We all know the history, no need to get over it. I just want to see how people feel about the incidents relating to their individual potential as well as the team's. Do you guys think that if Wiggins, Lloyd and Lucas hadn't been on drugs, the 85-86 playoffs / finals would've had a different outcome? Do you consider these guy crucial to the years following and had the Rockets had more success you think? Also do you guys feel their drug use affected their play in a negative way, in other words, do you think they used during the season (before games, between games, after games) or more during the offseason ? I don't know much about this era so that's why I'm asking. Also do you guys feel there were a lot more guys doing drugs, just using it more wisely and these 3 were just unlucky getting caught? Last one, do you guys think a guy like Maxwell who was involved with drugs before his stint in the NBA and busted with marihuana, did drugs during the NBA season (they only test prior to the season right?) ?
IMO, it depends on the type of drugs were talking about. Anything can be abused. I'm not too familiar with the situations of if Wiggins, Lloyd and Lucas. I do believe players shouldn't be using any kind of drugs if they value their careers and strive to be the best. Alcoholism is much worst than a couple of grams of mar1juana, but over the counter drugs can be very harmful if abused as well. Maxwell is a fine example of a player that thought he handle it and couldn't. In the long run, it will catch up too you.
They would have won multiple championships, and here is the kick in the balls....in the old CBA, the managment confronted suspected users, and the players had a chance to admit it, and take a 30 day suspension and do rehab.....and come back...THAT YEAR... Both Lloyd and Wiggins denied it (knowing they were guilty) and took a test, if you took the test, you were banned for life (2 years etc).....they could have just said...yes and sat for 30 days.... DUMB ASSES !!! DD
At the time they were the only team in the West that everybody thought would dethrone the Lakers to be the next "Dynasty" That loss in 1986 scared the bejeebus out of Riley and Co. Unlike Maxwell who smoked weed, which I think isn't that serious, Wiggins, Lloyd, and Lucas were freebasing which eventually destroys the lives of anybody who becomes addicted to it. In the beginning they were able to "perform" and "maintain", but eventually their play would have gone down. I don't know how different '86 would have been if none of them were using, but it definitely changed the history of the Rockets after they all got banned. I just don't thing crack usage was as widespread in the NBA as most might think though. The only other player who got banned was M.R. Richardson.
eventually we wouldve turned into this. although we kinda did anyway during the francis era. <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/anIf5GQqy6Q" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" width="420"></iframe>
One could argue (I would) that the '85-'86 team (with Lucas) was the finest collection of talent ever in the uniform of the Houston Rockets. They simply needed another year or two to gain experience in order to win a title. Perhaps multiple titles. A dynasty. Everyone at the time expected it. Articles and columns in newspapers and magazines praised the team and its future. Then it all blew up.
What about during games? Ron Ron used to drink during games. I'm sure some with habits use during stressful situations such as games.
