Just finished reading Phil Jackson's 11 rings book. He did mention that Payton had problems fitting into the triangle as the ball wasn't in his hand that much. Also he lost a step or 2 on defense. Malone was doing good until he injured himself, and with Kobe and Shaq...well things were starting to unravel there.
Forgot to add 2004-05, 2007-09 Indianapolis Colts to Teams who previously won a title (or eventually won a title) [within 2-4 seasons]
They were very good, indeed, but I'd say its not because they were loaded with talent, it was mostly Rick's genius.
1990-92 Portland Blazers 1993-95 Phoenix Suns 1994 Seattle Sonics 1995 San Antonio Spurs 1997-98 Utah Jazz 2002 Sacramento Kings 2004 Minnesota Timberwolves
04 and 08 Lakers. 04 Payton Kobe Malone Shaq 08 Kobe Odom Pau Bynum - arguably same tier as Dwight at the time Kobe's hero-ball carried them in the regular season and early rounds, and then it cost them in the finals against veteran defensive teams.
2004 Wolves had a legit shot with KG+Sam+Spree. Cassell got hurt early in WCF, lost to the Lakers in 6.
McGrady played 35 games that year and obviously wasn't suited for the playoffs. Not having McGrady actually helped the Rockets advance. They DID ADVANCE WITHOUT HIM.
Only 1 mention of the 86 Rockets? They were on their way to being up their with the Lakers and Celtics. If it weren't for Sampsons bum knees and drug problems, that team was going to be great.
I know you have a disdain for anything McGrady, but let's not kid ourselves. You want your best players on the court, especially in the playoffs. A healthy McGrady would have been a great thing for the Rockets. It would be stupid to say that they wouldn't have advanced futher with Tracy. I think most of us thought that the team was a championship contender even before the Tracy Drama. Of course we will never know what could have amounted with our Big 3 and that '09 team. So in terms of talent, that '09 team has to be up there with others that couldn't get it done.
Because of his absence, the Rockets relied heavily on defense and the low post presence of Yao Ming. It worked. We all know Tracy likes to jack up shots and dominate the ball. Oh I clearly remembered the 'debut' of our 'big 3', we got destroyed by the Lakers. The Dwight/Harden debut hasn't been a disappointment.
Another vote for the 1970's 76ers team with Dr J, George McGinnis, Darryl Dawkins, World B Free, and others was a great team.
You are actually right that he would have handled the ball. But him and Chris Paul on a team, no way he gets the ball.
I know I keep harping on this but... Barring a title run next year, the Thunder will be one of the great 'What if...' stories. Core four or big three, just one finals appearance.
