There are 2 things I remember about Sleepy's dribble. Maybe I'm remembering incorrectly, but he had a skip or a dribble-hop as he brought the ball up the court sometimes and he would basically palm the ball or carry it like you said when dribbling. Dave2000, like aelliott, I don't remember Sleepy having any drug problems with the Rockets or anybody else. He came to us after our team was destroyed by drug use. He was also here when those players that were kicked off the team came back for a stint with the Rockets. Maybe that's what you remember?
OMFG!!! Geeez!!!! It must be the off season because when Sleepy has his own thread, this board is basically dead for ideas. Let's get a Buck Johnson thread going!!!! Remember Buckarooooo for Twooooo!!! :grin: :grin: :grin:
I don't think he had the palming killer crossover of Tim Hardaway or Alan Iverson...but Sleepy was a master of dribbling. When you are a master, you play with the edges of the rules. His hands never came under the ball. He didn't move the ball sideways or over his shoulder. He just knew how to yoyo the ball and stutter step his man to death... What I remember: -The way he slithered to the rim was unique. -There was a muted tension when he shot too much as Hakeem (Alpha dog) felt he should get more touches...I think Hakeem's main complaint was that he should get the ball 100% of the time if he seals his man in the post, which in principle I agree with. Whenever the guards missed him, he let them know it. If only Yao could have half that thirst to dominate... I digress though... -The fight against Horny, while he played for the Suns (before the Jazz) was pretty funny. Sleepy got his licks in, got ejected, jogged to the bench, took his duffel bag and jogged to the locker room. Sleepy seemed so mild-mannered, but I guess Jeffy Hornacek had a way of getting under player's skin (and under opposing fans too). -It was already mentioned but the way he and Hakeem went off against Dallas was fun to watch. -In 1991, the Rockets played the Lakers in the 1st round...I remember Pat Riley who was a commentator that year (with Bob Costas) gushing about our three guards (Maxwell, Smith, Floyd) who all could go off for 40. At the time it was a rare thing to have. -
He was pretty good, but not a superstar or anything. My buddy used to see him at the local gentlemens establishment.
I wouldn't have known it was him, but he handed me his drivers license to rent a canoe from me maybe 10 years ago in Austin's Zilker Park. His height and last name rang a bell and he admitted to being Sleepy. He was accompanied by a beautiful woman. As I recall, I gave them a few pointers on having a safe canoe trip and how to avoid flipping the boat over. They succeeded and had a good time.
