I was wondering if someone could please answer a question for me. I was told that one of the times that Lucas left the Rockets it had something to do w/ the NBA making us give him up because we would be too powerful with him. Is someone making stuff up, or did something along those lones acutally happen? I wasnt sure where to find this info, but I'm sure if anyone knows, it will be you guys. Thanks and GO ROCKETS!
Are you asking if the NBA disallowed a trade for John Lucas because he would make the Rockets too good? I havent heard of it...what have you heard about it?
Based on my knowledge of Rockets history and John Lucas, i would say that story is not true at all. The year before Lucas was traded, we only something like 29 games that year. So I doubt the NBA thought we were becoming too good as we won 48 games after Lucas left. John Lucas, I believe, was sent to Golden State after his 2nd year with us, as compensation for the signing of Rick Barry. He then was traded back to the Rockets in 1984 and not too long after, was waived for drug use. We then gave him another chance, and again, he was waived after testing positive a second time right before the 1986 playoffs. His third tenure came when we signed him as a free agent around 1989 or 1990. I believe he retired a year or so later.
I think you got it right, except I wouldn't say "waived." I think the more appropriate term is "suspended" because after he tested postive (at least for the second time), I do not think he could play for anybody for a year or two. The same thing happened to Mitch Wiggins and Lewis Lloyd early in the 1986-87 season. We lost our starting backcourt (Lucas and Lloyd) and our defensive minded backup two guard (Wiggins) in something like an eight month period with no compensation at all!!!!
The first Rockets game I went to, Mitchell Wiggins was freaking awesome, probably one of the best games of his career. My dad & I were screaming, "Give it to Wiggins! Look at Wiggins!!!" The very next day, he was suspended for drugs (cocaine, I think?). I'll never forget that year of losing Wiggins, Lew Loyd & Lucas.
Sweet lew was my favorite role player back then. He shot 50% from the field with that ugly two handed jumper he had. I was heart broken when they were suspended.
imagine if we didnt lose them... people might be talking about hakeem over jordan... or at the least maybe 2-4 more rings houston coulda shoulda woulda had
