titles in franchise history, so it's only fitting that he would want to claim a piece of the team.

The Hall of Fame center told Mark Woods of ESPN that he has been approached by multiple groups bidding to buy the Rockets from longtime owner Les Alexander.

"Many groups now have called me and want me involved," Olajuwon said. "With two of the groups, I'm doing my background check to see if that is a possibility. Just an association would be great.

"I'm still with the organization now. I have a contract with the Rockets, not to be in an ownership position. But if the opportunity opens itself, it will be something great."

Olajuwon would likely serve as the public front for a wealthy bidding group. Ex-Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo is angling for a similar approach in his efforts to secure an ownership slice.

The only iconic Rockets center not interested in a bid, apparently, is Yao Ming, who is focused on running the Chinese Basketball Association.

Alexander put the Rockets up for sale in July after owning the franchise for parts of three decades.