From a logical perspective, it seems Vancouver and the NBA were a perfect fit. Beautiful city, arena in a perfect location, natural rivalrly with Seattle and Portland. How did this fail?
The team was sold to Michael Heisley, who acted as if he wanted to keep the team in Vancouver initially. And then after he bought it, he proceeded to move the team to Memphis, which was his plan all along. City supported the team as best they can even though Stu Jackson (the GM at the time) was garbage, and threw crippling long term deals at guys like Big Country Bryant Reeves. Drafted Steve Francis although Steve did not want to be here, etc.
Season Attendance Ref 1995–96 7th 82 15 67 .183 — 17,183 [8] 1996–97 7th 82 14 68 .171 — 16,571 [15] 1997–98 6th 82 19 63 .232 — 16,108 [21] 1998–99 7th 50 8 42 .160 — 16,718 [21] 1999–00 7th 82 22 60 .268 — 13,899 [29] 2000–01 7th 82 23 59 .280 — 13,737 [30]
if i remember correctly...the rockets used to struggle in those weekend day time games against the grizz in vancouver then again it feels like the rockets have always struggled in daytime games
http://clutchfans.net/game_boxscore.cfm?gameID=402 http://clutchfans.net/game_boxscore.cfm?gameID=479 http://clutchfans.net/game_boxscore.cfm?gameID=74
lol I remember watching a game or two back in the day. The only star we had was Shane Battier, but it was still fun to watch, especially when the tickets were cheap. Could've worked, but it definitely wouldn't have gotten as much attention as hockey.
The "stars" were Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Mike Bibby and Michael Dickerson (ex-Rocket). Bust top draft picks: Big Country, Stromile Swift and Antonio Daniels
A lot of it was economics, Canadian dollar was very weak at the time. A 2nd team would work in Vancouver again. Its the richest/most expensive city in North America so the money is there, Vancouver is a CRAZY sports town (remember how they rioted after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup?), extremely marketable team to the Asian market (. We're entering the Golden Era of Canadian basketball, a LOT of good young Canadians entering the NBA. Andrew Nicholson (Orlando) Tristan Thompson (Cavs) Robert Sacre (Lakers) Cory Joseph (Spurs) Kris Joseph (Celtics & Nets) Kelly Olynyk (will be 2013 lottery pick) Anthony Bennett (will be 2013 top 10 pick) and of course Andrew Wiggins is Canadian. Some other notable players who have an outside shot at ending up in the NBA, Kyle Wiltjier at Kentuck, Kevin Pangos at Gonzaga and Nik Staukus at Michigan. Staukus & Pangos could be All-Americans before they leave their school. Sim Bhullar is also Canadia (the 7'5" Indian guy) but he kind of sucks. Could make the league though just based on size alone.
Wiltjier sucks. But you're right. Also add Trey Lyles, Tyler Ennis, Khem Birch, and Myck Kabongo to the list... and I'm sure more are on the way!
