<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbuNBGJvDqo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Thanks Clutch
The fact that OT mentions Dwight as a power player, had me thinking that OT and Dwight do share some similarities: - not great footwork but just broad shouldered and able to overpower players - both had a decent hook shot with almost zero no wrist action - both would use the hook to get around players and just dunk it or throw it up - both able to back opponents down and throw it up off the glass, both guys do and did that a lot - able to run with the ball and take it all the way to the hole, though OT was much better because of his huge hands and handles. I think I'm going to watch game 2 of the 1994 series vs. Blazers, so much nostalgia today, I need my throwback game!
Dwight's leaping ability is really the only thing that separates them, otherwise they are basically the exact same player. OT was more of a rugged position player, while Dwight probably has one of the highest leaping reaches in NBA history. Many people don't remember how good OT was. He was a team player, and took a lesser role when Dream elevated himself, but before that he was an 18 and 10 guy.
Always loved Otis Thorpe. Should have given him a ring for the '95 title. We traded him to Portland for Clyde Drexler. OT always put the team first....
One of my favorite Rocket memories was being at the game against Portland when OT made his first trip back to Houston after the trade. He came off the bench midway through the 1st quarter and as soon as he stood up, the whole place erupted. The ref gave him the ball to inbound and the ovation was still going on...so the ref quickly grabbed the ball from him and started wiping it with a towel (LOL) so the fans could finish with the ovation. Really classy move by that ref. I don't think OT was expecting anyone to remember him, which is what made that long ovation so special. He even got a little emotional in the locker room after the game when someone asked him about it. He said it was something he'll never forget.
I would love to see OT back with the Houston Rockets as an assistant big man coach. He is most underrated Houston Rocket, that I have ever seen. The embrace with Hakeem and him when we won our 1st NBA Championship was an incredible moment. Our guys had done it!
OT was one of my favorites, I was really pissed at first when we traded him even though it was for Drexler.
I was unhappy when we traded for OT, but my friend said, you will like OT. He's better. And he was so right. Deal that brought us a championship.
Otis Thorpe was always healthy, 5 seasons, 82 games played and started. That will never happen again on the Rockets <PRE> Season Age Tm Lg Pos G GS MP 1988-89 26 HOU NBA PF 82 82 3135 1989-90 27 HOU NBA PF 82 82 2947 1990-91 28 HOU NBA PF 82 82 3039 1991-92 29 HOU NBA PF 82 82 3056 1992-93 30 HOU NBA PF 72 69 2357 1993-94 31 HOU NBA PF 82 82 2909 1994-95 32 TOT NBA PF 70 35 2096 1994-95 32 HOU NBA PF 36 35 1188 2000-01 38 CHH NBA PF 49 4 647 Career NBA 1257 989 39822 7 seasons HOU NBA 518 514 18631 5 seasons KCKSAC NBA 348 225 10244 2 seasons DET NBA 161 161 5502 1 season MIA NBA 51 1 777 1 season CHH NBA 49 4 647 1 season WAS NBA 49 38 1539 1 season VAN NBA 47 46 1574 1 season POR NBA 34 0 908 </PRE>
Nobody finished the fast break like OT. He was like a MACK TRUCK coming down that lane. He always ran the floor on the break, even though he was a big man. I sure wouldn't want to get in his way and neither did anybody else.
Don't forget how easily OT palmed the ball and would whip outlet passes to mid-court like he was throwing a tennis ball.
Probably an unpopular opinion, but I still wish we would've never traded him. Even if that means you take away that 2nd title. We would've been fine . PF position was very thin after that with Herrera, Chilcutt and others injured. If they didn't believe in Max, they should've just traded him. Gotta admit, this was a move that Morey would never make and is actually one we needed this february: a PF for a playmaker.
OT was an ox! I'll never forget how HUGE he came up for that stretch of games Hakeen missed with that cracked orbital bone. So dependable!
We don't win that 2nd title without drexler. Let's not let sentiment get in the way of reason. When you have the opp to get a drexler, you do it
The Rockets were a flat tire and going nowhere when the trade was made. Chemistry was gone. I believe Morey absolutely would have made it. Here is another unpopular opinion: If that trade didn't happen, Rockets wouldn't have even made the playoffs.
