Clyde Drexler
Clyde the Glide returned home to Houston and won an NBA championship in 1995.
Clyde Austin Drexler Sr. played for the Houston Rockets from 1995 to 1998, finishing his NBA career with the team. On February 14, 1995, the Portland Trail Blazers honored his request to be traded to a contender, sending him and Tracy Murray to the Rockets in exchange for Otis Thorpe, the draft rights of Marcelo Nicola, and a 1995 first-round draft pick. Despite the Rockets finishing the regular season with a 47–35 record (6th in the Western Conference), Drexler and long-time friend Hakeem Olajuwon propelled them to an improbable second consecutive championship in 1995.
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Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Drexler's 1995 playoff run with the Rockets was defined by clutch performances. On May 5, during the first round while down two games to one against the Utah Jazz, Drexler led the Rockets in scoring with 41 points while Olajuwon added 40 in a 123–106 win. Houston would go on to win the deciding Game 5, and then also win every remaining elimination game on their postseason run. In the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic, with Drexler averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Prior to the start of the next NBA season, the Rockets won the 1995 McDonald's Championship, with Drexler being named the tournament's MVP.
In Their Own Story
In the 1996-97 season, the Rockets traded for Charles Barkley and went 21–2 to begin the year. Drexler was named to the All-Star Game, but he did not play in what ended up as his final selection, hampered by a hamstring injury. He played 62 games that season, averaging eighteen points a game with six rebounds and 5.7 assists. The Rockets finished 57–25 and made it to the Conference Finals against the Jazz, but lost in six games. The 1997–98 season was his final season in the NBA; he played in 70 games and averaged 18.4 points a game with 4.9 rebounds.
Reader's Guide
Clyde Drexler joined the Houston Rockets via trade on February 14, 1995, returning to his hometown. He played primarily as a shooting guard and small forward, complementing Hakeem Olajuwon. His 1995 championship run featured a 41-point game in the first round against the Jazz and a sweep of the Magic in the Finals, where he averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. The 1995–96 season saw him average 19.3 points per game in 52 games due to knee and ankle injuries. In the 1996-97 season, he averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 62 games. His final season, 1997–98, he averaged 18.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 70 games.
Did You Know?
- Drexler was traded to the Rockets on February 14, 1995, in exchange for Otis Thorpe, the draft rights of Marcelo Nicola, and a 1995 first-round draft pick.
- In the 1995 playoffs, Drexler scored 41 points in a 123–106 win over the Utah Jazz while Hakeem Olajuwon added 40.
- Drexler was named MVP of the 1995 McDonald's Championship after the Rockets won the tournament.
- Drexler was named to the 1997 All-Star Game but did not play due to a hamstring injury.
- Drexler's final NBA season was 1997–98, where he averaged 18.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 70 games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clyde Drexler?
Clyde Drexler, famously nicknamed 'The Glide,' was an elite shooting guard and small forward inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. Although he spent most of his career in Portland, he became a Houston Rockets legend after joining the team in 1995.
What role did Clyde Drexler play on the Rockets?
As a versatile scorer and leader, Drexler provided elite athleticism that perfectly complemented Hakeem Olajuwon's dominance. His arrival transformed the squad from a playoff contender into a championship dynasty by creating one of the NBA's most formidable duos.
How many championships did Clyde Drexler win with Houston?
Drexler secured two back-to-back NBA titles during his tenure in Houston, winning championships in 1994 and 1995. These victories capped off a successful three-year stint where he helped the franchise reach the Finals on multiple occasions.
When did Clyde Drexler's time with the Rockets end?
His journey with the organization concluded after the 1997-1998 season, marking the end of his three-year run in Houston. He ultimately retired following that final campaign, leaving behind a legacy defined by two rings and immense leadership.
Why is Clyde Drexler important to Rockets history?
He is crucial because he was the missing piece that allowed Hakeem Olajuwon to achieve back-to-back championships, solidifying Houston's place in NBA history. His transition from Portland brought a new level of scoring versatility and star power that defined the mid-90s era.