Houston Rockets – From Way Downtown

Robert Horry: Story of a Rising Sun, 1996

Although he was a member of two championship teams with the Rockets, four years of feeding the Dream down low or shooting threes when Hakeem was double-teamed began to wear old. Horry was ready to move on when the Suns made the trade for him and teammates Chucky Brown, Mark Bryant, and Sam Cassell.

Ed Ratleff: Easy Does It, 1975

Coach Johnny Egan says Ratleff’s presence in the Rocket lineup “became a great stabilizing factor. He is the complete team basketball player. Offensively, he is totally unselfish. He just does whatever it takes to win.”

Hakeem Olajuwon: The Air Apparent, 1994

“I’m a simple man,” he says. “My life is very simple. You work hard, you thank God for the gifts he has given you, and you enjoy life.”

The ‘New’ Elvin Hayes, 1973

He knew he had something to prove this season in Baltimore. Leading the Bullets to a championship would be the best way to silence his many critics. That’s why in 1972, the Big “E” stood for Effort.

Otis Thorpe: Pure Power, 1995

You watch him on the court, and it can be like watching a machine. He doesn’t do everything. He never tries to do everything. But what Thorpe does, he does well. Filling the lanes on the break. Shooting the baby hook close to the basket. Rebounding and playing defense. No wasted motion.

Moses Malone: Capturing the Real Mo, 1981

Malone, in a characteristic bit of understatement, says, “I love to make my defensive man work.”

Calvin Murphy: Four Seasons, Three Coaches, 1974

“Ever since high school, I have always played taller ballplayers, and I’ve never had any trouble. Every year, it’s been getting easier for me.”

Sacramento Kings: Run, NBA, Run, 1999

Their high-octane offense played at Concorde-like speed with laser-precision passing, conjured memories of 1980s hoops. It was Showtime on the West Coast all over again. Run. Pass. Shoot. At 78 rmps, it was, well, Magical.

Hakeem Olajuwon: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1990

I had passed up several easy shots in an effort to get those last two assists, and it paid off. I had accomplished something that only Nate Thurmond with Chicago in 1974 and Alvin Robertson with San Antonio in 1986 had done.

Elvin Hayes: The Meaning of the Letter E, 1982

“I’ve achieved. I would be backtracking to compare myself with the younger players in the league today. They’re still trying to prove what I already have achieved.”