New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - Toronto center Hakeem Olajuwon is expected to announce his retirement when the Raptors battle Houston in the Rockets' home opener on November 2, according to a report in the New York Post.

Olajuwon has been bothered by a disc problem in his back and decided that retirement would be the better option rather than undergo surgery, which would have incapacitated the 12-time All-Star for nine to 11 months.

Toronto acquired the 39-year-old Olajuwon from the Rockets in a sign and trade deal on August 2, 2001. In exchange, the Raptors sent a 2002 first-round draft pick and a 2002 second-round draft choice to Houston. Olajuwon inked a three- year deal with Toronto worth $18 million.

Over 61 games last season, Olajuwon averaged career-lows of 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

The Nigeria native was drafted by the Rockets with the top pick in the 1984 NBA Draft and spent 17 seasons with Houston. He guided the Rockets to the NBA title in 1994 and '95 and was named Finals MVP both times.

Olajuwon also earned league MVP honors for the 1993-94 campaign and is the NBA's all-time blocked shots leader with 3,830. He garnered the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1993, 1994) and finishes his 18-year career with averages of 21.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per contest.