Sports Legends Of The Past: #1

Legends Of The Past: #1

He was a ten-time NBA All-Star, 5x All-NBA player, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, an NBA Champion, and a Hall of Famer. 

His name is Clyde Drexler, or better yet, by his nickname: Clyde The Glide. 

Background

Clyde Drexler spent three years at the University of Houston before deciding to leave after his Junior year to play in the NBA. In his time at the University of Houston, he led the Cougars to two Final Four Appearances in both 1982 and 1983. The Glide averaged 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his time as a Cougar.

After College, Clyde took his talents to the NBA. He played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association, twelve of them he spent with the Portland Trailblazers, and the remaining three with the Houston Rockets. He was a consistent 20 points per game scoring a night, averaging 20.4 ppg and 5 assists throughout his career. 

Time Spent With The Blazers

Drexler was one of the best shooting guards of his era. In 1988, Clyde had his best career season, playing 81 out of 82 games, averaging 27 points per game and 5.8 assists. He finished top 5 in MVP voting, top 8 in DPOY voting (defensive player of the year), was named an All-Star, and a member of the All-NBA 2nd team. 

In 1990, Clyde played in his first NBA Finals. His Trailblazers were ultimately defeated by the Detroit Pistons in five games, but Clyde averaged 26.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. 

In 1992, Clyde finished 2nd in MVP voting behind Michael Jordan, and played the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. His numbers slightly dipped compared to those in the 1990s finals, as he averaged 24.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. 

Time Spent With The Rockets

On February 14, 1995, Clyde Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Otis Thorpe, Marcelo Nicola, and a first-round draft pick. Clyde had grown irritable with the Blazers franchise as they had fallen out of championship contention. 

Clyde becoming a Houston Rocket was the best thing that could have happened to him. Thanks to superstar Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets returned to the NBA Finals after just winning it the season prior. In the ‘95 Finals, Clyde averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, and the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic. 

Clyde played three more years with the Rockets before eventually retiring in 1998. His numbers had started to decline due to accumulating numerous injuries. Despite this, Clyde had cemented his name as one of the best shooting guards of his era. 

Legacy

The Glide was a mild-mannered high flyer who was one of the best players of his day. He was quiet, but still incredibly skilled. His explosive first step and acrobatic finishing made him a significant threat on the basketball court. A playstyle very similar to that of Michael Jordan. 

Although he may not have won as much as Jordan, The Glide was and always will be an NBA Legend.