Agreed. But then, wouldn't you have to put Moses Malone on that list for being the primary reason the Rockets won the Western Conference? I almost think that warrants more consideration than Sampson. The Lakers went on to win 2 more championships, so it's not as if we knocked them off the throne permanently. Moses Malone was a league MVP with the Rockets and brought us to the 1st of 4 Finals appearances.
i didn't know how many 'spaces' you can put on the all time rockets team. if we can open more spaces, the Moses, Calvin, Robert Reid, Elvin Hayes should be there too.
At the same time, I think Ralph's accomplishments (when healthy) were great. That 84 team beat the Lakers fair and square. The Lakers were suppose to be unbeatable. "BEAT LA" "BEAT LA".. That LA Team was cockier and more hated that the Shaq/Kobe team. "BEAT LA" "BEAT LA" The cheap punch Kupchak threw at Dream, it was war! And to have Ralph do that.. hey, no championships from Ralph, but one of the greatest memories and proudest moments in Rocket's franchise history!
Well, I'm just saying that Moses Malone had a much stronger impact on us reaching our first finals than Sampson did in us reaching our 2nd. Normally, I would say just put Sampson as a PF and leave off Barkley (while including Malone), but anyone who knows Rockets history understands the complete domination we suffered at the hands of the Sonics and thus Barkley's importance. Little Vernon story- back in the summer of 1993, when he had his arm in a cast, I met him at Yucatan Liquor Stand and he was playing pool with his only good arm. After speaking with him, I good-naturedly bet that I could beat him in a game of pool. Damn if he didn't beat me with 4 of my balls still on the table! (Hey, I'm not that bad- Vernon was just that good in billiards). He also held the record at Dave & Busters for highest point total on the free throw machine for a long time- you see, Maxwell was a winner at whatever he did (up until recently).
we're not hear to judge the Rocket's personal lives. Vernon and Ralph are having problems but everyone in everyday life has personal problems and relationship problems. i'm rooting for them.
Starters C- Hakeem PF-Elvin SF-Tracy SG-Clyde PG-Calvin Reserves C- Moses Malone PF-Otis Thorpe SF-Rudy T SG-Rick Barry PG-John Lucas Notables C-Ralph Sampson PF-Charles Barkley SF-Robert Horry SG-Vernan Maxwell PG-Sam I AM
Out of all that, you comment on the last 3 words of my last sentence? I'm not judging their personal problems- actually, yes I am. Everyone's got problems, but they don't lead to jail time. Vernon's got no excuse. He screwed up.
1. John Lucas, Calvin Murphy 2. Clyde Drexler, Mad Max 3. TMac, Mario Elie 4. Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes 5. Dream, Yao IR Cassell, Mobley, Horry, OT, Sampson Coach Rudy T
Three deep: 1. Sam Cassell, Steve Francis, Calvin Murphy 2. Clyde Drexler, Mike Newlin, Vernon Maxwell 3. Tracy Murray, Robert Reid, Rudy Tomjanovich 4. Elvin Hayes, Ralph Sampson, Otis Thorpe 5. Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Yao Ming
Vernon Maxwell was the strongest defensive 2 guard in rockets history.(my honest opinion.) He's about the only human on earth who could hold jordan (in his prime) below scoring avg.
PG: Calvin Murphy-Sam Cassell SG: Clyde Drexler-Mad Max SF: TMac-Rudy T. PF: Moses-Hayes C: Dream-Yao
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20021215/ai_n12480825 "Playing with guys like Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Vernon Maxwell, Mario Elie and Kenny Smith really instilled a lot of toughness in me for this game of basketball," Cassell said. "They refused to baby me or let me be a baby. The first day of training camp, they went at me. At first, I thought they didn't like me. But after training camp, Vernon sat me down and told me why they went at me so hard. He said, We are going to need you, man. So why not get tested early instead of late.' This will make you tough."
The most painful move for Tomjanovich was the Valentine's Day trade of Thorpe. "I spent more time away from the team with Otis playing golf than anybody," Tomjanovich said. "Then you have to talk to somebody that has been close to you. "It was real tough." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19950611/ai_n10198166/pg_2
