When the Houston Rockets traded John Johnson to Boston in June, Johnson thought he was a Celtic, Red Auerbach thought he was a Celtic, and so did Ray Patterson.
Tag Archives: Houston Rockets
Ralph Sampson: Why He Can’t Be a Winner in Houston, 1986
The fact is that while Sampson may stand 7-4, his game has never been that of a traditional low-post center.
The Flops of the Game, 1976
No longer will a particularly ruthless assault on the basketball court be known as “a flagrant foul.” Henceforth it shall be known as a “Cowens.”
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.”
From Way Downtown 