Clyde Drexler (Part 2)

Clyde Drexler's NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers saw him evolve into one of the league's premier players, showcasing his exceptional scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities.
Drafted by the Trail Blazers in the 1983 NBA Draft as the 14th overall pick, Drexler made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 7.7 points in limited playing time. However, his sophomore campaign saw a significant leap in his performance, as he averaged 17.2 points, 6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
By his third season, Drexler solidified his status as a star player in the league, earning his first All-Star selection while posting impressive averages of 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. His standout performance came on January 6, 1989, when he scored a career-high 50 points during a double-overtime victory against the Sacramento Kings.


In the 1989–1990 season, Drexler led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals, averaging 23.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists during the regular season. Although they ultimately fell to the Detroit Pistons in the Finals, Drexler's leadership and scoring prowess were evident, particularly in Game 2, where he scored 33 points, including the go-ahead free throws in overtime.
The following season, Drexler guided Portland to a franchise-best 63–19 record, earning All-NBA First Team honors and finishing second in MVP voting behind Michael Jordan. Despite their regular-season success, the Trail Blazers faced disappointment in the playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.


In the 1991–92 season, Drexler continued his stellar play, averaging 25 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. He led the Trail Blazers to another Western Conference championship, highlighted by a pivotal Game 6 victory against the Utah Jazz. However, they fell short in the NBA Finals against Jordan's Chicago Bulls, despite Drexler's impressive performance throughout the series.
Drexler's tenure with the Trail Blazers established him as one of the franchise's greatest players, leaving behind a lasting legacy as the all-time scoring leader until Damian Lillard surpassed him in 2022. His contributions both on and off the court cemented his status as a beloved figure in Portland basketball history.


Clyde Drexler's trade to the Houston Rockets in 1995 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he joined forces with longtime friend Hakeem Olajuwon to pursue another NBA championship.
Despite the Rockets finishing the regular season with a modest record of 47–35, Drexler's arrival injected a new energy into the team. In the first round of the playoffs against the Utah Jazz, Drexler's standout performance, including a 41-point game in Game 5, helped the Rockets secure a series victory. Houston continued their remarkable postseason run by winning every remaining elimination game, ultimately sweeping the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. Drexler played a crucial role in the championship series, averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.


Over the next three seasons with the Rockets, Drexler faced challenges with injuries but remained a key contributor to the team's success. In the 1995-96 season, he battled knee and ankle injuries but still managed to average 19.3 points per game. The following season, despite injuries plaguing the team, Drexler was named to the All-Star Game, although he did not play due to injury. Despite their regular-season success, the Rockets fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round.


Drexler's final NBA season came in 1997-98, during which he continued to showcase his skills despite the team's struggles. Although the Rockets secured a playoff spot, they were eliminated in the first round by the Utah Jazz. Following the season, Drexler announced his retirement at the age of 35, citing his desire to leave the game on his own terms while still performing at a high level.
Throughout his illustrious career, Drexler's impact extended beyond his on-court achievements. He retired as one of only three players in NBA history with over 20,000 points, 6,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds. Additionally, Drexler's remarkable consistency led to a remarkable accomplishment of never missing the playoffs in his fifteen seasons in the league.

References

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