Organizers said they worked hard to ensure that the monument complied with Olajuwon’s Islamic beliefs.

Houston television station KRIV reported that it would focus on his jersey and accomplishments, but in keeping with the tenets of his Muslim faith, it won’t include a picture or likeness of him.

"It’s a wonderful monument to the greatest player in the history, I think, of Houston sports, and one of the greatest players of all time in the NBA," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said.

Olajuwon led the Rockets to the NBA championship in 1994 and 1995, and was the most valuable player of the finals both years.

"I am so grateful for their thoughtfulness to honor me," Olajuwon said. "It can’t be any higher than that. I feel so humbled. I mean, like, ‘Wow … I mean that much."‘

Olajuwon said a statue was not acceptable because it is against his faith.

Houston artist Eric Kaposta designed the monument.