NBA: The Difference a Trade Makes

HB62 · Apr 8, 2024

1990-91 Season - Part 2: A New Era?

The 1991 NBA Championship Final

Road to the Final:
New York Knicks
Season Record (46-36)
Conference Position: 4th
Division Position: 2nd
Playoff Run:
1st Round: Washington Bullets (3-2)
Semifinal: Boston Celtics (4-1)
East Final: Atlanta Hawks (4-0)

Sacramento Kings
Season Record (61-21)
Conference Position: 1st
Division Position: 1st
Playoff Run:
1st Round: Denver Nuggets (3-1)
Semifinal: Milwaukee Bucks (4-3)
West Final: Houston Rockets (4-3)

New York Knicks: Tree Porter, Michael Jordan, Dale Ellis, Dino Radja, Pervis Ellison
Sacramento Kings: John Stockton, Drazan Petrovic, Chuck Person, Otis Thorpe, Patrick Ewing

Game 1:

The opening game in Sacramento begun as perhaps expected, with the Kings focussed on trying to keep Jordan quiet and utilising Stockton and Ewing when on the ball. In the opening six minutes, Ewing had 4 from 5 from the field and 3 of the 4 were assisted by Stockton. Up the other end, the despite Petrovic trying to stay close to MJ, Jordan still had 7 points in the opening half of the first quarter. The focus on Jordan also left starting forward Dino Radja with more space, and he was causing the Kings problems with 3 from 4 early on. The game remained tight as the opening quarter progressed, the Knicks holding between a 1 and 3 point lead continuously. That changed in the last minute however, as the Knicks went on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 9. Ewing then scored a layup with 2 seconds left to leave the gap at 7 after 12 minutes. The 2nd quarter was very cagey, with the Kings not wanting to fall too far behind whilst the Knicks became wasteful. It would take New York over 4 minutes to score from the field, with just 3 points from free throws gained in that time. The Kings couldn't capitalise too much though, and by the midway point it was just 7-7 for the quarter. Knicks' wastefulness continued towards half time, and the Kings now were starting to make the most of it. Ewing and Stockton had returned to the field and were starting to dominate. Ewing got to 17 points by half time, whilst Stockton had 11 and 7 assists as the Kings not only reeled in New York but also breezed past them. By half time, Sacramento led by 4, 44-48. The worse news for the Knicks, Jordan suffered a hard fall late in the quarter, and he limped off with a badly damaged ankle that looked like would keep him out for the rest of the game. Despite this loss, it appeared the 2nd half of the season had gotten New York prepared for this situation. Without Jordan, Ellis and Radja started to step up on the scoring front, as the Knicks pulled back level by the end of the third. Ellison had gotten himself a double double by this point too, contributing 13 points but more importantly 11 rebounds. With 12 minutes left, the game was finely poised at 77-77. As the fourth quarter progressed, the sight of Jordan getting ready to come back on was bad news for the Kings. New York had kept themselves in the contest, as Jordan returned with over 6 minutes to go and the Kings leading by one. With 3 minutes to go, Rajda found an open Ellison under the basket who dunked to level the game up at 96 a piece. Both teams missed 3 point attempts, and then Stockton a field attempt before Ellison was fouled at the baseline to give him a chance to put the Knicks up with 2 and half minutes remaining. He missed the first, but sunk the second to put the Knicks one point up. That lead was flipped as Ewing stepped back and hit a jump shot before Ellison missed from close range to hand the advantage back to Sacramento. An Ewing miss then turned the ball over to New York and a hobbling Jordan, who dribbled through the Sacramento defense and found Porter. Porter, with the shot clock nearing 0, hit a lovely jump shot to put the Knicks back up by one. Stockton's 3 point attempt was collected by Ellis, who found Jordan who in turn sent a long pass down the line to Ellison. Ellison advanced inside the paint and his layup sunk to give the Knicks a 3 point advantage with a minute left on the clock. The Kings were starting to rush things, and their next two attacks were both turned over by Ellison, first with a steal and then a rebound. Porter bought the ball up-court, and he found Jordan who from close range was never going to miss. Jordan's bucket gave the Knicks a five point lead with 24 seconds left on the clock. A timeout from the Kings got them up the pitch, and Stockton was left too open just inside the three point line. His jump shot sailed into the basket, and now the gap looked a little less comfortable for New York. Ewing's intentional foul gave Jordan however the chance to increase that gap back to 5. Unsurprisingly, MJ sunk both, and looked to give the Knicks the win. The game was wrapped up as New York picked up another rebound, which was followed by another intentional foul. 2 buckets from Ellison increased the lead to 7, and that was the last of the scoring. The Knicks had secured a massive win in Sacramento in game 1.

New York Knicks 107-100 Sacramento Kings

Game 2:

The Knicks began game 2 well, still buoyed by the excellent and ground out win in game 1. Jordan was passed fit, although perhaps not 100% on his ankle. The Knicks led early on, by as much as 8 in the early stages although the Kings had reduced that to 4 by the 6 minute mark. Radja was again on form for New York, with Jordan starting the game as provider with 4 early assists. The Kings did actually level with 4 minutes remaining, with both teams level on 20. The Knicks took offence to that however, and played the next 4 minutes out 12-4 in their favour, to lead by 8 at the end of the first. No Kings player had more than 4 points, whilst Jordan had found his scoring prowess to score 6 from 9 and end the first 12 minutes with 14 points. The Knicks were once more less prolific in quarter 2, struggling to find Jordan early on. Jordan then was taken off, needing some treatment on his ankle and only playing five minutes of the 2nd quarter. By half time, the gap in scoring was reduced to 3, with Chuck Person going 5 for 5 from the field for the Kings. Jordan returned after the break, and although only scored two points he did start to provide again for Radja and also Dale Ellis. All 3 had 17+ points by the end of the third quarter, as the Knicks just about held onto their slender advantage. Stockton had 10 assists for the Kings, but had only contributed 2 points. Ewing was his usual dominant self, his 9 rebounds going alongside 16 points but the Kings still trailed by 5 with 12 minutes to go, and could ill afford to lose both home games. New York, knowing how crucial this second win could be, dominated the early stages of the fourth. They eventually would start the quarter with a 17-4 run that looked to put the game out of reach for Sacramento. Jordan had reached a double double with 20 points and 10 assists, as had Terry Porter with 11 points and 12 assists. The Knicks were in no mood to give up this advantage, and as Sacramento weltered under the pressure Knicks continued to extend the lead, seeing out the win comfortably.

New York Knicks 106-85 Sacramento Kings

Game 3:

The Knicks, now with home advantage, again began the brighter of the two teams in game 3. The Kings were now wise to Radja, who was marked out the game early on. This meant that there focus was slightly less on Jordan however, who punished them with 7 early points and 2 assists as the Knicks led by 6 early. By the 12 minute mark, the Kings had started to show signs of life and had turned it around, stopping Jordan from scoring again in the quarter and starting to score themselves. The bench was doing the business for the Kings, with Lasalle Thompson 2 from 2 from the field and 3 from 4 in Free Throws and the Kings turned it around to lead by one at the quarter. With the Knicks now trailing after the first quarter, their traditionally poor 2nd quarters came back to bite them in game 3. The Kings continuously poured through the flagging Knicks defense, racking up 31 points in the 12 minute period. Again Jordan missed the majority of the quarter to rest his ankle which by now was being patched up game by game. At half time, the Knicks trailed Sacramento by 15, by far the biggest half time margin of the series so far. The Knicks looked like making a comeback early in the third, racing into an 11-2 start but it was eventually repelled the Kings, Patrick Ewing coming alive and finishing the quarter with 23 points. (10-14 FG). For New York, Jordan played all 12 minutes and had racked up 10 rebounds whilst Ellis was doing the scoring with 22. With 12 minutes left, the Knicks had reduced the gap to a more doable 7, and had 12 minutes to keep their hopes of a finals sweep alive. Those hopes were dashed pretty quickly, with Sacramento starting 6-0 and then 15-8 to keep the Knicks well out of reach, Stockton with a double double and Ewing reaching 30 points. By the time the buzzer sounded, the Kings had comfortably kept New York at bay and had halved the series deficit.

Sacramento Kings 103-91 New York Knicks

Game 4:

Game 4 was high energy from the off. A frantic 1st Quarter saw 65 points split between the two teams, and only one point separating them. (I'll let you all do the math). The strong Kings roster was on full show as Petrovic, Ewing and Stockton all scored well early on. Stockton also continuing his king of assist role. For the Knicks, it was a one man show. Jordan scored 18 points in the first 12 minutes, as well as 2 steals to keep the Kings out at the other end. In quarter two, Jordan's regular breather kicked in and the Kings took advantage once more. This time though, the Knicks managed to stay in it, trailing only by 3 at half time. With Jordan back out for the start of the third, the game heated up again. By the end of the third, Jordan had already racked up 42 points. 33 more than the next best on the Knicks team. (Terry Porter with 9.) For the Kings, it was a continual team effort. Petrovic, Ewing, Stockton and bench man Mike Mitchell had all got 10+ points, but none of them over 20. The result with twelve minutes remaining was that the Kings led by 2, at 82-80. A 12-12 start to the fourth left the gap at 2 with 5 minutes remaining, and the teams continued to trade scores over the next couple of minutes. An Ed Pinckney rebound over Ewing gave Knicks the chance to counter with 2 minutes to go. Sparrow advanced with the ball, holding it long enough for Jordan to make a move inside the line. He received from Sparrow, took a step back and hit a jump shot over Thompson for his 47th & 48th points of the game and to tie it up with 120 seconds left. After a Kings time out, Stockton brought the ball into the Knicks half but carelessly turned the ball over to Ellison with a loose pass. Ellison fed it to Jordan, who from inside his own half in a blink of an eye was driving at the basket from wide, climbing above the rim and sending the ball crashing back down to reach 50 points and give the Knicks a lead for the first time for a long time in this game. A Stockton to Ewing combination inside the paint quickly levelled the score again before Porter dribbled the ball back down into the Kings half. After being crowded out, the Knicks quickly recycled the ball round to Ellis, whose jump shot just inside the three point line on the shot clock buzzer was all net to restore the New York lead. Stockton would single handedly level as the clock reached a minute to go, bring the ball up the court before eventually stepping back and hitting a wonderfully executed jump shot. The Kings doubled up on Jordan on the next attack, this left Terry Porter free but his effort from the 3 point zone was never troubling the net. The Kings now had a chance to retake the lead, and a frantic attack eventually ended with an offensive rebound from Ewing, who made no mistake from under the basket. The Kings now led 104-102 with 30 seconds to go. The game restarted following a Knicks time out with Porter on the ball at midcourt, Ellis freed himself up to receive in shooting range but his shot agonisingly rimmed out. The agony was short lived, as a gigantic leap from Radja saw the forward rebound the ball which he followed up with a quick dunk to level it up once more. Stockton led what could be the final Kings attack, remaining patient as the clock ticked down. He eventually slid the ball low to Ewing, who secured it inside the paint before reaching over Porter and sending the ball the short distance through the bucket. The Kings now led by 2, with 6 seconds remaining. The Knicks with one final timeout, gave the ball to Jordan. With no way of advancing, Jordan stepped back and sent the ball upwards and forwards from near the half way line. The ball sailed towards the basket, but hit too much rim. The ball bounced up off the backboard and away as the buzzer sounded. It was four straight away wins to start the series.

Sacramento Kings 106-104 New York Knicks

Game 5:

Back in Sacramento, and the Knicks bought the same energy that had gotten them over line in the first two away games of the series. They led early on, despite the best efforts of Patrick Ewing who was trying to emulate the Jordan performance of game 4. New York eventually got themselves 3 points ahead by the end of an entertaining first quarter. Dale Ellis was doing a bit of the heavy lifting for Jordan, matching him on points early on. Ewing had 15 after the first quarter almost single handedly keeping the Kings in the game. The 2nd quarter looked like it was going to be the usual, with Kings going up early and leading the match at one stage. The Knicks found a bit of life though and, with Jordan managing to stay on, they levelled up the quarter and bought they 3 point 1st quarter lead with them to half time. (48-45). The third quarter was equally as close, and even more cagey. Stockton had reached 10+ assists for his double double, but the Kings were still struggling to make any inroads into the slender New York lead. As had been the case in most of the series, both teams were cancelling each other out when it mattered. The teams would draw the third quarter also at 19 a piece, leaving the match in the balance for the final twelve. That balance firmly swung in New York's favour however, as they started the fourth in dominant fashion to establish a double digit lead with a few minutes remaining. Ellis and Jordan both reached 25 points, with 10 assists also for MJ. The Knicks maintained the double digit lead through to the end of the game, leaving them one win from a first title since 1973.

New York Knicks 104-93 Sacramento Kings

Game 6:

Back at the Garden, and the Kings were determined not to go down without a fight. They suffocated Jordan early, forcing New York to try and figure out a different way through the Kings defense. Despite the cover on Jordan, it was still a high scoring first quarter for New York, who scored 31 to Sacramento's 28 in another close start to a game. Ellis was again picking up the slack when required, whilst John Stockton had found a way to score as well as assist making him very difficult for the Knicks to stop. As the second quarter progressed, the common theme of a Sacramento strong second quarter continued. By half way through, they led, and that lead would continue to grow through to half time. By the half way stage, Sacramento led by 8, winning the 2nd quarter 34-23. Jordan had just 9 points at the half, but was able to grow into the game come the third quarter. With Terry Porter having another strong assisting game, Jordan and Ellis started to find their scoring shots once more and the Knicks had incredibly overturned the 8 point deficit before the halfway stage of the 3rd quarter. For the next few minutes, both teams traded leads as the buckets flowed at either end, Stockton reached 25 points to go with his 14 assists and Jordan had a 15 point quarter. The person not having their best game was Patrick Ewing, with just 10 points, 2 assists and a lowly 3 rebounds for a Center of his prowess. By the end of the third, Jordan and Ellis' scoring spree game them a six point advantage and left them twelve minutes from the title. The fourth quarter was a nervous one from the Knicks perspective. Ewing finally came alive with a 3 pointer that halved the gap early on, and from then the Knicks were just about maintaining that three point gap by trading buckets with Sacramento. With five minutes remaining, a wonderful near full court dribble from Sparrow opened up the Kings' defense and he found Ellis under the basket and his layup gave the Knicks their biggest advantage for a while. After trading field goals for a couple of minutes, a three second violation from Ewing gave the Knicks an opportunity to open up a seven point game. Pinckney fed the ball to Jordan, who dribble down to the baseline before spinning back inside. He then stepped one way before turning the other and throwing the ball up towards the basket. To the surprise of no one, the ball sailed through the middle of the bucket and the Knicks led by 7 with 2 and half minutes to go. A couple of crucial rebounds from Ellison kept the New York lead at 7, before a beautiful slam dunk from MJ increased the gap to 9 and the party atmosphere started to ramp up in the Garden. The Knicks remained solid through the final minute, and the buzzer eventually sounded to cause liftoff in New York as the Garden erupted in noise. It was a first Championship since 1973 for New York, a first Championship for Michael Jordan, and a first for a team from the East since 1983.

Sacramento Kings 111-120 New York Knicks

1990-91 NBA Championship Final:
New York Knicks 4-2 Sacramento Kings

Final MVP:
Michael Jordan

Up Next: The 1991 Offseason

HB62 · Apr 10, 2024

1991 - Offseason

The return to 7 teams in the NBA draft lottery came into affect in 1991. Starting from this draft, only the 7 teams with the worst records would get a chance at the No 1 pick, after 11 teams had the opportunity in 1990. The 7 teams were the Clippers, Huskies, SuperSonics, Hornets, Pacers, Heat & Jazz. The Minnesota Polars, in just their 2nd year in the NBA, finished one win ahead of both Miami and Utah and missed out on the lottery. The Jazz, having had both their two lottery picks drawn out first and second in 1990, were again first out this year which meant they would pick seventh and last of the lottery teams. The Clippers, on the back of just 13 wins, had traded their pick away to the Suns previously, meaning they missed out on the third place pick they would have otherwise had. The 1991 draft continued the current theme of the team with the best record getting the number 1 pick, as Miami were drawn out last. It's thought the NBA may have to look at moving to a weighted system if the current trend continues.

1991 1st Round Draft Results

1	Larry Johnson	Miami Heat
2	Dikembe Mutombo	Charlotte Hornets
3	Steve Smith	Phoenix Suns (Via Clippers)
4	Kenny Anderson	Toronto Huskies
5	Billy Owens	Indiana Pacers
6	Luc Longley	Seattle SuperSonics
7	Mark Macon	Utah Jazz
8	Doug Smith	Minnesota Polars
9	Dale Davis	Golden State Warriors
10	Bison Dele	Phoenix Suns
11	Stacey Augmon	New Jersey Nets
12	Terrell Brandon	Denver Nuggets
13	Rich King	Chicago Bulls
14	LaBradford Smith	Philadelphia 76ers
15	Greg Anthony	Detroit Pistons
16	Anthony Avent	Atlanta Hawks
17	Eric Murdock	Washington Bullets
18	Chris Gatling	Portland Trail Blazers
19	Kevin Brooks	Miami Heat (Via Cavaliers)
20	Kevin Lynch	Seattle Supersonics (Via Bandits)
21	Victor Alexander	Milwaukee Bucks
22	Doug Overton	Boston Celtics (Via Lakers)
23	Stanley Roberts	Utah Jazz (Via Rockets)
24	Elliot Perry	Dallas Mavericks
25	Randy Brown	Sacramento Kings
26	Rick Fox	Boston Celtics
27	Donald Hodge	New York Knicks

Notable Trades During 1991 Offseason:

Adrian Dantley	Philadelphia 76ers
Doug West & 94 1st Rd Pick	Dallas Mavericks

Buck Williams	Tampa Bay Bandits
2 x 94 1st Rd Picks	Cleveland Cavaliers

Kevin Duckworth	Tampa Bay Bandits
Kendall Gill	Minnesota Polars

Terry Cummings	Utah Jazz
Doc Rivers & Lancaster Gordon	New Jersey Nets

Xavier McDaniel	Houston Rockets
Jon Sundvoid & Cliff Levingston	Seattle SuperSonics

The NBA Without Magic & Bird

The NBA lost two of it's stars during the 1991 offseason. Both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will go down as all time greats of the game having formed a fantastic rivalry between their respective Lakers' and Celtics' teams in the early 80s. Also retiring in the 1991 offseason was Alex English and George Gervin, who also both lit up the NBA scene during their careers. Gervin and English had 19 All Star appearances between them, whilst Gervin was part of the Dallas Championship winning team of 1988. Following the decision of all four to retire at the end of the 1991 season, ESPN takes a look at the current crop of NBA players to see who is best placed to take over the superstar roles left by Magic and Bird by ranking the top 50 players amongst the current rosters. The rankings are based on a combination of current ability, past achievements and future potential.

50. Gary Peyton (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Just one year as a pro for Gary Peyton was all he needed to show evidence of being a potential star. Peyton averaged 12.2 PPG and 7.2 APG, helping an improving Cleveland team to their most amount of regular season wins since 1976. Peyton sneaks into the list on the basis of what he might do over the next decade rather than what he's already done.

49. Danny Manning (Indiana Pacers)
The number one pick in 1988 was part of an Indiana side that had a shocking season last time out, missing out on the playoffs by a mile. Individually though, Manning's numbers have been improving year on year and the Pacers have definitely got a gem on their hands

48. Dino Radja (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
The Knicks will be grateful that Radja fell as far as 26th in the 1989 draft, allowing them to pick up a player who showed last year he was more than capable of starting for a Championship team. He may not be the standout on the Knicks' title winning side, but his improvement from his rookie year is worthy of a place on this list alone.

47. Rik Smits (Golden State Warriors)
It must surely now be time for the Warriors to be thinking of the playoffs thanks to their 1988 and 1989 draft picks. In 1988, they chose Rik Smits as the number two pick and he's certainly lived up to that since. Last season, Smits averaged over 10 RPG. Anything less than the playoffs for Smits and the Warriors this year will be a massively disappointing season.

46. Joe Dumars (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2
Joining the Mavericks the year after their first title, Dumars has been a big part in the two that followed. Establishing himself as a starter for Dallas after two seasons, he's put up incredibly consistent numbers in the four seasons since.

45. Chris Mullin (Tampa Bay Bandits)
Mullin has had a good 6 seasons with the Bandits, and was a key part of their run to the NBA Final in 1988. A slight drop in numbers the last two seasons, but still very much a key part of a team that has become a fixture at the business end of the playoffs in the last few years.

44. Pervis Ellison (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1
Another excellent addition by New York in a recent draft, Ellison really came alive in the playoffs and was superb against Sacramento in the finals. One can only assume Ellison will continue to improve, if he can find his playoff form for the whole regular season, the Knicks should comfortably by top seed in the East.

43. Reggie Miller (Atlanta Hawks)
Miller has been impressive in Atlanta since being drafted by them in 1987. Stepped up massively when Dominique Wilkins missed most of the 89 season with an injury and will have to do so again now that he's left for Houston.

42. Drazen Petrovic (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 1
Petrovic continues to improve after being picked up in Round 2 of the 1986 draft by the Kings. Last season was his best season yet as the Kings made the NBA finals, and he doesn't look out of place alongisde Ewing and Stockton which says a lot about where his game is at right now.

41. Fat Lever (Portland Trail Blazers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Level gets in mostly for his consistency having spent all 9 years as a pro at a Portland team who have made the playoffs in every one of his seasons, with Lever a starter throughout. He's a great fit at Portland, and it's a shame him and Clyde Drexler have never had a great supporting cast for a really good go at a Championship.

40. Kenny Fields (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Fields has been an excellent pickup as a mid 1st round draft pick for the Bucks in 1984. He's made an All-NBA team and had an All Star appearances, as well has improving his numbers significantly in the last couple of years. An important player for a Bucks team that is consistently in the playoffs.

39. Rod Strickland (Miami Heat)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Strickland certainly made an impression in his first year in Miami. His 24.9PPG average was a huge increase from the 16.6 he managed the year before in Cleveland and was enough to get him on the All-NBA 3rd team. If he can carry that form on then he could be the man to take Miami to their first ever postseason.

38. Kelly Tripucka (Denver Nuggets)
All Star Apps: 1
It's incredible to think Tripucka only has 1 All Star appearance to his name after 10 solid seasons in the NBA. He was part of an excellent Detroit side, including the one that made the final in 87. He's actually gotten better since coming to Denver and stepping out of the shadow of Isiah Thomas. Will perhaps always be one of those players people look back on and think 'What if' he'd played elsewhere.

37. Rolando Blackmann (Detroit Pistons)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Two NBA titles with Dallas before he was shipped off to Detroit in the blockbuster Isiah Thomas trade. His performances have, if anything, been better in Detroit than they were with Dallas and he's unfortunate just to have the one All Star appearance to his name. The two NBA titles means Rolando won't be too bothered however.

36. Bill Laimbeer (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Laimbeer is a difficult one to judge. Played on the Pistons team that made the 87 Final, but was deemed dispensable in the following offseason. His numbers have dipped since joining the Bulls, but are still solid and a couple of All Star Apps help place Laimbeer in the mid 30s of this list.

35. Benoit Benjamin (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 2 / All Star Apps: 2
There's no doubt Benjamin has a lot of quality, but sometimes it just looks like he is a half second behind the likes of Aguirre and Thomas. Whether that's through a lack of effort or lack of chemistry is still to be determined perhaps, and he does also have two NBA titles to his name lets not forget and does like to show up in the big moments. Needs an All-NBA season to elevate himself to the next level.

34. Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 2 / 6OTY: 1
Playing on such a good Celtics team for 11 seasons, there's no doubt McHale will be disappointed to still be sat on only 1 title. His numbers have been incredibly consistent though, and is one of those players that is always good but never great or bad. Now the defacto leader on the Celtics team without Bird, it will be interesting to see how he and the Celtics go this season.

33. Sleepy Floyd (Phoenix Suns)
All Star Apps: 5
Another one who will be a regular 'What if' consideration when he retires. Floyd was traded to the Warriors from New Jersey in his first season and the Warriors entered rebuild mode pretty quickly after. Frustrated at the time it was taking for the Warriors to improve, Floyd left for Phoenix who are now worse than the Warriors. Despite playing consistently on lottery teams, Floyd has 5 All Star appearances, which is enough to make a decent impression on this list.

32. Hot Rod Williams (Seattle SuperSonics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 3 / 6OTY: 1
Has made the All-NBA 3rd team the last three seasons as the only bright spark on a struggling Seattle side. A super solid player who would be interesting to watch in the playoffs now he's at his peak, but he may have to move teams to get to the postseason.

31. Kiki Vandeweghe (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 3
Part of the 1990 Detroit Pistons side that made the final after losing Isiah Thomas to eventual champions Dallas, which he was an enormous part of. Vandeweghe deserves to be on this list purely for his longevity, having now had 10 very successful seasons in the NBA scoring wise in a row. Will be hopeful of returning the playoffs with Indiana this season.

30. Bernard King (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
After a long spell with New York, King will be disappointed to have watched them win the NBA Championship without him last season. Despite missing out on that title, King's career is very solid with 5 all star appearances. He's still going strong too, averaging 20.5PPG and 5.6RPG in his first Bucks' season.

29. James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
We're about to find out how good James Worthy is without Magic Johnson. A vital part of the 3 titles won by the Lakers since he was drafted as number one pick in 1982, there's no doubting his quality but he will now have to do something he hasn't had to yet in his career and that's lead a team that still thinks they can compete for the title.

28. Byron Scott (Boston Celtics)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 4
A 3 time NBA champ with the Lakers, Scott was then traded to the Celtics so that the Lakers could add Robert Parish to their lineup. Scott's performances have remained as good in Boston as they were in LA, which is impressive when you consider the side he was playing with at the Lakers.

27. Jim Paxson (Indiana Pacers)
All Star Apps: 8 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
An excellent servant for both Portland and now Indiana since 1984. Paxson has 8 all star appearances in 12 seasons, and was excellent when the Pacers made the NBA final for the first time in 1989. It definitely feels like Paxson has made the most of his NBA career, which is starting to slow down at the age of 34.

26. Robert Parish (Los Angeles Lakers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
10 All Star appearances in 15 seasons for Parish, who shows now signs of slowing down at 38. He may have to do even more of the work now though without Magic, which could hurt the incredible consistency and longevity he's shown throughout his career.

25. Jack Sikma (Washington Bullets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Spent most of his career as the main man in Seattle, before leaving to New York to try and help Jordan win his first title. It never quite worked out there, but he's been a revelation at the Bullets who continue to surprise by making the playoffs more often than they should. 10 All Star appearances in 14 years is an excellent return for an excellent player.

24. Brad Daugherty (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Has carried the Nets in the last two seasons without Terry Cummings, who has now seen the error of his ways and returned. Posted a 24.5PPG and 12.3RPG average last season, although the Nets still missed out on the playoffs. Don't be surprised to see him engineer a move before his contract expires to a team more likely to compete for a title.

23. Clark Kellogg (Boston Celtics)
All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / 6OTY: 2
Has been an important player at all three teams he's been on, and has played the role of helping manage the load of Larry Bird well in the last two seasons. Kellogg now has the opportunity to show just where his level is as he takes over from Bird in the starting five for Boston.

22. Terry Porter (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3
Is Terry Porter the 22nd best player in the NBA? No. Is he the only player to have been on the last three title winning teams. Yes. That gets him in the top 25 alone.

21. Dale Ellis (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps: 1
New York have been trying to find a title winning supporting cast for Michael Jordan since 1984, they found a big part of it when they picked up Dale Ellis last season. Able to pick up the slack when Jordan was injured and back him up in the finals, Ellis really made a name for himself last year in the NBA and now has the potential to be part of a dynasty if his performances stay at the same level.

20. Buck Williams (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
After a relatively average couple of seasons with the Bandits by Buck's standards, he's moved to the Cavaliers in the hopes of finding the form that made him one of the league's best players in the mid 80s. Buck has the opportunity to lead a young team to success, and without doubt has the skillset to do it if his 5 All Star appearances are anything to go by

19. Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
All Star Apps: 1 / ROTY: 1
It might seem premature to have Derrick Coleman inside the top 20 after just one NBA season, but he was Washington's best player in his rookie season and they made the playoffs. An All Star appearances capped off a brilliant first season for Coleman, one of many almost certainly.

18. Terry Cummings (New Jersey Nets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 4 / ROTY: 1
A failed two years with the Jazz has resulted in Cummings coming back to New Jersey to try and get his career going again. Not that his individual numbers were terrible in Utah, but they weren't the stunning levels they were with the Nets and the Clippers. Plus at least with Brad Daugherty alongside him he actually has a chance of making the postseason, which wasn't the case with Utah. A great player who deserves a chance at a top team before his peak finishes.

17. Ralph Sampson (Philadelphia 76ers)
All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1

16. Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2
There was huge pressure on Pippen when Detroit identified him as the man to replace Isiah Thomas and spent a long time putting a trade together to get him on the Pistons' roster. He's lived up to that pressure though, leading Detroit to the 1990 NBA final and actually playing better last season despite a more lacklustre season for Detroit. Not on the level of Isiah Thomas, but Detroit couldn't have done much better in their replacement hunt and he's got a lot of years ahead of him.

15. Mitch Richmond (Cleveland Cavaliers)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
There's understandably a lot of excitement about Mitch Richmond. He averaged nearly 28 points per game last season, already had a 58 point game and seems to be getting better year by year. He's now got Buck Williams to play alongside, and this Cavs team should be fun to watch this season.

14. John Stockton (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2
Part of the 1984 draft class that has taken the NBA by storm, Stockton has formed a formidable duo with Patrick Ewing at the Sacramento Kings. Has averaged more than 10 APG in every season since joining the Kings, his numbers have been super consistent year on year. Just missing an NBA title off the resume.

13. Adrian Dantley (Dallas Mavericks)
All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 4
There's no surprise that Dantley's departure from the Clippers coincided with there massive drop off in performance, and Philly made the playoffs the last two seasons with him after missing the three before that. He's a terrific scorer, and has joined Dallas where he will play a more backup role in the hope that he might cap off a brilliant career with a Championship. Favourite for the 6 man of the year award this season for sure.

12. Sidney Moncrief (Milwaukee Bucks)
All Star Apps: 9 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / DPOTY: 1
Moncrief has spent all of his 12 NBA years with the Bucks, impressing in every one of them. The lack of any recent deep run in the playoffs for the Bucks makes it difficult to put Moncrief in the top 10, but the 9 all star appearances show just how highly Moncrief has ranked amongst players throughout his career so far.

11. Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors)
All Star Apps: 1 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / ROTY: 1
Rookie of the Year in year 1, and then an All Star appearance and inclusion in the All-NBA 1st Team in year 2 despite playing for a side that missed the playoffs. Hardaway has all the makings of a Hall of Famer and it will be exciting to follow his progress in a Warriors side that is exciting with it's potential.

10. David Robinson (Tampa Bay Bandits)
All Star Apps: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / ROTY: 1 / DPOTY: 1
A stellar 4 years since being released early by the Navy. Averaged 20.6PPG and 11.2RPG last season, and has made an All-NBA team in every season. Whilst the Bandits have him they are a Championship contender regardless of the rest of the roster, that's how good he is.

9. Dominique Wilkins (Houston Rockets)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
The forward who has carried the Atlanta Hawks to multiple postseasons has linked up with the already strong Rockets in free agency. It gives the Rockets a trio of Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Dominique Wilkins. Nothing but the Championship will be success for Houston this season if Wilkins keeps up his usual scoring numbers.

8. Patrick Ewing (Sacramento Kings)
All Star Apps: 5 / All-NBA 1st Team: 1 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 2 / DPOTY: 1
Came up short in the Ewing v Jordan final in June, and with the Kings competing with Houston, Dallas and the Lakers in the West it may be that that chance of a NBA title doesn't come around every year. He has stepped up a level over the last two seasons though, and won Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-NBA 1st team last season.

7. Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1
Malone and Ewing are currently battling out as the best player in the NBA without an NBA title, although David Robinson isn't far from joining them with another good season. Malone certainly seems further away than Ewing, still on a Bulls team that has stood still for a few seasons now. Individually, Malone is as impressive as ever. 4 All-NBA 1st Teams in 6 years speak for itself.

6. Moses Malone (Los Angeles Clippers)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 12 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 3 / MVP: 3 / Finals MVP: 1
Is he the 6th best player in the NBA right now? Of course not, but Moses Malone has had a Hall of Fame career and it would be wrong to have him any lower. 12 All Star Appearances in 15 years is impressive numbers in itself, but no one will forget his performances for the 76ers in their 1983 title winning season. It's a shame Malone has had to play out the tail end of his career in such a poor Clippers side.

5. Mark Aguirre (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 3 / All Star Apps 6 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 2 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 3
May not be the 5th best player in the NBA through the regular season, but three finals MVPs shows just how much Mark Aguirre steps up when it really matters. When you consider his third MVP came when on the same team as Isiah Thomas, it shows just how good Aguirre is in the big moments.

4. Charles Barkley (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 4 / All-NBA 1st Team: 2 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 1 / Finals MVP: 1
The way Barkley has continuously gotten better and better as his NBA career has gone on is staggering. Year 1 - 12.1PPG, Year 5 - 22.9PPG, Year 7 - 27.8PPG. The only disappointment for Barkley and Houston so far is that they've only won one Championship since he and Hakeem joined in 1984, and that was the only time they've been to the NBA final in that time too. Watching him and Dominique Wilkins this year should be a lot of fun, but Houston have got to start getting it done when it matters more often.

3. Isiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 10 / All-NBA 1st Team: 3 / All-NBA 2nd Team: 5 / All-NBA 3rd Team: 1
Looked like he was going to waste away his career at Detroit after continuously falling short in the playoffs. He actually disappointed slightly in his first year at Dallas, yet still got his hands on his first NBA title and looked much more comfortable as they embarked on a decent title defense last time around. Do not be surprised to see Isiah add to his 1 title and All-NBA 1st team inclusions. Also has 10 All Star appearances in 10 seasons. Having to move teams to get his hands on a Championship means he falls short of a top two spot.

2. Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Team: 5 / MVP: 1 / DPOTY: 4
There's not much more the NBA now needs than a Hakeem vs Jordan final in 1992. Both players have now won an NBA title, after Jordan's Knicks victory last season. For Hakeem, his numbers and performances have been insane since the second he stepped foot in a NBA game, which is the difference between him and Barkley who took a couple of years to get going. 5 All-NBA 1st teams in 7 years as a pro shows just how good he's been, and it would have been 6 if not for his injury last season.

1. Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
NBA Titles: 1 / All Star Apps: 6 / All-NBA 1st Teams: 4 / All-NBA 2nd Teams: 2 / MVP: 1 / Finals MVP: 1 / ROTY: 1
It looked like it might be another season of coming up short for Michael Jordan, after missing most of the second half of the season as the Knicks scraped their way to fourth seed. Jordan returned with a vengeance in the playoffs though as the Knicks breezed past every opposition including making a strong Sacramento team look very ordinary in the NBA finals. Jordan was by far and away the Finals MVP, and will be looking to add to his titles count again this season. There's no doubt Jordan can do things on a Basketball court that no one else can, him and Hakeem could be this decades Magic v Bird.

1991-1992 NBA Championship Betting Odds
Houston Rockets +400
New York Knicks +450
Sacramento Kings +600
Dallas Mavericks +650
Los Angeles Lakers + 950
Tampa Bay Bandits +1000
Boston Celtics +1300
Detroit Pistons +1500
Chicago Bulls +1500
Cleveland Cavaliers +1800
Portland Trail Blazers +1800
Milwaukee Bucks +2500
Golden State Warriors +3000
Atlanta Hawks +3000
Indiana Pacers +4000
Denver Nuggets +4000
Philadelphia 76ers +4500
New Jersey Nets +4500
Phoenix Suns +7000
Washington Bullets +7500
Seattle SuperSonics +7500
Charlotte Hornets +10000
Utah Jazz +20000
Miami Heat +30000
Minnesota Polars +30000
Los Angeles Clippers +50000
Toronto Huskies +50000

Up Next: The 1991-92 Season

(Probably the update i've enjoyed doing the most so far, let me know your thoughts on the rankings!)

HB62 · Apr 14, 2024

1991-92 Season - November: Phoenix Rising

Selected Results Only

November 1st:
Golden State Warriors 115-112 Atlanta Hawks
Minnesota Polars 120-115 Sacramento Kings
Tampa Bay Bandits 105-73 Charlotte Hornets
Dallas Mavericks 98-116 Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers 114-132 Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks 122-108 New Jersey Nets

The NBA season opens up in Atlanta as Tim Hardaway shoots 40 points and provides 12 assists to get a much fancied Warriors off the mark on the opening night. There’s a shock result in Sacramento as last season's runners up are beaten by Minnesota, despite an 18-42 final quarter from the Kings as they almost mount an insane comeback. The Bandits get off to a good start by thrashing the Hornets, with David Robinson getting 31. The Celtics begin their post Larry Bird era with a good win at home to Dallas, Byron Scott the top performer for Boston. The Lakers post Magic Johnson era opens less successfully, as they are beaten in Chicago. Worthy and Parish combine for 52 points and 33 rebounds, but defensively the Lakers leave themselves with too much to do as the Bulls rack up 132. And the defending champions make a good start to their title defense with a win in neighbors New Jersey, Michael Jordan beginning where he left off with 30 points and 10 assists.

November 2nd:
Houston Rockets 99-110 Atlanta Hawks
Milwaukee Bucks 90-112 Denver Nuggets
Portland Trail Blazers 126-118 Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns 112-107 Tampa Bay Bandits

The Barkley, Hakeem, Wilkins trio suffer a defeat in their first game as a Reggie Miller led Hawks inflict defeat on the Rockets. Kelly Tripucka has 39 points in a good win for the Nuggets at home to the Bucks. The Lakers top scorer is Doug West at home to Portland. With Worthy off form and Parish missing through injury, the Lakers are beaten again. Luc Longley becomes the first Australian to play in the NBA coming off the bench for the Lakers. The Suns pull off a bit of an upset in Tampa, thanks to 21 points from both Sleepy Floyd and also 1991 number 3 draft pick Steve Smith.

November 3rd:
Detroit Pistons 106-116 Los Angeles Clippers
Boston Celtics 74-108 New York Knicks

Detroit suffer a second disappointing defeat on the spin to start the season, losing in LA to the Clippers. Meanwhile the Knicks thrash Boston at home mainly thanks to a 9-32 3rd quarter.

November 5th:
Milwaukee Bucks 100-101 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 116-122 Houston Rockets
Washington Bullets 124-123 Toronto Huskies
Los Angeles Lakers 91-113 Boston Celtics

Dallas win for the first time this season, narrowly at home to the Bucks. In the first clash between the big 4 (Knicks, Kings, Rockets, Mavericks), it’s victory for Houston at home to the Knicks. Double doubles for both Barkley and Hakeem as the Knicks lose for the first time this season. Dominique Wilkins suffers an injury that will keep him out until the end of the month. It’s a 3-0 start for the Bullets who win by one in overtime in Toronto. Nick Anderson has 35 points for the Huskies who start 0-2. And the first Lakers v Celtics game post Magic & Bird ends in a comfortable win for Boston. Byron Scott and Kevin McHale both on form as the Lakers’ struggles continue.

November 6th:
Atlanta Hawks 83-89 Cleveland Cavaliers

It’s an impressive start to the season for the Cavaliers as they back up wins over Utah and Denver with a narrow, low scoring, win over Atlanta. Gary Payton top scores for Cleveland who are looking very solid in the East at the start of the season.

November 7th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 114-112 New York Knicks
Chicago Bulls 142-120 Utah Jazz

In a close game between two East contenders, Tampa came out on top in New York. Both teams start 2-2 after four games. There was an incredible game in Utah, with Glen Rice shooting 50 points and still losing by 22. Rice hit 23 from 32 field goal attempts and 4 out of 4 free throws but 34 points from Karl Malone helped the Bulls to another high scoring win.

November 8th:
Charlotte Hornets 104-100 Indiana Pacers
Golden State Warriors 115-119 Minnesota Polars
Los Angeles Clippers 126-111 Los Angeles Lakers
Washington Bullets 106-110 Sacramento Kings

The Hornets decent start to the season continued with a win in Indiana. Rex Chapman had 31 for Charlotte. The Pacers on the other hand are 1-4 to start and struggling once more. Another good win for Minnesota as 3 out of the 4 late 80’s expansion teams make good starts to the season (The Heat the exception.) The big shock of the night was a horror loss for the Lakers in the LA derby. James Worthy had 34 but the rest of the team were unable to support and the Clippers secured a relatively comfortable win. The Bullets lost for the first time to a Drazen Petrovic inspired Sacramento.

November 9th:
Dallas Mavericks 99-101 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 112-100 Golden State Warriors
Detroit Pistons 87-78 Chicago Bulls

The Rockets win the Texas derby with a hard fought win at home to Dallas. It’s a 5-0 start for Portland with Clyde Drexler in inspired form whilst the Pistons defense is on form as they restrict a previously free scoring Chicago to just 78 in a low scoring win. It’s 4 wins in a row for Detroit after losing their opening 2.

November 10th:
Washington Bullets 81-130 Boston Celtics

Boston thrash the Bullets at home to continue their good start to the season (5-1). Byron Scott again the top performer for the Celtics.

November 12th:
Philadelphia 76ers 98-107 Miami Heat
Seattle SuperSonics 109-104 Sacramento Kings

It’s the battle of the bottom teams in the East, with both teams without a win before the matchup between the 76ers and the Heat in Miami. Miami come out on top thanks to 27 points from Rod Strickland and a double double from 1991 number one pick Larry Johnson. In Sacramento, it’s an upset as Seattle edge out the Kings and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf continues his strong start to the season for the Supersonics

November 13th:
Golden State Warriors 118-140 Phoenix Suns

The Suns good start to the season continues with a high scoring win over the Warriors. Randy White has 30 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Hardaway has another strong game for the Warriors but their struggles as a team mean they are 2-5 to start the season.

November 14th:
Los Angeles Lakers 99-84 Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers 95-93 Cleveland Cavaliers

The Lakers finally get a win at the seventh attempt, Robert Parish returning to help the team. There’s also a surprise in Cleveland as the Pacers rip up the form book to secure a win by two points.

November 16th:
Portland Trail Blazers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits
Golden State Warriors 105-115 Houston Rockets

A cagey game between two in form teams ends with a narrow win for Portland. The teams were never separated by more than two points at the end of each quarter. Charles Barkley is in incredible form for Houston as they win at home to the Warriors. The Chuckster has 47 points and 16 rebounds and it’s 4 wins in a row for the Rockets.

November 17th:
Dallas Mavericks 93-98 Milwaukee Bucks

Dallas’ indifferent start to the season continues with defeat in Milwaukee. Dallas are now 3-3 for their first six games, despite good performances from Aguirre and Benjamin.

November 19th:
Houston Rockets 117-99 Philadelphia 76ers

It’s Hakeem’s turn to star for Houston with 39 points and 13 rebounds. Houston score 42 in the first quarter and never look back in Philadelphia, leaving the 76ers still searching for that first win seven games in.

November 21st:
Chicago Bulls 112-63 Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers dismal run gets even worse with just 63 points at home to Chicago. Philly score just 21 points in the second half, leaving the court to jeers from the home fans and comparisons to the 1973 team that lost 73 games.

November 22nd:
Charlotte Hornets 87-91 Toronto Huskies
Boston Celtics 107-108 Atlanta Hawks

The battle of two of the expansion teams is won by the home side as Toronto edge past Charlotte. Both teams were showing good signs of improvement through the first month of the season however. In Atlanta, the home side held on to halt Boston’s good run of form.

November 23rd:
Houston Rockets 107-98 Miami Heat
Sacramento Kings 102-109 Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Clippers 83-113 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 97-104 Washington Bullets

The Rockets strong run continues, and this is without Dominique Wilkins who is still to return from injury. The Kings suffer a defeat to a Scottie Pippen led Detroit whilst Mitch Richmond is on top form in a win for Cleveland at home the Clippers. In Washington, the Knicks’ 6 game winning run is halted by the Bullets.

November 26th:
Dallas Mavericks 110-98 Toronto Huskies
Detroit Pistons 78-104 Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz 107-102 Houston Rockets

Isiah Thomas has 37 as the Mavericks continue to improve as a team with a win in Toronto. The Lakers improvement is also evident, winning 5 of their last 6 after their shocking start. Worthy and Parish are both back to their best after suffering from injuries over the first couple of weeks of the season in a thrashing of Detroit. Utah produce the surprise result of the season, winning for just the 3rd time in Houston against the early leaders. Glen Rice and rookie Stanley Roberts are the top performers.

November 29th:
Chicago Bulls 98-127 Phoenix Suns
Indiana Pacers 93-120 Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers 120-122 New York Knicks
Sacramento Kings 105-102 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 109-106 Los Angeles Lakers

The Suns’ super start reaches the end of November with a dominant win at home to the Bulls. Both Loy Vaught and Randy White have 20 rebounds in a strong defensive performance from Phoenix. It’s another impressive showing from Charlotte who beat a poor Indiana at home. Eddie Johnson and Muggsy Bogues combine for 58 points. In New York, Michael Jordan has 44 points on his own including 19 out of 21 from the field. All 44 points are needed as the Knicks edge past the Cavaliers by two. The Kings win an enthralling battle at home to the Rockets, Petrovic again the top scorer. The Lakers revival is halted at home to Portland, with Cliff Robinson scoring 29.

November 30th:
Detroit Pistons 97-92 Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Nets 81-108 Washington Bullets
Sacramento Kings 81-98 Dallas Mavericks
New York Knicks 91-103 Utah Jazz

Philly blow a 15 point half time lead to lose at home to Detroit, meaning they end the first month without a win. It’s a great end to the month for Derrick Coleman who has 36 points and 18 rebounds in a win for Washington at home to New Jersey. Sacramento can’t follow up their win in Houston as they lose up the road in Dallas. Utah end November with another really good win, beating the defending champions at home.

End of November Standings

East:
1. Boston Celtics - 12-3
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 8-6
3. New York Knicks - 10-4
4. Washington Bullets - 9-5
5. Charlotte Hornets - 8-8
6. New Jersey Nets - 7-7
7. Detroit Pistons - 8-9
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - 6-7
---------------------------------------
9. Atlanta Hawks - 6-9
10. Indiana Pacers - 5-9
11. Miami Heat - 5-9
12. Toronto Huskies - 4-9
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 0-13

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 10-4
2. Portland Trail Blazers - 10-4
3. Phoenix Suns - 10-5
4. Dallas Mavericks - 9-4
5. Sacramento Kings - 9-5
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 9-6
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 8-8
8. Chicago Bulls - 8-8
-----------------------------------------
9. Golden State Warriors - 7-8
10. Milwaukee Bucks - 7-8
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 6-8
12. Minnesota Polars - 5-8
13. Utah Jazz - 4-10
14. Denver Nuggets - 3-9

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Charles Barkley (29.6)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.5)
3. Michael Jordan (27.8)

RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (13.4)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.9)
3. David Robinson (12.4)

APG:
1. John Stockton (10.9)
2. Terry Porter (10.4)
3. Tim Hardaway (9.9)

SPG:
1. Gary Payton (2.4)
2. Scottie Pippen (2.3)
3. Michael Jordan (2.1)

BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.7)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. David Robinson (2.5)

Player of the Month:
David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)

Up Next: December 1991

HB62 · Apr 14, 2024

1991-92 Season - December: Record Breakers

December 1st:
Utah Jazz 105-99 Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns 93-94 Minnesota Polars
Milwaukee Bucks 103-112 Chicago Bulls

The bottom two sides in the West met on the opening day of December, and the Jazz won in Denver to put a gap between them and the bottom spot. Alaa Abdelnaby had 23 points in a good performance from the bench. The high flying Suns suffered a narrow defeat on the road to Minnesota to dent their progress slightly whilst Karl Malone scored 42 against the Bucks to keep Chicago above the playoff line.

December 2nd:
New York Knicks 105-108 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers strong start to the season remained intact with an excellent home win to the Knicks. Moses Malone had 28 points showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

December 3rd:
Atlanta Hawks 67-122 Tampa Bay Bandits
Boston Celtics 99-104 Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls 102-122 Golden State Warriors
New Jersey Nets 114-106 Charlotte Hornets
Denver Nuggets 76-116 Dallas Mavericks

The Hawks began their December by being routed in Tampa, scoring just 67. It was a good day for Larry Johnson as he led Miami to a win at home to Boston with 16 points and more impressively 15 rebounds. Tim Hardaway continued to look like a star for the Warriors with 43 points more than enough to defeat the Bulls. The Cummings / Daugherty duo for the Nets was back together and working as before with both on a double double for their win in Charlotte whilst the Nuggets were thrashed by the Mavericks as Adrian Dantley showed signs of settling into his new home with 27 points.

December 4th:
New York Knicks 101-78 Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Bullets 99-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Indiana Pacers 114-107 Detroit Pistons

Philadelphia tie the record for most defeats to start an NBA season with 15, tying themselves from 1973, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1971 and Denver Nuggets from 1950. Across 15 games they’ve averaged just 88.5 points, not even getting near that total at home to New York. They would have to beat the Pacers in Indiana to avoid breaking an unwanted record. The Bullets won an exciting encounter in LA, with Jeff Ruland on form whilst Detroit’s iffy start to the season continued at home to Indiana.

December 6th:
Philadelphia 76ers 97-118 Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers 107-117 Cleveland Cavaliers
Seattle SuperSonics 98-99 Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics 101-102 Houston Rockets
Detroit Pistons 117-118 New York Knicks

The 76ers break the record for most defeats to start a season, reaching 16 games without a win and not looking like ending the run anytime soon. Mitch Richmond inspired the Cavs to a solid win at home to the Lakers who started to fall adrift of the playoff line again. Seattle and Milwaukee played out an exciting encounter that saw the Bucks win in OT, moving the Bucks level with Seattle on 9 wins out of 18. The Rockets and Knicks came out on top at home in two exciting encounters, beating Boston and Detroit respectively to move top of each Conference.

December 7th:
Golden State Warriors 87-106 Portland Trail Blazers
Detroit Pistons 91-110 Philadelphia 76ers

The Trail Blazers keep pace with Houston at the top of the West with a win at home to the Warriors. Larry Nance with 25 points. Philadelphia finally get a win at the 17th time of asking, comfortably to, as they beat Detroit at home. Sean Elliot is the man of the match with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

December 10th:
Philadelphia 76ers 109-106 Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks 123-106 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 109-134 New York Knicks

Philly remarkably win their 2nd successive game, winning on the road to the Warriors. Bernard King has 38 in a win for the Bucks in Phoenix whilst Jordan and Radja combine for 63 points at home to a struggling Toronto.

December 11th:
Atlanta Hawks 96-103 Charlotte Hornets
New York Knicks 97-114 Los Angeles Lakers

An impressive performance from rookie Dikembe Mutombo who has 16 rebounds as the Hornets win at home to Atlanta to keep themselves inside the playoff line. The Lakers record a welcome win at home to New York, James Worthy helping himself to 38 points.

December 13th:
Cleveland Cavaliers 118-96 Miami Heat
Boston Celtics 96-111 Minnesota Polars
Houston Rockets 90-126 New York Knicks

Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton inspire the Cavs to a comfortable win in Miami, leaving them well inside the top 8 in the East. Boston suffer a surprising loss in Minnesota. The Polars, like the Hornets in the East, are having a good start to the season as they look to make the postseason for the first time. Michael Jordan scores 41 as the Knicks thrash Houston at home in a statement win.

December 15th:
Minnesota Polars 104-102 Los Angeles Lakers

The Polars record back to back wins, against Boston and then the Lakers, in a fantastic three day stretch for them. It puts them to 10-10 for the season so far and inside the top 8 in the West, just.

December 17th:
Washington Bullets 108-114 Utah Jazz
Detroit Pistons 84-90 Miami Heat

Glen Rice shoots 41 points for Utah as Washington’s good run ends with an overtime defeat. Kenny Smith top scores for Miami as Detroit fall below the Heat in the East standings and look in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1983.

December 18th:
Denver Nuggets 65-113 Sacramento Kings
Cleveland Cavaliers 96-95 Tampa Bay Bandits

The Nuggets are thrashed in Sacramento and remain rooted to the bottom of the West. John Stockton has 30 points and 14 assists. The Cavs eek out a win in Tampa to move into positive figures for the season through 23 games.

December 20th:
Houston Rockets 104-108 Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Bulls 110-119 Los Angeles Lakers

The Rockets suffer defeat in Milwaukee thanks to great performances from Bernard King and Kenny Fields. In LA, Doug West and James Worthy combine for 72 points (37+35) as the Lakers beat Chicago.

December 21st:
Sacramento Kings 78-118 Houston Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers 89-106 Indiana Pacers

The Kings are soundly beaten by the Rockets in Houston in a heavyweight matchup. Barkley and Hakeem combine for 58 points and 36 rebounds. In Indiana, there’s good performances from Danny Manning and Jim Paxson as the Pacers continue to claw their way back towards the top 8.

December 22nd:
Phoenix Suns 100-82 Dallas Mavericks
Seattle SuperSonics 107-92 Chicago Bulls

The Suns state their intention to remain in position towards the top of the West with a wonderful win in Dallas. Randy White has 21 points. The Bulls’ poor form continues as they slide down the table with defeat at home to Seattle.

December 25th:
Los Angeles Clippers 92-83 Los Angeles Lakers
New Jersey Nets 88-111 New York Knicks
Boston Celtics 107-92 Washington Bullets

It’s a happy Christmas for the Clippers as they win at rivals the Lakers once again this season. Jordan hits 41 as the Knicks defeat the Nets at home whilst Mark Price is on form for Boston with a decent win against in form Washington.

December 26th:
Golden State Warriors 140-118 Chicago Bulls

The Bulls’ shocking run continues as they are thrashed at home to the Warriors mostly thanks to 43 points from Tim Hardaway.

December 30th:
Portland Trail Blazers 106-105 Houston Rockets

Two of the top three in the West play out a thriller as Portland race into a 22 point lead at halftime. The Rockets almost peg them back but fall just short, to keep Portland in touch behind the Rockets.

December 31st:
Dallas Mavericks 131-92 Sacramento Kings

It’s another heavy defeat for the Kings against a Texas based rival in the West. This time, despite 37 points from Ewing, the Kings are thrashed at home by the Mavericks who have Dantley on form to see out 1991 with a big win.

End of December Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 21-8
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 18-10
3. Boston Celtics - 17-11
4. Indiana Pacers - 16-13
5. New Jersey Nets - 14-12
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 15-14
7. Washington Bullets - 14-13
8. Miami Heat - 13-15
--------------------------------------
9. Charlotte Hornets - 14-17
10. Detroit Pistons - 12-17
11. Atlanta Hawks - 11-19
12. Toronto Huskies - 9-19
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 7-22

West:
1. Houston Rockers - 18-8
2. Phoenix Suns - 19-10
3. Portland Trail Blazers - 17-10
4. Dallas Mavericks - 17-11
5. Sacramento Kings - 17-11
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 16-13
7. Milwaukee Bucks - 16-15
8. Golden State Warriors - 15-14
-----------------------------------------
9. Seattle SuperSonics - 15-16
10. Utah Jazz - 13-15
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 13-16
12. Chicago Bulls - 13-19
13. Minnesota Polars - 11-17
14. Denver Nuggets - 6-22

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (28.3)
3. Charles Barkley (26.7)

RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.2)
2. David Robinson (12.2)
3. Charles Barkley (11.8)

APG:
1. John Stockton (11.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.9)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.7)

SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Gary Peyton (2.3)
3. Scottie Pippen (2.1)

BPG
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (3.1)
2. David Robinson (2.6)
3. Elden Campbell (2.5

Player of the Month
Michael Jordan (East) / Hakeem Olajuwon (West)

Up Next: January 1992

HB62 · Apr 16, 2024

1991-92 Season - January: Hornet Season

3rd January:
Dallas Mavericks 97-100 Phoenix Suns
Toronto Huskies 125-91 Boston Celtics
Minnesota Polars 87-106 Miami Heat

The Suns increased the game between themselves and Dallas with a narrow home win. Randy White had 14 points and 11 rebounds in a good showing. There was a surprise in Boston as the Huskies picked up potentially their finest win yet in the NBA with a dominant win over the Celtics. 23 Year Old Nick Anderson starred for the Huskies, with 27 points and 7 assists. There was also a good win for Miami as they strengthened their position in the top 8. Rod Strickland made his case for an All Star selection with 34 points whilst Larry Johnson had 20 points and 13 rebounds.

5th January:
Philadelphia 76ers 116-122 Toronto Huskies

The Huskies win the basement battle in the East to make it two wins in a row and put some distance between themselves and the 76ers, who after a mini revival are now back in struggle mode.

7th January:
Houston Rockets 116-92 Boston Celtics
New Jersey Nets 100-119 Tampa Bay Bandits
Chicago Bulls 108-111 Minnesota Polars
Atlanta Hawks 89-90 Detroit Pistons

Hakeem, Barkley and Wilkins all have 20+ points as well as 10+ rebounds for the first two as the Rockets ease to a win in Boston to pull clear at the top of the West. The Bandits keep themselves in touch with New York thanks to a combined 63 points from Dell Curry and David Robinson. Robinson added 15 rebounds to his 30 points. Karl Malone's 37 points wasn't enough for the Bulls to collect the win in Minnesota as Chicago lost by 3. It was starting to look very likely the Bulls would miss out on the playoffs for the first time since 84. In a very tight game in Detroit between two struggling sides, 36 points from Scottie Pippen was just enough for Detroit to make it 3 wins in a row and consign Atlanta to a fifth straight loss.

8th January:
Miami Heat 95-81 Portland Trail Blazers
Milwaukee Bucks 89-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Polars 104-131 Atlanta Hawks

It's a good win for Miami in Portland, showing their credentials as a playoff team whilst for Portland it's a loss that allows Phoenix to stretch their legs atop the Pacific division. A great team performance from the Clippers gives them an important win at home to Milwaukee. Rodney McCray, Moses Malone and Ken Norman all joint top score. And Reggie Millers gets Atlanta back on track with a 40 point showing at home to Minnesota.

10th January:
Charlotte Hornets 92-90 Houston Rockets
New York Knicks 88-95 Tampa Bay Bandits

There's a surprise in Houston as a Rex Chapman inspired Charlotte Hornets upset the applecart with a narrow win over the in form Rockets. The Knicks lose the battle of the top two in the East in a cagey affair in Tampa.

14th January:
Houston Rockets 105-85 Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons 110-130 New Jersey Nets

Hakeem Olajuwon gets the Rockets back on track after a couple of defeats by combining 38 points with 19 rebounds in a stellar performance in Indiana. The Nets breeze past Detroit at home thanks to the Cummings / Daugherty duo which combines for 65 points and 20 rebounds.

17th January:
Atlanta Hawks 81-79 Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers disappointing month continues with a defeat at home to Atlanta. The Lakers look in real trouble of missing the postseason, which would be the case for first time in 16 years.

24th January:
Golden State Warriors 105-97 Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks 116-115 Portland Trail Blazers

Young and old went head to head in LA as Tim Hardaway and Moses Malone both dominated the Clippers / Warriors game. It was Hardaway's Warriors who came out on top though, with Hardaway getting 36 of the Warriors 105 points. Malone had 30 of his own in a great battle. The Knicks secured a great win in Portland thanks to a late Dale Ellis basket.

25th January:
Dallas Mavericks 107-120 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 101-103 Houston Rockets
Portland Trail Blazers 81-100 Seattle SuperSonics

There were big games on in the West, with Doug West continuing his impressive season for the Lakers with 31 points in a good win at home to Dallas. Another superb Tim Hardaway performance was repelled by the Wilkins, Barkley, Hakeem trio in Houston. Another player having a good season and making an All Star case was Abdul-Rauf in Seattle. He hit 30 points in an important home win against the Trail Blazers.

28th January:
Los Angeles Lakers 135-110 Houston Rockets
Tampa Bay Bandits 95-99 Sacramento Kings
New Jersey Nets 103-115 Toronto Huskies
Washington Bullets 101-100 Boston Celtics

An epic battle in Houston saw the Lakers pull off back to back impressive wins in a high scoring game. Dominique Wilkins had 41 for the Rockets but it was quiet nights for both Barkley and Hakeem which allowed the Lakers to take control thanks to 34 from West and 27 from Worthy. The Kings continued to go about their business quietly as they won at home to Tampa Bay, Ewing and Stockton as usual on song. The Huskies good month continued with win at home to the Nets that left Toronto still with playoff thoughts whilst there was a narrow defeat for Boston at home to Washington.

30th January:
Charlotte Hornets 119-118 Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks 112-108 Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns 114-109 Chicago Bulls

In an important game with playoff related consequences, the Hornets won a back and forth encounter thanks to a 32-31 win in the overtime period over Cleveland. Rex Chapman had 32 points whilst Muggsy Bogues played an incredible 53 minutes and used the time wisely with 25 points and 12 assists. The Knicks won a repeat of last years final thanks to 30 points from MJ in Sacramento whilst the Suns returned to form with a win in Chicago. Rookie Bison Dele top scoring.

End of January Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 33-12
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 28-15
3. Washington Bullets - 25-19
4. New Jersey Nets - 22-21
5. Boston Celtics - 22-21
6. Cleveland Cavaliers - 22-21
7. Charlotte Hornets - 22-22
8. Miami Heat - 20-22
-------------------------------------------
9. Atlanta Hawks - 21-24
10. Indiana Pacers - 20-23
11. Detroit Pistons - 20-24
12. Toronto Huskies - 17-27
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 12-32

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 32-11
2. Sacramento Kings - 26-16
3. Dallas Mavericks - 25-16
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 25-17
5. Phoenix Suns - 25-20
6. Los Angeles Clippers - 22-20
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 22-21
8. Los Angeles Lakers - 21-23
-------------------------------------------
9. Milwaukee Bucks - 22-25
10. Golden State Warriors - 19-24
11. Utah Jazz - 18-23
12. Chicago Bulls - 19-25
13. Minnesota Polars - 16-28
14. Denver Nuggets - 9-33

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (26.6)
3. Charles Barkley (25.3)

RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.1)
2. David Robinson (12.1)
3. Charles Oakley (11.5)

APG:
1. John Stockton (11.2)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.8)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.3)

SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.3)
2. Tim Hardaway (2.0)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)

BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.5)
3. David Robinson (2.3)

Player of the Month
Rex Chapman (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)

All Star Lineups:
East:
Michael Jordan - New York Knicks
Mitch Richmond - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Robinson - Tampa Bay Bandits
Scottie Pippen - Detroit Pistons
Brad Daugherty - New Jersey Nets
Byron Scott - Boston Celtics
Rolando Blackman - Detroit Pistons
Derrick Coleman - Washington Bullets
Kevin McHale - Boston Celtics
Kiki Vandeweghe - Indiana Pacers
Purvis Short - Philadelphia 76ers
Rex Champman - Charlotte Hornets

West:
Isiah Thomas - Dallas Mavericks
Tim Hardaway - Golden State Warriors
Charles Barkley - Houston Rockets
Hakeem Olajuwon - Houston Rockets
Karl Malone - Chicago Bulls
John Stockton - Sacramento Kings
Clyde Drexler - Portland Trail Blazers
James Worthy - Los Angeles Lakers
Patrick Ewing - Sacramento Kings
Glen Rice - Utah Jazz
Moses Malone - Los Angeles Clippers
Sleepy Floyd - Phoenix Suns

Up Next: February 2022

HB62 · Apr 17, 2024

1991-92 Season - February / March : Playoff Log jam:

February 9th:
East All Stars 104-122 West All Stars

There was a rare result in the All Star game as the West side took victory. Glen Rice on his debut took MVP, thanks to 18 points in 19 minutes. Isiah Thomas also played well. On the East team, David Robinson was the standout with 16 points and 12 rebounds, Jordan top scored with 18.

February 11th:
Dallas Mavericks 96-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 83-108 Utah Jazz
Indiana Pacers 99-93 Denver Nuggets
Sacramento Kings 134-125 Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors 105-106 Cleveland Cavaliers

A double double from Moses Malone was enough to see the Clippers sneak a one point win over Dallas at home to really put some distance between themselves and the playoff line. One team on the outside looking in were Utah, but they kept themselves in contention with a big win at home to Milwaukee who now also found themselves in danger of missing out. Denver’s dismal season continued with a home loss to the Pacers who had rookie Billy Owens starring. The Kings won a classic in LA thanks to 31 points and 14 assists from John Stockton in an overtime win over the Lakers. The big news was coming from the Warriors. After a close defeat in Cleveland, leaving Golden State down in 12th in the West, owners Jim Fitzgerald and Dan Finnane announced they were putting the team up for sale and looking to sell by the end of the season.

February 16th:
Charlotte Hornets 110-89 Philadelphia 76ers
Houston Rockets 113-84 Los Angeles Lakers

The Hornets continued their quest for a first ever playoff appearance with a win in Philadelphia that left the 76ers rooted to the bottom of the East. The Lakers were dealt a blow in their playoff quest after being beat by a similar scoreline at home to the flying Rockets.

February 19th:
New Jersey Nets 83-97 Cleveland Cavaliers
Phoenix Suns 97-93 Seattle SuperSonics

34 points from Mitch Richmond gave Cleveland a vital win at home to New Jersey in the East playoff battle, the win moved Cleveland level with their opponents on 29 wins a piece. In the West, it was a huge win for Phoenix as they just edged out Seattle to give themselves a large gap to the teams below. A return to the playoffs was looking likely for the Suns.

February 23rd:
Washington Bullets 86-81 Boston Celtics
Chicago Bulls 127-89 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 90-113 New York Knicks

Washington cemented their place in the top 4 of the East with a low scoring win over Boston. Armen Gilliam managed 20 points to top score. There was a triple double in Phoenix in a surprising big win for Chicago. Karl Malone starred with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists as the Bulls recorded a big win in a high point through a disappointing season so far. The Knicks made it 14 wins in a row with a comfortable home win over the Bucks, Dale Ellis top scoring.

February 25th:
Portland Trail Blazers 119-106 Sacramento Kings
Atlanta Hawks 103-99 Toronto Huskies

The race for 2nd seed behind Houston was blown wide open as the Trail Blazers won in Sacramento to move Portland level on wins with both Sacramento and also inform Phoenix. With all 3 teams in the Pacific Division, whoever came out on top by the end of the season would guarantee themselves that 2nd seed spot assuming Houston maintained their uncatchable form above. The Hawks kept themselves in playoff contention with a win in Toronto, who had found themselves in free fall since the turn of the year.

February 28th:
Philadelphia 76ers 111-107 Houston Rockets
Denver Nuggets 87-120 Los Angeles Lakers

There was a big shock in Houston as the East whipping boys Philadelphia earned a surprising win despite 39 points from Dominique Wilkins. Sean Elliot on form for the 76ers in just their 17th win of the season so far. There was no such surprise in LA as Denver lost for the 15th straight game in a thrashing to the Lakers. James Worthy with 37. For Denver, their eyes were now solely on the 3 first round draft picks they had acquired for the 1992 draft.

March 3rd:
Chicago Bulls 100-85 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers horrific drop in form progressed into March, sitting now just half a game inside the playoff line after defeat at home to Chicago, who were directly below the Clippers just outside the line.

March 4th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 103-82 Houston Rockets

Tampa showed their potential Championship credentials with a strong win away at West leaders Houston. Tampa remained however some way behind New York in the East.

March 5th:
Miami Heat 108-107 Indiana Pacers

A 43 point game from Rod Strickland gave Miami the narrowest of wins over Indiana and kept their slim playoff chances alive.

March 6th:
Golden State Warriors 100-92 Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway’s incredible season was on show in Denver as Hardaway had 46 points to go with a league high for the season 10 steals.

March 8th:
Portland Trail Blazers 108-97 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 92-109 Utah Jazz
Washington Bullets 93-90 Detroit Pistons
New Jersey Nets 103-104 New York Knicks

The Clippers collapse continued with a home defeat to Portland. It was a win that kept Portland above Sacramento in the fight for the 2nd seed and pushed the Clippers below the playoff line. Looking to go the other way were the Utah Jazz, who’s win at home to the Bucks put them level with their opponents. The Jazz were looking for a first postseason appearance since 88. One team almost certainly not making the playoffs were the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons made it 13 defeats in a row losing at home to high flying Washington. At the other end of the form table, the Knicks held on at home to neighbors New Jersey to make it 23 wins in a row.

March 11th:
New York Knicks 88-91 New Jersey Nets
Houston Rockets 97-96 Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns 96-107 Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks 113-100 Los Angeles Lakers

The Knicks winning run was ended by the unlikeliest of players as Carey Scurry top scored for the Nets who took revenge for their narrow loss three days earlier with a win at home. The Rockets won by a similarly narrow margin in an away win at the Bucks. Portland put distance between themselves and Phoenix with a Clyde Drexler led win at home whilst the Lakers suffered a damaging defeat at home to Dallas.

March 17th:
Seattle SuperSonics 84-102 Los Angeles Lakers
Boston Celtics 86-99 Charlotte Hornets
Golden State Warriors 88-105 Indiana Pacers
Denver Nuggets 96-110 Los Angeles Clippers

The race for the playoffs was in full swing come the second half of March. The Lakers secured an important win at home to Seattle to keep themselves a couple of games above the dreaded cut line. There was an equally important win for Charlotte at home to Boston which kept the Hornets just about on track for a first playoff appearance. Indiana were trailing both Charlotte and Boston by a tiny distance and kept themselves right there in the hunt with a home win against Golden State. The Clippers also recorded a vital win, dispatching the hapless Nuggets.

March 22nd:
New Jersey Nets 90-95 Phoenix Suns
Chicago Bulls 117-112 Dallas Mavericks

There was an important win for Phoenix as they kept themselves clear of the chasing back with a win over the New Jersey Nets who were just starting to struggle a little without the injured Terry Cummings. The Bulls' fight back in the 2nd half of the season continued as Karl Malone’s 40 points have them an away win in Dallas.

March 24th:
Seattle SuperSonics 117-111 Dallas Mavericks
Miami Heat 105-97 Charlotte Hornets
Atlanta Hawks 101-117 Minnesota Polars

There was a big win for Seattle as Dallas lost at home for the 2nd consecutive game. Miami kept themselves just about alive in the East’s playoff race with a win up the road in Charlotte. Atlanta’s playoff aspirations suffered a big blow with defeat at lowly Minnesota.

March 25th:
Sacramento Kings 125-72 Phoenix Suns

44 points from Drazen Petrovic was the key factor behind a thrashing for Phoenix at home to division rivals Sacramento. It left the Suns still looking over their shoulder at the gaggle of teams waiting to pounce below them in the West.

March 28th:
Toronto Huskies 99-90 Miami Heat

The Heat’s dreams of a first playoff appearance were crushed by a home defeat to fellow expansion side Toronto.

March 29th:
Los Angeles Clippers 99-108 Seattle SuperSonics
New York Knicks 82-104 Indiana Pacers
Tampa Bay Bandits 125-105 Boston Celtics

Xavier McDaniel rolled back the years by finding some form to propel Seattle to a home win over the Clippers. Seattle now looked like a decent bet for a playoff return having missed the last 3 postseasons. There was a super win for Indiana at home to East powerhouses New York with Billy Owens and Danny Manning both on form. And Boston lost a damaging sixth game in a row at home to Tampa Bay to leave them well outside the playoff spots come the end of March.

End of March Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 58-14
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 51-21
3. Washington Bullets - 44-29
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - 42-30
5. New Jersey Nets - 37-35
6. Indiana Pacers - 37-36
7. Charlotte Hornets - 36-37
8. Atlanta Hawks - 35-37
--------------------------------------
9. Boston Celtics - 34-37
10. Miami Heat - 31-43
11. Detroit Pistons - 26-48
12. Toronto Huskies - 24-49
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 19-53

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 55-17
2. Sacramento Kings - 44-29
3. Dallas Mavericks - 47-25
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 41-30
5. Chicago Bulls - 38-35
6. Phoenix Suns - 38-36
7. Los Angeles Lakers - 37-36
8. Seattle SuperSonics - 36-37
----------------------------------------
9. Los Angeles Clippers - 35-38
10. Utah Jazz - 33-39
11. Milwaukee Bucks - 32-41
12. Golden State Warriors - 32-42
13. Minnesota Polars - 26-47
14. Denver Nuggets - 12-59

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (27.3)
2. Michael Jordan (26.2)
3. Charles Barkley (25.9)

RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (12.7)
2. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.6)
3. David Robinson (12.5)

APG:
1. John Stockton (11.4)
2. Tim Hardaway (9.5)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.4)

SPG:
1. Tim Hardaway (2.4)
2. Michael Jordan (2.3)
3. Gary Payton (2.0)

BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.8)
2. Benoit Benjamin (2.6)
3. Patrick Ewing (2.2)

Player of the Month:
February: David Robinson (East) / Charles Barkley (West)
March: Michael Jordan (East) / Tim Hardaway (West)

Up Next: The Regular Season Run in!

HB62 · Apr 18, 2024

1991-92 Season - April : How close can you get?

April 1st:
Indiana Pacers 95-121 Toronto Huskies
New Jersey Nets 92-97 Philadelphia 76ers
Boston Celtics 74-112 Charlotte Hornets

There were big results in the East to kick off the final month of the regular season. Both Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets suffered disappointing away results at the two sides propping up the conference whilst Boston’s fall away from the playoffs continued. It was a super win for the Hornets, who took advantage of the defeats of teams around them to move 3 wins clear of the playoff line.

April 2nd:
Los Angeles Clippers 72-83 Minnesota Polars
Los Angeles Lakers 98-103 Portland Trail Blazers
Golden State Warriors 74-121 Sacramento Kings
Seattle SuperSonics 100-124 Houston Rockets

The Clippers began the month with a low scoring defeat in Minnesota as the West took center stage on the 2nd day of April. The Lakers joined their LA neighbors in losing on the road as Clyde Drexler's 27 points helped Portland to a narrow home win. The Sacramento Kings responded to that win by Portland by thrashing Golden State at home, Ewing with 37 points and 15 rebounds, to maintain their advantage at the top of the Pacific Division. The SuperSonics had a chance to take advantage of the losses of both LA teams but unsurprisingly suffered defeat in Houston.

April 3rd:
Boston Celtics 105-113 Cleveland Cavaliers
Chicago Bulls 95-91 Denver Nuggets
New York Knicks 110-93 Charlotte Hornets
Philadelphia 76ers 116-115 Atlanta Hawks

Cleveland confirmed their ticket to the postseason thanks to a home win against an out of form Boston side. Mitch Richmond had 31 points. The Bulls extended their advantage inside the top 8 with a nervy win away at whipping boys Denver. Back in the East and the Knicks moved to within 1 win of clinching the East Conference with an easy win against playoff chasing Charlotte. The Hornet’s weren’t punished too much for that defeat however, thanks to Atlanta suffering defeat at home to Philly by the closest of margins.

April 4th:
Los Angeles Clippers 81-85 Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks 113-76 Miami Heat
Utah Jazz 93-74 Los Angeles Lakers
Seattle SuperSonics 105-101 Golden State Warriors

Terry Mills was the star as the Bucks beat the Clippers to move within one win of their opponents. The Knicks cruised to the Eastern Conference by thrashing Miami away from home thanks to 33 points from MJ. The Lakers choked at home to the Jazz by putting in a horrible attacking performance as the Jazz moved to within two wins of the Lakers and a top 8 spot. This time Seattle could take advantage by beating a Warriors side that looked to have checked out for the season

April 5th:
Charlotte Hornets 97-86 Boston Celtics
Houston Rockets 94-92 Phoenix Suns
Golden State Warriors 84-106 Portland Trail Blazers

The Hornets stung a devastating blow to Boston by beating them in their own backyard. Rex Chapman had 32 points for Charlotte who were now 4 wins ahead of the Celtics and that 9th spot. Also in trouble were Phoenix, having sat in 2nd seed as recently as mid February, the Suns were now just 2 wins clear of the Jazz in 9th after a narrow defeat at home to Western Conference winners Houston. The Trail Blazers kept up the pressure on Sacramento with a win at home to Golden State, Drexler and Cliff Robinson both with 26 each.

April 7th:
Philadelphia 76ers 67-104 Atlanta Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers 105-106 Los Angeles Clippers
Golden State Warriors 99-109 Utah Jazz
New Jersey Nets 94-110 Boston Celtics
Indiana Pacers 106-84 Charlotte Hornets
Dallas Mavericks 77-86 Sacramento Kings
Seattle SuperSonics 99-103 Toronto Huskies

In a bumper night of action, there were wins in the East for Atlanta, Boston and Indiana but a defeat for Charlotte as the playoff race formed into a 5 for 4 battle. With the top 4 teams qualified, and the bottom 4 cut adrift, New Jersey, Indiana, Charlotte, Atlanta and Boston were all now in a battle for the last 4 playoff spots. Boston sat just outside on 35 wins, with the rest on 38 except Atlanta who were closest to Boston on 37. In the West, there was a massive win for the Clippers who crept past Cleveland. The Jazz kept themselves right there in the conversation and moved within one win of Seattle after the SuperSonics were beaten in Toronto. Just like the East, the top 4 had the playoffs secured, but behind that there were still 7 teams who had aspirations of making the postseason. The Bulls were 5th, on 39 wins, with the bucks down in 11th on 34. In between the two were Phoenix, Lakers, Seattle, Utah and the Clippers.

April 8th:
Los Angeles Lakers 110-131 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 101-113 Chicago Bulls

The Suns recorded a huge win at home to the Lakers to give themselves some breathing room above the playoff cut line. The Suns had 40 points in a dominant 1st quarter before maintaining their advantage throughout. The Bulls potentially ended the Bucks’ playoff hopes thanks to 34 points from Karl Malone.

April 9th:
Atlanta Hawks 109-123 Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers 97-117 Boston Celtics

Atlanta’s defeat combined with Boston’s win moves the Celtics to within one win of the top 8. Mark Price, as has often been the case this season, is Boston’s top performer.

April 10th:
Seattle SuperSonics 107-81 Denver Nuggets
Philadelphia 76ers 91-97 Utah Jazz

It’s important wins in the West for Seattle and Utah against the bottom sides in the West and East respectively. The wins move both above the Lakers, who drop out of the top 8 with just 5 games remaining.

As it Stands:
East:
5. New Jersey Nets - 38-39
6. Indiana Pacers - 38-39
7. Charlotte Hornets - 38-40
8. Atlanta Hawks - 37-41
—--------------------------------
9. Boston Celtics - 36-41

West:
5. Chicago Bulls - 40-38
6. Phoenix Suns - 39-39
7. Seattle SuperSonics - 38-39
8. Utah Jazz - 37-40
—---------------------------------------
9. Los Angeles Lakers - 37-40
10. Los Angeles Clippers - 36-42
11. Milwaukee Bucks - 35-42

April 11th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 95-92 Indiana Pacers
Charlotte Hornets 107-82 Philadelphia 76ers
Washington Bullets 93-92 New Jersey Nets
Houston Rockets 104-108 Los Angeles Clippers
Dallas Mavericks 115-107 Seattle SuperSonics

April 12th:
Portland Trail Blazers 89-101 Atlanta Hawks
Indiana Pacers 101-109 New Jersey Nets
Cleveland Cavaliers 110-116 Boston Celtics
Utah Jazz 89-92 Los Angeles Lakers
Tampa Bay Bandits 109-102 Milwaukee Bucks

April 13th:
Los Angeles Clippers 97-106 Charlotte Hornets

April 14th:
Atlanta Hawks 91-105 Indiana Pacers
Boston Celtics 116-122 New Jersey Nets
Utah Jazz 107-99 New York Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers 98-88 Miami Heat
Minnesota Polars 93-94 Phoenix Suns
Seattle SuperSonics 116-114 Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks 98-82 Portland Trail Blazers

In two crunch games in the East, both Indiana and New Jersey find some form just in time to both win at home against playoff rivals Atlanta and Boston. Brad Daugherty has 38 points and 17 rebounds in a clutch performance for New Jersey. In the West, after a bunch of thrilling, cagey games and with just three games remaining for everyone except the Clippers (2 game left) there were still seven teams fighting for 4 spots. Phoenix now occupied 5th seed with 40 wins with Milwaukee down in 11th with 36. Seattle were currently on the cut line in 8th with 39 wins.

April 15th:
Portland Trail Blazers 111-99 Boston Celtics
Detroit Pistons 94-106 Charlotte Hornets
Minnesota Polars 100-107 Los Angeles Clippers
Milwaukee Bucks 107-99 Golden State Warriors
Chicago Bulls 98-86 Seattle SuperSonics
Utah Jazz 95-86 Los Angeles Lakers

There was jubilation in Charlotte as their win at home to Detroit coupled with Boston’s loss at home to Portland secured the Hornets’ place in the playoffs for the first time in the franchises history. Charlotte also became the first of the late 80’s expansion teams to make the postseason. Boston’s loss also guaranteed the Nets a place in the playoffs. In the West, the situation was no less clearer after another round of games. Chicago looked pretty much a lock but were still not mathematically guaranteed a spot despite winning in Seattle. Seattle fell from 7th to 9th as a result of that loss following Utah’s superb win in LA. The Jazz, Lakers and SuperSonics now all had identical records with 2 games left. Trailing by 1 game with 1 game left was the Clippers whilst the Bucks, despite finding form, may have left it just too late trailing the group by 2 wins with 2 games left.

April 16th:
Toronto Huskies 101-93 Atlanta Hawks
New York Knicks 111-121 Indiana Pacers
Phoenix Suns 105-108 New Jersey Nets

The Hawks missed out on the chance to put the pressure on Boston by losing at home to Toronto to leave the door wide open for the Celtics. It was now a 2 for 1 fight in the East after Indiana beat the Knicks at home to secure their spot in the playoffs. Phoenix missed out on the chance to secure a top 8 spot by losing in New Jersey.

April 17th:
Boston Celtics 89-91 Philadelphia 76ers
Seattle SuperSonics 95-89 Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Clippers 100-93 Sacramento Kings
New Jersey Nets 88-79 Utah Jazz
Houston Rockets 94-95 Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks 108-96 Los Angeles Lakers

A nervous Boston side threw away the chance to move level with Atlanta by losing by two to bottom side Philadelphia in their penultimate game of the season. The result, combined with Boston’s head to head record with the Hawks, means Boston can no longer leapfrog Atlanta, locking in the top 8 for the East. Boston, having won the East Conference during the regular season last year, had now failed to qualify for the playoffs a year later. In the West, Chicago booked their playoff spot with an excellent win at home to Houston. Seattle moved above both Utah and the Lakers with their win in Detroit whilst wins for Clippers and the Bucks kept both just about in the race.

April 18th:
Indiana Pacers 104-101 Phoenix Suns
Utah Jazz 106-110 Dallas Mavericks
Boston Celtics 96-69 Seattle SuperSonics

Despite Phoenix and Seattle both choking at home, Utah’s loss guarantees both a spot in the playoffs. Phoenix had done their best to chuck it all away after a strong 1st half of the season, whereas Seattle had spent most of the season just outside the top 8 before a strong March moved them into contention. The Jazz’s fortune was now in the Lakers’ hands. A win for the Lakers on the last day of the season would put them in the playoffs, whereas a loss would give Utah that last spot.

April 19th:
Los Angeles Lakers 82-103 Portland Trail Blazers
Phoenix Suns 90-119 Milwaukee Bucks

The Lakers choke on the final night, never looking close to beating 4th seed Portland on the road. The Bucks also win at home to Phoenix, meaning the West conferences finishes with 6 teams all within one win of each other.

Final Season Standings:
East:
1. New York Knicks - 64-18
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 59-23
3. Washington Bullets - 50-32
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - 49-33
5. New Jersey Nets - 42-40
6. Charlotte Hornets - 41-41
7. Indiana Pacers - 41-41
8. Atlanta Hawks - 39-43
-------------------------------------
9. Boston Celtics - 38-44
10. Miami Heat - 32-50
11. Toronto Huskies - 29-53
12. Detroit Pistons - 29-53
13. Philadelphia 76ers - 23-59

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 62-20
2. Sacramento Kings - 50-32
3. Dallas Mavericks - 53-29
4. Portland Trail Blazers - 49-33
5. Chicago Bulls - 42-40
6. Seattle SuperSonics - 40-42
7. Phoenix Suns - 40-42
8. Utah Jazz - 39-43
----------------------------------------
9. Milwaukee Bucks - 39-43
10. Los Angeles Clippers - 39-43
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 39-43
12. Golden State Warriors - 34-48
13. Minnesota Polars - 30-52
14. Denver Nuggets - 15-67

Playoff Brackets
East:
(1) New York Knicks - Atlanta Hawks (8)
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers - New Jersey Nets (5)
(3) Washington Bullets - Charlotte Hornets (6)
(2) Tampa Bay Bandits - Indiana Pacers (7)

West:
(1) Houston Rockets - Utah Jazz (8)
(4) Portland Trail Blazers - Chicago Bulls (5)
(3) Dallas Mavericks - Seattle SuperSonics (6)
(2) Sacramento Kings - Phoenix Suns (7)

League News:

With the final standings finalised, Denver had secured 3 of the top 7 lottery picks by virtue of picking up the rights to both Miami’s and Minnesota’s first round picks in previous trades.
The rest of the lottery teams were Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Huskies, Golden State Warriors & Phoenix Suns (Via Detroit Pistons)
Chris Cohan agreed to a deal to purchase the Golden State Warriors for a reported 100 Million USD. The Warriors have now failed to qualify for the playoffs since 1986.
A majority stake in last season’s NBA finalists Sacramento Kings are sold to Californian Developer James Thomas for approximately 225 million USD, giving Thomas overall control of the Kings. Thomas says he has no desire to move the Kings out of Sacramento.
Buck Williams and Dell Curry would miss the playoffs through injury for the Cavaliers and Bandits respectively. Doubts for the first round included Charles Barkley (Rockets), Pervis Ellison (Knicks) and Jack Sikma (Bullets)

Regular Season Awards:
MVP: Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Rookie of the Year: Larry Johnson (Miami Heat)
Len Bias Sixth Man of the Year: Billy Owens (Indiana Pacers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
Most Improved Player: Doug West (Los Angeles Lakers)

All-NBA 1st Team:
Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Tim Hardaway (Golden State Warriors)
Charles Barkley (Houston Rockets)
Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)

All-NBA 2nd Team:
Isaiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
John Stockton (Sacramento Kings)
Glen Rice (Utah Jazz)
Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
(David Robinson (Tampa Bay Bandits)

All-NBA 3rd Team:
Clyde Drexler (Portland Trail Blazers)
Mitch Richmond (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
Larry Johnson (Miami Heat)
Brad Daugherty (New Jersey Nets)

All-Defensive 1st Team:
Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Clyde Drexler (Portland Trail Blazers)
Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)

All-Rookie 1st Team:
Larry Johnson (Miami Heat)
Billy Owens (Indiana Pacers)
Terrell Brandon (Denver Nuggets)
Doug Smith (Minnesota Polars)
Dikembe Mutombo (Charlotte Hornets)

Up Next: The 1992 Playoffs

HB62 · Apr 19, 2024

1991-92 Season - The Playoffs: The Cream Rises to the Top

The Playoffs

East 1st Round:
New York Knicks 3-2 Atlanta Hawks
Playoff specialists Atlanta force the Knicks all the way to game 5 and almost cause a huge upset but eventually lose by two as the Knicks advance.
Cleveland Cavaliers 3 - 1 New Jersey Nets
Mitch Richmond dominates the series including 37 in game two as the Cavs make their first playoff semi final since 1976.
Tampa Bay Bandits 1 - 3 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers spring a surprise with a win over 2nd seed Bandits, who miss out on the semi finals for the first time since moving to Tampa.
Washington Bullets 3 - 1 Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets win in the playoffs for the first time with a victory in game 2, but the Bullets are too strong and advance in 4.

East Semi Final:
New York Knicks 4 - 3 Cleveland Cavaliers
A hard fought semi final as the strong Cavs come from 3-1 down to force a game 7. 34 from Jordan gives the Knicks the series win.
Washington Bullets 3 - 4 Indiana Pacers
A 20 point 13 rebound game from Derrick Coleman forces a game 7 for the Bullets but a Kiki Vandeweghe inspired Pacers cause another upset to advance to the East final.

East Final:
New York Knicks 4 - 2 Indiana Pacers
Jordan dominates the East final, hitting a triple double in game two with 38 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Pacers keep the series alive with a win in MSG to force game 6 but another 39 points from Jordan and a 28 pointer from Dale Ellis gives the Knicks a dominant win to see them into a second consecutive NBA final.

West 1st Round:
Houston Rockets 3-1 Utah Jazz
Hakeem and Barkley dominate game 1 with 69 points and 24 rebounds between them. Jazz force a game 4 but the Rockets are never really troubled and advance to the semis.
Portland Trail Blazers 3-1 Chicago Bulls
Karl Malone is on form for Chicago. Unfortunately for Malone he’s on his own with his supporting cast leaving him unsupported allowing the Trail Blazers to make their first semi final since 1988.
Sacramento Kings 0-3 Phoenix Suns
Sleepy Floyd and Randy White are on form for Phoenix, who cause another playoff shock after knocking out the Mavericks a few years previous. It’s a disappointing early exit for the Kings.
Dallas Mavericks 3-1 Seattle SuperSonics
It’s a comfortable 4 game win for Dallas with Adrian Dantley in particular on form.

West Semi Final:
Houston Rockets 4 - 1 Portland Trail Blazers
Charles Barkely is the main man as Houston barely break a sweat once again to move into the West final.
Dallas Mavericks 4 - 1 Phoenix Suns
Like their Texas neighbors, Dallas also never look threatened as they ease past the Suns to make it the first ever Dallas / Houston Conference final.

West Final:
Houston Rockets 4-1 Dallas Mavericks
Houston win a narrow first game by one point in overtime, but then never look back as they once again knock out their Texas rivals.

NBA Final:
New York Knicks vs Houston Rockets

Game 1: Houston Rockets 116-111 New York Knicks
A narrow game, all square going into the 4th. Wilkins the star with 43 points whilst Ricky Pierce comes in clutch with 6 consecutive free throws in the final moments as the Knicks try to keep the pressure on.

Game 2: Houston Rockets 146-141 New York Knicks
A crazy game that requires 3 over time periods to separate the two teams. Knicks come from 10 down to tie it up before both teams put on a show in the extra periods. In the end, missed free throws from Terry Porter gave the Rockets the chance to move 3 points up in the last minute of overtime number 3. Porter then missed a three point attempt in the next attack allowing Wilkins to go up the over end and dunk one in to give the Rockets a five point advantage that they would hold onto, to go back to back in New York. Wilkins, Olajuwon and Barkley combined for 105 points.

Game 3: New York Knicks 89-130 Houston Rockets
The Rockets ride the wave of momentum from their two wins in New York to thrash the Knicks at home to move one win away from a 2nd NBA title. Barkley and Hakeem both with double doubles.

Game 4: New York Knicks 121-124 Houston Rockets
John Sundvold sinks the game winner with a field goal with 20 seconds left to give the Rockets a 5 point advantage. It’s a very similar 4th quarter to games 1 & 2, with the game close but Houston just always doing enough to maintain a 1-5 point lead.

NBA Championship Final:
New York Knicks 0-4 Houston Rockets

Finals MVP:
Dominique Wilkins

Up Next: The 1992 Offseason (Who will get Shaq?)

HB62 · Apr 20, 2024

1992 - Offseason

Barcelona:

For the first time ever, professional basketball players had been granted permission to take part in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Barcelona, Spain. The selection process for the team occurred mostly during the offseason of the 1991 season, although the unexpected retirements of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird meant that the selection process took a little longer than expected as two replacements were identified. The first ten players were selected on September 28th 1991. Included was Michael Jordan of the New York Knicks, Charles Barkley and Dominique Wilkins of the Houston Rockets, John Stockton and Patrick Ewing of the Sacramento Kings, Isiah Thomas and Mark Aguirre of the Dallas Mavericks, Mitch Richmond of the Cleveland Cavaliers, David Robinson of the Tampa Bay Bandits and Karl Malone of the Chicago Bulls. On May 12th 1992, the final two sports were confirmed. Tim Hardaway, coming off the back of another All-NBA 1st team selection, was added to the roster whilst the U.S. Basketball committee decided to include one collegiate player on the team, Christian Laettner of Duke University. Long time Atlanta Hawks Head Coach Mike Fratello was chosen to lead the media called ‘Dream Team’.

In a press conference before the team's first Olympic game against Angola, Barkley quipped "I don't know anything about Angola. But Angola's in trouble." And so it proved, with the USA winning 120-50. At one point, the USA team went on a 48-0 run. Fratello started Jordan in every game, and Barkley in all but one group stage match. Laettner was the only player not to start a game, with the rest of the roster on rotation. Charles Barkley was the teams top scorer through the tournament, with 20.3 points per game. Jordan was second in points per game and also dominated the assists category, mostly due to a great partnership he developed with Point Guard Tim Hardaway, who was third in the points per game category.

Team USA 1992 Olympic Games Results:
Group A Game 1: Angola 50-120 USA
Group A Game 2: Croatia 66-113 USA
Group A Game 3: USA 104-73 Lithuania
Group A Game 4: USA 135-67 Brazil
Group A Game 5: Spain 85-120 USA
Quarter Final: USA 130-66 Australia
Semi Final: Lithuania 70-113 USA
Final: Croatia 83-124 USA

Shaq:

“And the number one pick in the 1992 NBA Draft…. Philadelphia 76ers”

Cheers from the Philadelphia contingent filled the room as they were announced as the winners of the draft lottery. After a dismal season, they will feel a somewhat deserved lottery win although the Nuggets with an even worse record had not been given the same luck. The Nuggets, as well as their own lottery pick, had two extra lottery picks thanks to acquiring the picks of Miami Heat and the Minnesota Polars. The Nuggets’ own pick was drawn out second, giving them only the sixth pick in the draft. They would be awarded the third and fourth place picks to, through Miami and Minnsota, but with three out of the seven picks the Nuggets were very disappointed to miss out on not only the number one pick but also not even a second place pick. The Golden State Warriors were the team awarded the second pick, but new owner Chris Cohan wanted a change of direction from a team that had been ‘rebuilding’ since their last playoff appearance six years ago. Cohan agreed a deal to send the 2nd Pick to Portland Trail Blazers, who in return sent Fat Lever, A.C Green, Chris Washburn to the Warriors. Cohan was looking for guaranteed NBA quality rather than wait for young stars to develop. The Suns, not thinking they needed two top ten picks having acquired two from the Pistons and the Clippers, sent their 10th pick to Philadelphia. In return, the Suns acquired Center Ralph Sampson. Sampson’s second year at Philly had been a big disappointment, after looking promising in his first season. It was another failed franchise move for perhaps the biggest underachiever relative to talent in NBA history.

1992 NBA Draft 1st Round Picks

1	Shaquille O'Neal	Philadelphia 76ers
2	Alonzo Mourning	Portland Trail Blazers (Via Warriors)
3	Christian Laettner	Denver Nuggets (Via Heat)
4	LaPhonso Ellis	Denver Nuggets (Via Polars)
5	Jimmy Jackson	Toronto Huskies
6	Walt Williams	Denver Nuggets
7	Malik Sealy	Phoenix Suns (Via Pistons)
8	Robert Horry	Boston Celtics
9	David Wesley	Los Angeles Lakers
10	Tom Gugliotta	Philadelphia 76ers (Via Suns Via Clippers)
11	Bryant Stith	Milwaukee Bucks
12	Clarence Weatherspoon	Utah Jazz
13	Adam Keefe	Atlanta Hawks
14	Doug Christie	Seattle SuperSonics
15	Tracy Murray	Charlotte Hornets (Via Suns)
16	Hubert Davis	Charlotte Hornets
17	Tony Bennett	Indiana Pacers
18	Anthony Peeler	Golden State Warriors (Via Bulls)
19	Jon Barry	New Jersey Nets
20	Latrell Sprewell	Portland Trail Blazers
21	Oliver Miller	Cleveland Cavaliers
22	P.J. Brown	Washington Bullets
23	Byron Houston	Sacramento Kings
24	Matt Geiger	Detroit Pistons (Via Mavericks)
25	Robert Werdann	Tampa Bay Bandtis
26	Matt Fish	Chicago Bulls (Via Knicks)
27	Popeye Jones	Houston Rockets

Warriors:

New owner Chris Cohan had made an instant impact at the Warriors, trading away their number two draft pick to Portland. Cohan’s other offseason decision was even more controversial. Two time All-NBA 1st Teamer Tim Hardaway was disillusioned with life at the Warriors, and had fallen out with coach Don Nelson. Hardaway, having spent the summer with his Olympic teammates, most of whom had NBA titles and finals to their name, now wanted a piece of the same action. He informed the ownership that he would be seeking free agency in 1993 due to his poor relationship with Nelson and the Warriors failure to make the 1992 playoffs. Cohan, rather than try to convince Hardaway to stay but firing Nelson, instead looked to trade Hardaway in the 1992 offseason in order to get maximum return value. There were rumors that Hardaway would move to the Hawks, having played well under Fratello in Barcelona. The Hawks were potentially willing to send Reggie Miller and Nick Vanos to Golden State in order to acquire Hardaway. That offer was trumped though. Michael Jordan, annoyed at the embarrassment of being swept by the Rockets in the 1992 Finals, pressured the Knicks management to make a move for Hardaway. Jordan and Hardaway had formed a great partnership in Barcelona, and Jordan thought that could continue in New York in order to regain the Championship from Houston. The Knicks agreed to send Dale Ellis and Terry Porter, both big players in their 1991 Championship team, to Golden State in order to satisfy Jordan’s request to get Hardaway. Now suffering from a lack of depth, the Knicks also traded Pervis Ellison to Cleveland, getting Detlef Schrempf and Stacey King in return. The 1991 Championship team had been decimated, but Jordan had gotten his wish of adding Hardaway to the team. The move meant that of the 1992 All-NBA 1st team, two of the players now played for the Knicks (Jordan and Hardaway), with two also playing for the Rockets (Barkley and Olajuwon.) There was a strong argument that the four best players in the NBA right now were all playing in either Houston or New York.

Notable Trades - 1992

2nd Pick	Golden State Warriors
Fat Lever, A.C Green, Chris Washburn	Portland Trail Blazers

10th Pick	Phoenix Suns
Ralph Sampson	Philadelphia 76ers

Tim Hardaway	Golden State Warriors
Dale Ellis, Terry Porter, Ed Pinckney	New York Knicks

Pervis Ellison	New York Knicks
Detleft Schrempf, Stacey King	Cleveland Cavaliers

Kiki Vandeweghe, Jerry Sichting	Indiana Pacers
Kenny Payne, Doug West	Los Angeles Lakers

Kevin Johnson	Detroit Pistons
Moses Malone, Tree Rollins	Los Angeles Clippers

Dee Brown, Robert Horry	Boston Celtics
Kelly Tripucka, Chris Gatling	Denver Nuggets

1993 1 Rd Pick, Dwayne Schintzius	Philadelphia 76ers
Kendall Gill	Tampa Bay Bandits

Chris Morris	Washington Bullets
Ennis Whatley	Chicago Bulls

Any Other Business:

Los Angeles Lakers Center Robert Parish retired from the NBA. Parish played 16 seasons in the NBA, for Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics and the Lakers. Parish won his one and only title with Boston in 1981. He ended up playing exactly 1250 games in total, averaging 9.9 rebounds per game and making 11 All Star teams.
The New Jersey Nets confirmed Center Brad Daugherty would miss the start of the season after badly injuring his neck in a fall during the Nets' first round playoff series loss to Cleveland.
There were six new Head Coaches in place for the 1992 season. Tampa Bay fired Bob Weiss after their early playoff exit to Indiana. They replaced him with Phil Jackson, who resigned from the Bulls after three consecutive first round exits in the playoffs. Ironically, Bob Weiss would replace Jackson at the Bulls. The Lakers were looking for a new Head Coach after firing Mike Dunleavy. They turned to Phoenix Suns Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who had guided Phoenix to the playoffs in three of his four seasons at the helm and had knocked out both Houston and Sacramento as underdogs in that period. The Suns replaced Fitzsimmons with assistant Paul Westphal. Dunleavy didn't spend too long out of work, rocking up at the Milwaukee Bucks to replace outgoing Frank Hamblen. The Heat fired Ron Rothstein after missing out on the playoffs and replaced him with Los Angeles Clippers assistant Gregg Popovich .

Up Next: A Team by Team guide to the 1992-93 Season

HB62 · Apr 21, 2024

1992-93 Season Preview: A Team by Team Guide

A look at all 27 teams competing in the 47th NBA season, in predicted order of finish.

East:
1. New York Knicks
Owner: Paramount Communications
Coach: Pat Riley
Last Season Record: 64-18
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in NBA Final to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 8

The Knicks have responded to the rather comprehensive finals sweep by Houston by completely reshaping the look of their starting 5 behind Michael Jordan. At the urging of Jordan, the Knicks made a play for wantaway Point Guard Tim Hardaway from the Warriors, but had to send Dale Ellis and Terry Porter to make it happen. That then meant Purvis Ellison had to go to Cleveland in order to bring in Detlef Schrempf and Stacey King to complete the starting five. It won’t be until the playoffs until we really see the effectiveness of this decision. Regardless, Jordan and Hardaway together is going to be incredibly fun to watch if the Olympics are anything to go by, and were the two highest points scorers in the league last season.

The Numbers Game: The Knicks had their best ever regular season in the last campaign, notching 64 wins in total.

2. Tampa Bay Bandits
Owner: Thomas Pritzker [1]
Coach: Phil Jackson
Last Season Record: 59-23
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Indiana Pacers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 5

The Bandits made an off court change in the offseason by firing Bob Weiss after their first round exit to Indiana. Tampa were the second best team in the East last season, so were rightly disappointed with their playoff showing. Interestingly, they replaced Weiss with Phil Jackson, who has just left Chicago after continually failing to get past the first round in the playoffs. Jackson, and Tampa, will both be hoping for better playoff fortunes this season. They definitely have the tools to do it, with David Robinson, Chris Mullis and Dell Curry heading up a strong starting 5.

The Numbers Game: The Bandits were the only team in the league not to lose a game to Champions Houston Rockets last season.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Owner: Gordon Gund
Coach: Chuck Daly
Last Season Record: 49-33
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in Semi finals to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 2

Cleveland’s improvement after the last few years has been remarkable. Thanks to the draft picks of Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton they have a Guard duo that rivals anyone else in the league other than New York. The addition of Pervis Ellison at Center should improve them massively in that area and Buck Williams is still at the top of his game. There’s a genuine chance Cleveland could contend over the next couple of years.

The Numbers Game: 2 of Cleveland’s 3 best regular season records in their history have come in the last two seasons.

4. Washington Bullets
Owner: Abe Pollin
Coach: Kevin Loughery
Last Season Record: 50-32
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in Semi finals to Indiana Pacers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 2

There’s definitely a case to be made for Kevin Loughery being the best coach in the NBA since he joined Washington in 1986. Taking over a team who had just missed out on the playoffs with 33 wins, the Bullets have made 5 of 6 postseasons since, and still managed 39 wins in the season they missed the postseason. The first few years were through the hard work and team cohesion of a group of players making up for a lack of star talent with work rate. Last season though, Armen Gilliam was added to 1990 number one draft pick Derrick Coleman and the Bullets have created an efficient line up that cruised to third seed last season by having the best defense in the league. The only disappointment for the Bullets was their semi final loss to seventh seed Indiana in what might have been their best chance at a Conference final.

The Numbers Game: Washington had the 2nd best home record in the East last season, going 32-9.

5. Boston Celtics
Owner: Don Gatson
Coach: Chris Ford
Last Season Record: 38-44
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in Semifinal to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Boston missed out on the playoffs for the second time in four seasons, dropping all the way from number one seed in 1991 to missing out entirely a year later. They’ve acquired Kelly Tripucka from Denver in what looks like a decent trade on paper, which might be enough to get back into the playoffs this time around.

The Numbers Game: Boston had the 5th best point differential in the East last year, yet finished 9th. Perhaps they aren’t as far away as some people think.

6. New Jersey Nets
Owner: The Secaucus Seven
Coach: Del Harris
Last Season Record: 42-40
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Cleveland Cavaliers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

The return of Terry Cummings was the boost the Nets needed to get back into the playoffs last season. There’s no doubt that with Cummings and Daugherty the Nets are comfortably a playoff team, but without either or both of them there’s not a lot of backup behind that to stop the Nets tumbling down the rankings. The worry for the Nets is that Daugherty is still recovering from a serious neck injury suffered in the playoffs and Cummings is making noises still about wanting to play for a contender before he gets too old.

The Numbers Game: Daugherty and Cummings provided a combined average of 42.8 Points per Game and 20.6 Rebounds per Game.

7. Detroit Pistons
Owner: Bill Davidson
Coach: K.C Jones
Last Season Record: 29-53
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in 1st Round to Tampa Bay Bandits)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Detroit’s 8 year playoff streak ended last season in disappointing fashion as they languished in the bottom few spots in the East all season. They have made efforts to fix the problems of last season though, albeit implementing a temporary fix by acquiring Moses Malone and Tree Rollins from the Clippers. Both are 37, but will at least give Detroit some presence in the Center position which they badly lacked last time around as they were bullied under each basket. Whether that is enough to get them back to the postseason remains to be seen, but it’s easy to forget Detroit does have the highly competent forward duo of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant.

The Numbers Game: Had the lowest Offensive Rebounds per Game in the league last season. (11.4)

8. Charlotte Hornets
Owner: Richard DeVos [2]
Coach: Allan Bristow
Last Season Record: 41-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Washington Bullets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

Became the first of the late 80’s expansion teams to make the playoffs by finishing 6th in the East last go around. Have quietly put together a solid roster thanks to the draft picks of Rex Chapman and Dikembe Mutombo and have the tools to go again for the playoffs again this time around.

The Numbers Game: The Hornets had the 2nd best offensive rebounds per game in the league last season (36.0)

9. Philadelphia 76ers
Owner: Ed Snider [3]
Coach: Lenny Wilkens
Last Season Record: 23-49
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in 1st Round to Boston Celtics)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Philly have reason to be hopeful after a disastrous 91/92 campaign. They were the lucky winners of the draft lottery, giving them the number one pick and with it one of the biggest prospects in the last few drafts Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal joins Sean Elliott who has been more than solid since being drafted by the 76ers in 1989 as well as 1988 draft pick Michael Williams and recent acquisition Kendall Gill. It’s a young roster for sure, with Williams the oldest starter at 26, but there’s definitely reason to be excited after a dismal 12 months for Philly.

The Numbers Game: Rickey Brown is the only member of the Philadelphia squad above the age of 27, and he’s not expected to play much if at all this season.

10. Atlanta Hawks
Owner: Ted Turner
Coach: Mike Fratello
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 7

A case of more of the same for Atlanta who continue with the same group that has made the playoffs a regular occurrence. Reggie Miller averaged 21 points per game last season and has turned into a competent replacement for Dominique Wilkins. They were somewhat fortunate to hold onto 8th last season as Boston failed to take advantage of their late season poor form. Standing still this season may see that playoff streak come to an end.

The Numbers Game: Atlanta are currently on the second longest playoff appearance streak in the East, making the playoffs the past 7 seasons.

11. Indiana Pacers
Owner: Herb Simon
Coach: Bob Hill
Last Season Record: 41-41
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in East Final to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

A good season last time around for Indiana, who made their 2nd Conference final in 4 years. Billy Owens is now in his second year and forms a decent forward partnership with Danny Manning. Herb Williams is showing a few signs of slowing down at 34, whilst the Pacers have also lost Kiki Vandeweghe to the Lakers. They received Doug West and Kenny Payne in return, in a trade that focuses more on long term gain than short term. Wouldn’t be a surprise if Indiana just missed out on the playoffs this season.

The Numbers Game: Indiana committed the least fouls of anyone last season, averaging 19.6 per game.

12. Miami Heat
Owner: Ted Arison
Coach: Gregg Popovic
Last Season Record: 32-50
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Miami have taken a bit of a risk by selecting Gregg Popovic as their new head coach. Popovic joins from the Clippers where he was assistant to Larry Brown, but has never been head coach in the NBA. Miami believe it’s the sort of risk they need to take in order to bridge that gap to the top 8. They have a decent roster this year, with Rookie of the Year Larry Johnson, Rod Strickland who has averaged over 24 points per game in his 2 years in Miami and Rodney McCray who was signed over the summer in free agency. Popovic will need a decent start to prove any doubters wrong.

The Numbers Game: The Heat averaged the lowest number of steals per game in the league last season, at 6 per game.

13. Toronto Huskies
Owner: John Bitove & Allan Slaight
Coach: Jim Lynam
Last Season Record: 29-53
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Toronto have been the worst of the 4 newest expansion teams by some considerable distance. It’s been a struggle to attract players to Canada, evidenced by their two strongest players being their own draft picks from 1989 and 1991. They did improve last season, breaking the 20 win mark for the first time and falling just one short of 30. They will need a similar improvement this season to have any chance of a playoff push, which feels unlikely.

The Numbers Game: Toronto averaged more blocks than anyone else in the league last season, with 7.3 per game.

West:
1. Houston Rockets
Owner: Charlie Thomas
Coach: Bill Fitch
Last Season Record: 62-20
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Champions)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 6

The Rockets’ Barkley, Hakeem, Wilkins trio was too much for anyone to handle in the playoffs, as they swept past everyone in sight. It’s hard to look past a repeat of the Rockets and the Knicks in the final this season, assuming Tim Hardaway takes his form from Golden State to New York. The Rockets will be confident they can go back to back however, given how dominant they were in the playoffs last time around.

The Numbers Game: Barkley, Hakeem and Wilkins all averaged over 20 Points per Game last season. Hakeem and Barkley also both averaged 12.4 Rebounds per Game each.

2. Sacramento Kings
Owner: James Thomas
Coach: Don Chaney
Last Season Record: 50-32
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Phoenix Suns)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 6

After reaching the Championship final in 1991, it was a return to the playoff form of the 80s for the Kings who were dumped out in the 1st Round by seventh seed Phoenix Suns. Ewing and Stockton are both making the right noises about wanting to stay in Sacramento to win a Championship, but both must be starting to get twitchy having now both entered their 30s.

The Numbers Game: Stockton, Ewing and Drazan Petrovic all averaged over 17 Points per Game last season.

3. Dallas Mavericks
Owner: Don Carter
Coach: Dick Motta
Last Season Record: 53-29
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in West final to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 9

The 3 time champs had a quiet offseason, choosing to stick with the same starting 5 going into this year. Mark Aguirre is just starting to show signs of dropping off slightly, and Benoit Benjamin’s performances haven’t quite reached the same level as the back to back Championship years. It’s possible that the Mavericks are nearing that period where they will inevitably need to update this winning roster, but this year they will expect to again contend. Could they finally break that playoff hoodoo against their rivals Houston this time around?

The Numbers Game: Dallas had the highest Assists per Game in the league last season (35.8), mostly thanks to Isiah Thomas.

4. Portland Trail Blazers
Owner: Paul Allen
Coach: Rick Adelman
Last Season Record: 49-33
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in Semi finals to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 10

Portland have taken a gamble for this season. After 10 straight playoff seasons without ever really looking like a contender, the Trail Blazers have shipped off three players to the Warriors in return for the number two draft pick which as expected ended up being Alonzo Mourning from Georgetown. If Mourning can develop into the star everyone expects, then him and Drexler will form a strong duo. The first job for Portland is to continue their 10 year long playoff streak, the longest of anyone in the NBA right now.

The Numbers Game: Portland had the most amount of Rebounds per Game in the league last year at 53.3.

5. Los Angeles Lakers
Owner: Jerry Buss
Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in 1st Round to Milwaukee Bucks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

It’s been a difficult start to the 90s for the Lakers. Losing Magic Johnson came as a big shock to not just the Lakers but the whole of the NBA and now after missing the playoffs last season Robert Parish has called it quits too. The superstar team of the 80s has been decimated leaving just James Worthy left. The Lakers have attempted to replace Parish with Kiki Vandeweghe, but in doing so have sent the one bright spark from last season, Doug West, to Indiana. The expectation is that the Lakers will be within one or two wins of a top eight seed, but whether they will do enough to get above the line remains to be seen. New coach Cotton Fitzsimmons did a great job to get Phoenix to the postseason in 3 out of his 4 seasons there, and will need to repeat those heroics in LA.

The Numbers Game: Robert Parish averaged 18.8 Points per Game last season. His replacement Kiki Vandeweghe managed 17.1 in Indiana.

6. Chicago Bulls
Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf
Coach: Bob Weiss
Last Season Record: 42-40
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Portland Trail Blazers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 8

Once again the Bulls failed to get it done in the playoffs, losing to Portland in the first round. The Bulls are on one of the longest streaks in the league, but have advanced past the first round in just one of their 8 consecutive playoff appearances, when they reached the West final in 1989. New Head Coach Bob Weiss knows that his time in Chicago will be defined by if he improves their playoff record or not.

The Numbers Game: The Bulls had the third leakiest defense in the league last season, averaging 104.2 points against per game.

7. Utah Jazz
Owner: Larry H. Miller
Coach: Jerry Sloan
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

The Jazz returned to the playoffs last season after a 3 year drought. They have Glen Rice mostly to thank for that, who has developed into an All Star since being drafted to Utah in 1989. The Jazz took advantage of Rony Seikaly not signing a new contract in Toronto to improve their roster at Center and the addition of Seikaly may just be enough to go for back to back playoff appearances. A key to last seasons success was their performances against the top teams, winning five out of seven regular season games against Houston and New York.

The Numbers Game: The Jazz were the bad boys of the 1991/92 season, committing more fouls per game than anyone else at 27.3.

8. Seattle SuperSonics
Owner: Barry Ackerly
Coach: George Karl
Last Season Record: 40-42
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in 1st Round to Dallas Mavericks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

A successful season for Seattle last time around by unexpectedly getting themselves back into the playoffs. They were part of the host of franchises jostling around the bottom end of the playoff line but managed to get there much to the joy of the Seattle crowd. They’ve added Purvis Short to the roster to give them even more depth for this season, but other than that it remains the same squad that over achieved last time around. If Abdul-Rauf continues his form into this season then playoffs are a possibility again for Seattle.

The Numbers Game: Seattle have now gone 10 years without a playoff series win after their first round loss to Dallas last season. Their last was against Houston in 1982.

9. Milwaukee Bucks
Owner: Herb Kohl
Coach: Mike Dunleavy
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in Semi Finals to Sacramento Kings)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

The Bucks, like the two LA sides, also missed out on the playoffs by one win. They will hope new Head Coach Mike Dunleavy can take this side that one win further, although the top of their roster is not getting any younger. Bernard King and Sidney Moncrief are both now 35, and the Bucks will need to start making plans to compete without both. Moncfrief especially has become more injury prone and seen a decrease in numbers.

The Numbers Game: Finished the season with the best form of anyone in the West, winning their last four games.

10. Golden State Warriors
Owner: Chris Cohan
Coach: Don Nelson
Last Season Record: 34-48
Last Playoff Appearance: 1986 (Lost in 1st Round to Portland Trail Blazers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Chris Cohan has certainly made an immediate impact as Golden State owner. Cohan’s first decision was to send the Warriors’ number two pick to Portland in return for three solid players. Cohan will be hoping Alonzo Mourning doesn’t turn into the star some are predicting at Portland. His second decision was to allow definite star Tim Hardaway to leave to New York due to a contract dispute and a falling out with coach Don Nelson. Whether Cohan could have done anything to convince Hardaway to stay we don’t know, but he certainly didn’t look like he tried too hard to do so. The Warriors now enter this year with probably the best depth in the league, but without that star quality at the top end of the roster that they could have had. Warriors’ fans may be looking back in a few years wondering what if they had kept Hardaway and picked Mourning in the draft. All may be forgiven though if the Warriors can end their 6 year playoff drought this season.

The Numbers Game: Tim Hardaway averaged 27.2 Points per Game last season, the Warriors’ second highest scorer was Jeff Hornacek at 11.8 Points per Game.

11. Phoenix Suns
Owner: Jerry Colangelo
Coach: Paul Westphal
Last Season Record: 40-42
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in Semi finals to Dallas Mavericks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

The Suns may have a new head coach but it should be more of the same this season. Paul Westphal has stepped up from an Assistant role to replace the outgoing Cotton Fitzsimmons and has a similar squad to work with to his predecessor. They have made a couple of free agency pickups in Chris Washburn and Thurl Bailey which may help them retain a spot in the top 8. Westphal’s biggest task this season, get the best out of 32 year old Ralph Sampson.

The Numbers Game: Phoenix had the worst Points Against per Game last season at 105.3.

12. Minnesota Polars
Owner: Marv Wolfenson & Harvey Ratner
Coach: Jimmy Rodgers
Last Season Record: 30-52
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Minnesota are still yet to really find their feet since joining the league 3 years ago. They have drastically improved from the initial 10-72 season, getting 30 or more wins in the next two years but are still not able to look competitive across a whole season. And if co-owner Marv Wolfenson is happy with Coach Jimmy Rodgers, he does a good job of hiding it. Wolfenson’s comment last season was, “I think I’m satisfied.” That makes Rodgers the odds-on favorite to be the first coach fired, especially as the Polars have been unable to strengthen in the offseason after trading away their draft pick to Denver.

The Numbers Game: The Polars had the most bench points of anyone last season, averaging 41.8 Points per Game from the bench.

13. Los Angeles Clippers
Owner: Donald Sterling
Coach: Larry Brown
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1989 (Lost in 1st Round to Chicago Bulls)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

The Clippers started last season brilliantly before fading to eventually miss out on the playoffs. They weren’t predicted to be anywhere near them, so coach Larry Brown did a superb job to get them within a game of a first playoff appearance this decade. They’ve acquired Kevin Johnson to bolster their Point Guard position but have sacrificed at Center to do so, losing Moses Malone to Detroit. It’s a young side that will need a lot of good coaching to get them even close to a chance at the playoffs this season.

The Numbers Game: The Clippers had the 2nd most points out of anyone in the league from the bench last season.

14. Denver Nuggets
Owner: Comsat Denver Inc
Coach: Dan Issel
Last Season Record: 15-67
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in 1st Round to Sacramento Kings)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Denver really sucked last season, falling from 40 wins in 90/91 to just 15 last season. Don’t let that 1990/91 season fool you though, because the Nuggets failed to get 30 or more wins in the 3 seasons before that. That means it’s the 40 win season that’s the outlier, rather than the 15 win season. The Nuggets have also sent top scorer Kelly Tripucka to the Celtics, getting youngster Dee Brown and rookie Robert Horry in return. Brown had a good season for Boston, but not enough to suggest he could replace Tripucka’s numbers. He costs significantly less though, and with Denver destined to struggle with or without Tripucka, it probably made sense to get his salary off the books. 20 wins would be a good season for Denver.

The Numbers Game: Denver won just 4 games on the road last season.

[1] - The Pritzker family were potentially interested in the Orlando Magic OTL, ITTL they take control of the Bandits after they move to Tampa.
[2] - George Shinn's stroke in the late 80s is worse than OTL, forcing him to sell the Hornets not long after.
[3] - Harold Kratz sells earlier than OTL after the poor form of the 76ers at the end of the 80s

Up Next: The 1992-93 Season

HB62 · Apr 23, 2024

1992-93 Season - November / December: (Los) Angel(es) has Fallen

The Opening Day:
20 teams were in action on the opening night of the 1992/93 NBA season that began on the 6th November. There were two, one point victory, games on the opening night. The new look Golden State Warriors edged an up and down game at home to Detroit to win 113-114 whilst the Celtics recorded an excellent 85-84 win in Dallas to open what they hoped would be a more promising campaign than the last. Last season's runners up got off to a winning start, with all eyes on how Tim Hardaway would gel with his new teammates. The answer was pretty well, with 29 points in the first half alone. Hardaway would finish with 37 points as the Knicks eased past the Charlotte Hornets 99-113. The biggest win on the opening day was for the Los Angeles Lakers, who like the Celtics were looking to get back into the playoffs. The Lakers thrashed Minnesota Polars 119-88 in Minnesota thanks to 30 points from Kiki Vandeweghe on debut. There were also away wins for the Chicago Bulls, in Milwaukee (112-108), Phoenix Suns in Miami (124,122), Sacramento Kings in New Jersey (95-85) and most surprisingly for Atlanta Hawks, who won at defending champions Houston 112-105. Reggie Miller had 29 for the Hawks. To wrap up the opening night, Seattle won convincingly at home to Indiana 98-119 and Utah defeated the Clippers at home 100-109.

The East
The Cavaliers gave us a good indication as to how they might fare this season by hitting 50 points in the opening quarter of their first game at home to Tampa Bay. to the season, They would unsurprisingly open with a win and followed that with a second home win against Washington. A first away game resulted in defeat to Minnesota, staling the momentum of the opening two victories. They picked up 4 wins in a row after that loss however, including two excellent wins against the Knicks. In the second of which Mitch Richmond scored 48 points in a 106-110 home win. They would then lose in New York after a 3rd match against the Knicks to open with a 6-2 start. The Cavs then went on a 12-0 run to leave the rest of the East behind at the start of the season. A couple of defeats on the road have bought them back to the pack, but Cleveland maintain their 100% home record going into 1993 (10-0). The Knicks aren't too far behind Cleveland, but have fallen to a few sloppy defeats that does leave them with the third best record in the East. They top the Atlantic Division however, meaning they currently sit 2nd in the East. Tim Hardaway began with that excellent opener at home to Chicago before being injured in the next game in Washington. He missed a few weeks as the Knicks raced into an ominous 5-0 start. After defeat to Cleveland in their 6th game, Hardaway returned to help Jordan & Co win 6 of their next 7 to sit 12-2. Indifferent December form means the Knicks have already lost 8 games by the turn of the year, although Jordan and Hardaway have looked at times unstoppable together. The highlights 47 for Jordan at home to Utah and 37 from Hardaway at home to old rivals the Lakers. Tampa Bay, under new coach Phil Jackson, are once again features at the top of the East. A difficult start to Jackson's tenure saw them lose their opening 4, before winning their next 6 to righten the ship. Chris Mullin seems to have found a new gear so far this season, whilst David Robinson remains dominant at Center. The Bandits begin 1993 on a 4 game winning run. The Boston Celtics revival looks on this season, with a return to the playoffs looking likely. The Celtics lost two of their first four but won eight of their next nine and now sit pretty in the top 4 of the East. The highlight of the season so far 38 from Byron Scott in a tight victory against Philadelphia. Speaking of Philly, the 76ers are certainly in better shape than this time last season. They've averaged over 10 points more per game than last season, whilst also averaging slightly less points against. Shaquille O'Neal made an immediate impression on the league by scoring 42 points on his NBA debut in a 114-101 win in Detroit. O'Neal's haul was just one point short of the record held by Wilt Chamberlain on a NBA debut. The 76ers then lost their next 5 as the young team took time to adjust, but another 39 from O'Neal at home to Indiana in their seventh game got them back on the winning trail and since then they've been more than solid. Michael Williams has been impressive at Point Guard and Sean Elliot is as dependable as ever. Philly's penultimate game of the year was a superb 111-105 win in Houston, with Shaq bagging 35. Detroit also have made improvements this season. A 6 game winning run to start December mainly thanks to the performances of Scottie Pippen have them nicely placed in the East. They were on the end of an embarrassing 68-95 loss in Miami, but as long as that remains a one off Detroit can be confident of a return to the postseason. The Pacers have been the definition of inconsistent this campaign. They're yet to win or lose more than twice in a row but have managed to just about win more than they've lost to sit inside the playoff line at the turn of the year. Billy Owens and Danny Manning have both led the team well, but both may need to improve slightly if the Pacers are to be sure of a top 8 finish by the end of the season. The Bullets got off to a slow start this campaign, winning just 4 of their first 11. A 6 game winning run balanced the books as Derrick Coleman found form and moved the Bullets back into a familiar top 8 position.

The Hawks were just outside the playoff positions heading into 1993 thanks to a relatively campaign so far with a few golden moments sprinkled in. They'd thrashed the Jazz at home 99-130 thanks to 34 from Reggie Miller, won in Houston, Boston and New York but had also lost to lowly teams such as Miami, Toronto and the Clippers. The Hawks must improve their performances against the bottom half teams to have a chance at the playoffs. Just behind Atlanta is the Charlotte Hornets, who finished 1992 with three straight losses to undo what had been an ok start up to that point. Most of their wins have come against teams below them in the East or down the bottom of the West, but they did conjure up an excellent home win against the Knicks thanks to 34 points from Rex Chapman. The Huskies ended November in the playoff spots but an inconsistent November has seen them fall away slightly. The two Anderson's (Nick & Kenny) have both been in good form which has led them to impressive wins against teams such as Atlanta, Phoenix and Indiana. Toronto will definitely still be eyeing up a first ever playoff appearance in 1993. Gregg Poppovic's head coaching career couldn't have started much worse as Miami won just one of their first ten games of the season (Home to Detroit). They've been a little better since, including finishing the year with four wins out of their last five. Rod Strickland has been brilliant, summed up by having 3 40+ point games so far but only winning one of them. The New Jersey Nets have been the surprise of the season so far for all the wrong reasons. Brad Daugherty missed the first month and the Nets struggled to a 2-10 start, which they're yet to recover from even with Daugherty back in the side. Terry Cummings looks to have checked out, and don't be surprised to see him leave before the trade deadline in January.

West:
The Phoenix Suns are the surprise leaders in the West. Phoenix have won their last 9 games, taking advantage of a favourable run of fixtures, to leapfrog a closely bunched top bunch in the West. Steve Smith has been the top points scorer, with Sleepy Floyd proving a valuable provider. Their most impressive win game at home to Dallas, winning comfortable 103-121. The Rockets are within touching distance of Phoenix thanks to the Barkley / Hakeem duo. Both have averaged over 20 PPG and over 10 RPG although Houston have been weakened by the constant injury issues with Dominique Wilkins. It certainly feels like Houston could come alive and spring away from the rest come 1993. Like the Suns, Golden State Warriors finished the year superbly with 6 straight wins. Dale Ellis has brought is New York form across the country and Fat Lever has done the same from Portland. An end to the playoff drought looks likely for the Warriors. The Sacramento Kings struggled slightly to start the season, sitting at 8-7 after 15 games mainly thanks to a tough fixture list to start the season. They put that right by winning their next 9, with Drazen Petrovic really upping his scoring numbers to join Ewing and Stockton to form a now elite trio. They showed they remained a championship contender with a 93-113 win at home to New York as part of that winning run. The Bulls were the early pace setters in the West, losing just 2 of their first 14 games. They've lost 7 out of 12 since then however, with Karl Malone unable to sustain the high number of points he was scoring in November. The Bulls did end the year however on a dominant 90-124 home win to Portland. The Mavericks find themselves a little out of position in what is a very tight top 6 in the West. They got off to a slow start winning just two of their first seven, but have recovered back into positive figures. The top of the roster are a little off form compared to last season, although their bench numbers are up which has kept them close to the top spots. If Thomas, Aguirre and the rest can find that next gear they can still challenge for top seed. The Nuggets are only two games shy of last seasons win total after a much improved start to the season. Dan Issel seems to have made a great impression in his first full season in charge, with Denver recording excellent wins over teams like Dallas and Houston already this season. Rookie Christian Laettner has been superb, if not slightly overshadowed by what Shaquille O'Neal is doing in Philly. The last playoff place currently belongs to Portland, as they look to keep that playoff streak going. They've not been great so far this season, but are benefitting from the bottom of the West being even worse. They did win their opening 3, but the numbers from Drexler, Robinson and Porter are all down from last season. Rookies Alonzo Mourning and Latrell Sprewell have both made good starts and have both found their way into the starting 5.

The Bucks sit outside the playoff spots after losing 7 of their last 9 games of the year. Bernard King did score 46 in a win in Dallas in their last win, but that's been as good as it's got for Milwaukee. Kenny Fields has picked up an injury that could rule him out for the season, leaving the side looking a little thin outside of King to say the least. The Bucks' only saving grace is they've probably only got to be better than either Portland or Denver to make the playoffs this season. Seattle currently sit in between the really bad group and the playoff contender group, although have won only 1 of their last 7. Abdul-Rauf has been unable to match last season's performances and the SuperSonics' results have suffered. They've failed to score more than 100 in any of their last 6 games, and must find improvement in that department if they are to have any chance of the playoffs. The Jazz's season looked so promising when they started with 4 wins out of 4 against the Clippers, Heat, Bucks and a great win in Tampa. Unfortunately, the Jazz would lose their next 8 and with it tumble dramatically down the standings. Glen Rice is the one bright spark in the team, and looks massively out of place in a Jazz team otherwise lacking in any quality. It's not been the start Cotton Fitzsimmons would have been dreaming of as Head Coach of the Lakers. They go into 1993 having won just 1 of their last 17 games, which was a narrow 93-95 win at home to Chicago. The Lakers worst regular season return since being in Los Angeles is 30 wins, and that looks in serious trouble of being broken this season. The Clippers have won their last two games to make their record look slightly more respectable than it might have been. Kevin Johnson has at least put up a bit of a fight from Point Guard, but it's really difficult to see how they can improve much with their current roster. Larry Brown deserves some sort of award for taking this team to one win of the playoffs last campaign, but it doesn't look like the Clippers will get anything near that this time. Jimmy Rodgers has, perhaps unsurprisingly, become the first Head Coach casualty of the season at Minnesota. Rodgers was fired after a 104-88 home loss to Sacramento that left the Polars 4-19 to start the season. Sidney Lowe has been appointed coach until the end of the season, and has already led the Polars to a win at home to Houston in one of his four games in charge.

Other League News:

Dallas Mavericks announced 3 time championship winning coach Dick Motta would step down at the end of the season, after 13 years in charge.
Kevin McHale suffered a dislocated knee in December, ruling him out for potentially the rest of the season.
Michael Jordan won Player of the Month in the East for November, whilst David Robinson took home the December award
in the West, Karl Malone won in November with Hakeem Olajuwon winning in December.

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (28.1)
2. Rod Strickland (24.4)
3. Karl Malone (24.0)

RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (13.0)
2. Benoit Benjamin (12.0)
3. Brad Daugherty (11.8)

APG:
1. Gary Payton (10.9)
2. John Stockton (10.5)
3. Terry Porter (9.7)

SPG:
1. Isiah Thomas (2.6)
2. Tim Hardaway (2.6)
3. Michael Jordan (2.4)

BPG:
1. David Robinson (3.1)
2. Shaquille O'Neal (2.6)
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.5)

Up Next: 1993

HB62 · Apr 25, 2024

1992-93 Season - January / February / March : A Battle out East

East:

The Cavs maintained their early season form through into the business end of the season, holding onto a slender lead over the Knicks at the top of the East by the end of March. They were helped in this by a 86-115 win in Cleveland over their nearest rivals, making it 3 wins out of 4 for the Cavs over the Knicks this season. Gary Payton has shone this season, averaging just shy of 17 PPG and 11 APG, a dramatic increase in both categories. The Cavs are average the most PPG as a team in the whole league. The Knicks have fallen off the top spot after losing their last two in March, at home to Washington and on the road at the Lakers. They made a big signing on trade deadline day, capturing Terry Cummings from rebuilding neighbours New Jersey. Cummings has added to the scoring threat provided by Jordan and Hardaway, evidenced most by a 38 points haul at home to the Hawks in late February. Hardaway's numbers have decreased a little but are still at elite numbers despite no longer being the main man, whilst Jordan is a lock for MVP whether or not the Knicks do get the top spot in the East. The Bandits poor record on the road has seen them fall slightly adrift of the top two, although they did finish the month with wins in Toronto, Miami and Washington to keep them in touch. They have a big gap to 4th place, so may be able to afford to rest a few in the run up to playoffs assuming they are not in a position to catch New York and Cleveland. Indiana were the form team at the start of 1993, storming up the conference with an 11-2 run through January. Billy Owens has shown excellent improvement in his second season, taking over from Danny Manning as team leader. They have lost 5 of their last 6, and will just need to be careful to avoid slipping into a dogfight for the playoff spots. Given their 107-124 win over the Rockets in their last home game, there's plenty of evidence to suggest Indiana should be just fine in that quest. The Celtics have become inconsistent in the second half of the season, allowing the gaggle of teams below them to catch up. They stuck together 4 wins in a row to see out March, including an impressive back to back against Phoenix, which does give them a cushion. They, like Indiana, will be wanting to ensure they don't get drawn into a scrap over playoff places. Boston should be at their strongest now, with Kevin McHale and Byron Scott both completing their recoveries from long term injuries. Philadelphia, like Boston, have started to drop towards the playoff line after a downward turn in form. Philly lost 6 in a row at the end of February although have picked up 6 wins in March to keep themselves just above the cut line. Included in those 6 wins were two against Cleveland, with Tom Gugliotta impressing in both. Shaq still hasn't topped that opening game performance against Detroit, but has been consistently at the top of the scoring and rebounding charts. The 76ers did have to put up without Shaq for around a month, after a freak occurrence in Phoenix not long after the All Star weekend. O'Neal went up for a dunk, crashing the ball through the basket before the sheer force sent the whole backboard down with the ball. Shaq, turning to avoid the falling backboard, managed to badly injure his ankle causing him to miss most of February. Toronto are looking to make the playoffs for the first time and are just about hanging onto a spot with 11 games to go. They recorded two vital wins in Detroit in March including a narrow 101-100 win on the final day of the month to keep themselves in the top 8. Kenny Anderson has been the star man for the Huskies, in just his second season as a pro. The Washington Bullets currently occupy the final playoff spot thanks to the usual efficient defensive performances. The Bullets, as has been usual since Kevin Loughery took over as Head Coach, sit 2nd lowest in the Points per Game category in the East but are the best when it comes to Points Against. A perfect example came in their last win, a 92-80 away win to New York with Jordan, Hardaway and Cummings all kept very quiet.

Atlanta have recovered from a dismal run at the start of the new year with 5 wins in their last 6 to get within a game of the top 8. Their last two wins were surprising wins on the road at Dallas and Cleveland, with the Hawks' defense particularly on song. It was an area that needed dramatic improvement for Atlanta, given they hold the worst defensive record in the East. Detroit are in danger of missing out on the playoffs in back to back seasons losing 4 of their last 5 in March. They finished the month with that narrow loss at home to Toronto, and the loss before that at home to Washington. Detroit must start winning games agains teams around them in the Conference if they are to have a chance. The Hornets have shown flashes of what they can do this season, with wins in places like Tampa, Sacramento and Boston. They've also had some shocking performances, like an 86-101 loss in New Jersey and being thrashed in Seattle 72-99. The bad has outweighed the good unfortunately for Charlotte, which is why they sit well adrift of the top 8. Miami have suffered from a leaky defense which has rendered the quality of Rod Strickland and Larry Johnson worthless in most games this season. There's been better moments for Miami in the second half of the season, possibly giving Gregg Popovich another year to get things going. The Nets entered full rebuild mode on trade deadline day. With Terry Cummings making it clear he would be testing free agency, the Nets cashed in on him whilst they could. The Knicks, like they did with Hardaway and the Warriors, swooped in by sending Detlef Schrempf and a host of draft picks to the Nets in order to get Cummings. With the loss of Cummings, Brad Daugherty decided he no longer wanted any part of the Nets future and the Nets cashed in on him too. Daugherty found himself sent to the only team worse than the Nets, ending up at the Los Angeles Clippers who sent Tim Perry and their 1993 1st Round draft pick in return. The Nets will have two goes at this years draft lottery, given they've barely strung a win together since Cummings and Daugherty departed.

West:
The Houston Rockets are back in that familiar top spot in the West, taking advantage of having the best home record in the league to stretch their legs out front. The Rockets had an 11 game winning run through March with Barkley top scoring in nearly all of them. The big two, Houston and New York, met twice in a week at the start of March. Both sides won their home game, although Houston had the much bigger margin of victory. Jordan threw up 40+ points in both games as a potential reminder of what we could be treated to in the playoffs. In behind Houston are the Golden State Warriors, who sit 2nd by virtue of leading the Pacific Division. The Warriors have not been in the playoffs since 1986, and now could qualify as second seed. Clearly the decision to let Hardaway leave to strengthen the whole depth of the squad as paid dividends for the Warriors, who lost just three times in March and who have gotten better as the season's progressed. Dale Ellis has led in points scoring, with Fat Lever picking up the provider role and Rik Smits ever capable at Center. Dallas have been able to keep close to Houston thanks to a 14-1 run through February and March. The run included wins at home to Houston, Sacramento and Tampa. 37 year old Adrian Dantley has been vital off the bench, with the best points per 36 minutes record in the squad. The concerns for Dallas, injuries to Benoit Benjamin and Joe Dumars, as well as the dip in form for Mark Aguirre. The Bulls again find themselves in that familiar position of not quite close enough to the top teams but well clear of any playoff scrap, sitting comfortably in 4th in the West. The Bulls have the best road record in the league, losing just 9 times on the road so far this season. Their also the top scorers in the West, mostly thanks to the exploits of Karl Malone. The Bulls have won 9 of their last 10, and will need to keep that form up to have any chance of reigning in Dallas and Houston. It's been a dip in standards from recent seasons for Sacramento, who look set to miss out on a home tie in the first round. They were at one point looking nervously over their shoulder at the teams below them, although a strong March put pay to that. Petrovic continues to shine alongside Stockton and Ewing, with 39 in Minnesota and dropping 40 but still losing at home to Philly. Kings will be looking to avoid dropping to 6th, and risk a 1st round match up with Dallas. Although it would be tasty for the neutral. Currently in 6th are Phoenix, who have dropped from a top two position that they held for the first few months of the campaign. They've lost 9 of their last 10, in what has been a tough run. Their sole win was a fantastic win 107-106 win in Tampa, but they will need to get back on the winning trail purely to give themselves the most favourable tie in the playoffs. The new look Portland look set to the continue their playoff streak even if it's been a little less comfortable than usual. With Clyde Drexler now flanked by two rookies in Latrell Sprewell and Alonzo Mourning, Portland feel much like a team waiting for those two to develop into the potential stars they have looked at times this season. Drexler is 30 however, and has not been as productive this season compared to his others, so Portland may only have a couple of years to get the required success out of this current roster. The Bucks bounced back from 6 straight losses to end March with 2 home wins to the Clippers and Trail Blazers, wins which keep them above Denver and in the playoffs as it stands. They will need to sharpen up in defense if they are to have any chance of being semi competitive should they make the postseason, with forwards Bernard King and Terry Mills having to do a lot of scoring to get games over the line for Milwaukee. King is currently on for his best scoring season since 1985, so clearly the Bucks have unlocked something in offense.

Denver still harbour playoff aspirations but will need to start scoring more to do so. They've had 4 games out of their last 10 where they've failed to score above 80, as well as another 4 under a 100. Christian Laettner has had a superb rookie season, playing more minutes than anyone else in Denver as well as leading in points, rebounds and blocks across the whole roster. An injury to Hersey Hawkins may just be the blow that keeps Denver from back to back playoff appearances however. The SuperSonics, like Denver, still have playoff chances but must find a bit of consistency if they're to have chance. They haven't picked up back to back wins since January and therefore can't make the ground up on Milwaukee. They did end the month with a 116-84 win in Boston, and it's that kind of performance they must throughout the final month to give them a chance of playing more than 82 games this season. It's not been the successful season Utah Jazz were hoping for after winning their first four games of the season. Star of the team Glen Rice has looked more and more disinterested as the season developed and it's no surprise that Jerry Sloan's position is under serious consideration. One coaching position that hasn't lasted until the end of the season is the Lakers' one, with Cotton Fitzsimmons dismissed before completing a full season in charge. Fitzsimmons left after a 77-95 defeat in Houston, leaving with just 16 wins in 57 games as Lakers coach. Former Denver man Doug Moe is in to see out the rest of the season, with a future long term decision to happen then. The Lakers have been ok since, winning 6 out of 12 mainly thanks to the form of Vandeweghe. This is a Lakers side in need of a serious makeover however. Still languishing down the bottom of the West is Minnesota. The Polars have won just 5 times on the road this season, the second lowest in the entire league. They also average less than 94 points per game, which is not going to get it done at NBA level. They don't have a bad side on paper but it's just not clicking for the Polars and a rethink maybe needed this offseason. Propping up the league is the Los Angeles Clippers, who best Minnesota's road record by winning just 3 times on the road to the end of March. They have improved since the arrival of Brad Daugherty, although will have no rookie to add alongside him after sending their pick to New Jersey in order to acquire Daugherty.

Other League News:

Hakeem Olajuwon will miss the majority of April with a knee injury, although should be back for the playoffs
The NBA announced they were looking into adding two more teams to the league by 1996. Rumours were that a 2nd Canadian team was in the pipeline, with numerous cities in contention for the 2nd expansion slot.
The 1993 All Star game took place in Utah. The West won 104-100, with Karl Malone taking MVP. Vlade Divac, Chris Mullin, Larry Johnson, Pervis Ellison, Steve Smith and Kevin Johnson all made their first All Star Appearance.
In the East, Michael Jordan won Player of the Month for January, Gary Payton for February and David Robinson for March
In the West, Charles Barkley won Player of the Month for January, Hakeem Olajuwon for February and Karl Malone for March

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (26.7)
2. Karl Malone (25.1)
3. Rod Strickland (24.8)

RPG:
1. Charles Barkley (12.6)
2. Brad Daugherty (12.3)
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (12.1)

APG:
1. Gary Payton (10.9)
2. John Stockton (10.9)
3. Isiah Thomas (9.6)

SPG:
1. Gary Payton (2.5)
2. Michael Jordan (2.2)
3. Isiah Thomas (2.2)

BPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (2.9)
2. Shaquille O'Neal (2.7)
3. Dikembe Mutombo (2.6)

Up Next: The Run In!

HB62 · Apr 26, 2024

1992-93 Season - April: History for Huskies

April 1st:
New York Knicks 105-116 Milwaukee Bucks
Los Angeles Lakers 108-96 Houston Rockets
New Jersey Nets 60-90 Washington Bullets

The Bucks boost their playoff hopes whilst denting the Knicks top seed hopes at the same time. There’s a surprise win for an improving Lakers in Houston. Washington thrash an utterly dismal New Jersey side at home.

April 2nd:
Miami Heat 101-100 Toronto Huskies
Detroit Pistons 91-109 Cleveland Cavaliers
Seattle SuperSonics 72-92 Denver Nuggets
Philadelphia 76ers 99-104 Boston Celtics
Chicago Bulls 103-126 Dallas Mavericks

Toronto lose at home to Miami on the buzzer in a big blow to their playoff hopes. Detroit unsurprisingly lose at Cleveland to stay outside the top 8, whilst Boston pretty much confirm their playoff spot with a win at home to Philly. In the West, Denver establish themselves as the team to challenge Milwaukee for the last playoff spot, whilst Dallas move closer to Houston with a big home win over Chicago.

April 3rd:
Milwaukee Bucks 91-98 Los Angeles Clippers
New Jersey Nets 59-78 Detroit Pistons
Houston Rockets 102-86 Atlanta Hawks
New York Knicks 83-97 Washington Bullets

The Bucks leave the door open for Denver with a disappointing defeat in Los Angeles. New Jersey follow up their 60 point showing in Washington by scoring one less in Detroit. It’s a big win for Houston in Atlanta to keep in front of Dallas, whilst New York suffer another poor defeat on the road.

April 4th:
Utah Jazz 98-103 Sacramento Kings
New Jersey Nets 75-103 Atlanta Hawks
Washington Bullets 90-91 Toronto Huskies

Sacramento secure their place in the playoffs, becoming the 5th team in the West to do, with a narrow home win to Utah. It’s a much bigger win for the Hawks who thrash the low scoring Nets to keep pace with the teams around them. It’s a huge win for Toronto thanks to a great performance from rookie Jim Jackson, beating Philly by 1 at home.

April 6th:
Tampa Bay Bandits 95-121 New York Knicks
Detroit Pistons 97-118 Atlanta Hawks
New Jersey Nets 84-119 Philadelphia 76ers
Chicago Bulls 100-98 Dallas Mavericks
Milwaukee Bucks 89-102 Houston Rockets
Denver Nuggets 111-125 Portland Trail Blazers

In a bumper night of action, the Knicks just about keep pace with Cleveland thanks to a thumping win at home to Tampa. Jordan with a triple double 36/12/10 as well as 4 steals and 2 blocks. Hardaway also with 33 points, 13 assists and 5 steals. Reggie Miller stole the show at home to Detroit by bagging 54 points. Miller went 20-33 from the field, 8-15 on 3 pointers and 6-7 on free throws as Atlanta dealt a big blow to Detroit’s playoff hopes. Philly pretty much secured their playoff spots by joining the long list of teams to breeze past the Nets. In the West, Chicago kept themselves in the conversation for those top spots in a narrow win in Dallas. Houston made the most of Dallas' loss by winning at home to the bucks whilst Portland moved to within a couple of wins of an 11th straight playoff appearance by beating Denver at home.

April 7th:
Portland Trail Blazers 85-114 Seattle SuperSonics
Tampa Bay Bandits 91-115 Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons 96-98 Phoenix Suns
Miami Heat 84-107 Atlanta Hawks

Seattle secured a potentially pivotal win at home to Portland to move just one win behind Milwaukee. The Bandits suffered back to back heavy defeats on the road this time in Cleveland, Mitch Richmond helping himself to 28 points. Steve Smith was the star as the Suns secured a hard fought win at home to Detroit, almost assuring them of a playoff spot. Reggie Miller couldn’t back up his 54 points from the night before, managing only 16 although Atlanta still had too much for a Miami team who had checked out for the season.

April 8th:
New York Knicks 108-118 Dallas Mavericks

The Knicks suffer defeat in Dallas, putting them 5 wins behind Cleveland with only 9 games remaining.

April 9th:
Toronto Huskies 99-82 Philadelphia 76ers
Indiana Pacers 112-85 Detroit Pistons
Tampa Bay Bandits 110-132 Atlanta Hawks

The Huskies picked up an important win in Philly, dragging the 76ers back into the playoff race at the same time. The Pacers picked up a win against free falling Detroit thanks to the Owens / Manning duo whilst there was another big win for Atlanta, this time at home to Tampa. The Hawks were picking up form at just the right time and the playoff specialists had now moved above Washington and into the top 8.

April 10th:
Charlotte Hornets 77-94 Milwaukee Bucks
Washington Bullets 91-93 Boston Celtics
Sacramento Kings 100-91 New York Knicks
Phoenix Suns 97-104 Los Angeles Lakers

Milwaukee win at home to Charlotte to give themselves a bit of breathing space ahead of Seattle. It’s a narrow win for Boston that near enough confirms their return to the playoffs whilst damaging Washington’s chances. The Knicks lose again, this time at home to Sacramento, to make it almost certain that Cleveland will be the number one seed in the East for the first time in their history. The Suns, needing one win to secure a playoff spot, can’t get it done in LA.

April 13th:
Philadelphia 76ers 110-92 Toronto Huskies
Milwaukee Bucks 107-108 Washington Bullets
Phoenix Suns 114-85 New Jersey Nets
Portland Trail Blazers 110-84 Atlanta Hawks

Philly move 4 wins clear of 9th place Atlanta with a win in Toronto. Washington’s back and forth game with the Bucks ends in a win for the Bullets that puts them back in the top 8. The Suns and Trail Blazers lock up their playoff spots with two big away wins, at New Jersey and Atlanta respectively.

As it Stands:
East:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - 57-18
2. New York Knicks 53-23

6. Philadelphia 76ers - 40-36
7. Toronto Huskies - 38-38
8. Washington Bullets - 36-39
—-------------------------------------
9. Atlanta Hawks - 36-40
10. Detroit Pistons - 32-43

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 56-20
2. Golden State Warriors - 47-28
3. Dallas Mavericks - 55-22

8. Milwaukee Bucks - 33-43
—-----------------------------------------
9. Seattle SuperSonics - 31-44
10. Denver Nuggets - 29-46
11. Utah Jazz - 28-47

April 14th:
Philadelphia 76ers 73-100 Cleveland Cavaliers
Utah Jazz 93-104 Chicago Bulls
Detroit Pistons 108-109 Charlotte Hornets

Cleveland move within one win of winning the East thanks to an efficient display at home to the 76ers. The Jazz’s faint playoff hopes are extinguished by Chicago despite the 35 point effort of Glen Rice. It’s a 6th straight defeat for Detroit, who fall by a point in Charlotte as their horrific end to the season continues.

April 15th:
Washington Bullets 64-83 Tampa Bay Bandits
Atlanta Hawks 118-102 Indiana Pacers
Seattle SuperSonics 104-103 Portland Trail Blazers
Houston Rockets 110-116 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 96-113 Denver Nuggets

The Bullets slump to just 64 points in Tampa, giving the Hawks the chance to climb back above them which they do with another big win on the road in Indiana. 33 for Reggie Miller. Seattle claim a vital overtime win over Portland, Manute Bol dominating with 15 rebounds. Houston leave the door open for Dallas to keep the pressure on with defeat in Phoenix whilst Denver keep their playoff hopes alive by winning at home to Milwaukee.

April 16th:
New York Knicks 112-110 Toronto Huskies
Washington Bullets 102-111 Minnesota Polars
Boston Celtics 106-83 Seattle SuperSonics
Cleveland Cavaliers 93-121 Sacramento Kings
Dallas Mavericks 121-95 Los Angeles Clippers
Chicago Bulls 86-104 Denver Nuggets

The Knicks win narrowly in Toronto thanks to a 47 point 3rd quarter, to keep the pressure on Cleveland. The Bullets suffer another poor defeat, losing in Minnesota to miss out on the chance to take advantage of Toronto’s defeat. Seattle lose at home to miss out on the chance to move into the top 8, whilst Cleveland miss out on the chance of winning the East after being thrashed in Sacramento. Drazen Petrovic with 37 points. Dallas win easily in LA to move to within one of Houston, whilst Denver keep their season alive with an impressive home win to Chicago.

April 17th:
Toronto Huskies 111-97 New Jersey Nets
Charlotte Hornets 88-93 Atlanta Hawks
Sacramento Kings 104-93 Milwaukee Bucks
Golden State Warriors 100-112 Houston Rockets

The Huskies take advantage of playing New Jersey by adding another one to the win column. Kenny Anderson top scoring whilst Nick Anderson produced a 17/10/11 triple double. The Hawks won a close encounter at home to Charlotte to move back into the top 8, bumping out Washington. Milwaukee lost again, this time at home to Sacramento as they continued to do their best to miss out on the playoffs. The Rockets maintained their grip on top spot in the West thanks to 28 from Hakeem at home to the Warriors.

April 18th:
Washington Bullets 106-96 Detroit Pistons
Boston Celtics 72-105 Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Clippers 98-95 Denver Nuggets
Seattle SuperSonics 99-95 Phoenix Suns

Derrick Coleman produces an excellent performance as the Bullets win in Detroit to move back ahead of Atlanta in an up and down race. The Pistons’ playoff hopes are over with another lifeless performance. Cleveland clinch a well deserved top spot thanks to a dominant win at home to Boston, capping off an excellent season so far for the Cavs. It’s a devastating defeat for Denver at home to the lowly Clippers, pretty much ruling them out of the playoffs. Seattle though win an excellent game in Phoenix to move level with Milwaukee for that last spot in the West with 4 games each to go.

April 19th:
Atlanta Hawks 103-104 Tampa Bay Bandits
Dallas Mavericks 81-112 Houston Rockets

Tampa inflict a heartbreaking loss on Atlanta, winning by one in overtime thanks to 29 points from Mullin and 22 rebounds from Robinson. It’s a convincing win for Houston against their Texas rivals Dallas, pretty much sewing up their top seed status in the West.

April 20th:
Washington Bullets 78-96 New Jersey Nets
Milwaukee Bucks 99-110 Philadelphia 76ers
Detroit Pistons 66-123 Houston Rockets
Sacramento Kings 107-95 Toronto Huskies
Seattle SuperSonics 84-96 Indiana Pacers

The Bullets suffer an embarrassing defeat in New Jersey, which should disqualify them for the playoffs by default. Philly confirm their place in the postseason with a win at home to the out of form Milwaukee. Detroit’s poor end of the season culminates in a humiliating 57 point loss in Houston. Toronto can’t take advantage of Washington’s loss as they lose also at home to the Kings. At the SuperSonics fail to take advantage of a rivals struggles as they lose in Indiana.

April 21st:
Toronto Huskies 104-102 New York Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers 91-87 Washington Bullets
Phoenix Suns 99-117 Atlanta Hawks
Golden State Warriors 124-98 Milwaukee Bucks

It’s history for Toronto, who secure a playoff spot with a win against a rotated Knicks side. It’s a first ever playoff appearance for the Huskies, even including the 1946-47 team that competed for just one season in the NBA. The Bullets lost at home to the Lakers, to leave their playoff hopes in serious doubt especially as the Hawks record another superb win this time at home to Phoenix. Milwaukee lose for the 6th consecutive game to finally fall out of the playoff spots.

April 22nd:
Seattle SuperSonics 77-105 New Jersey Nets

It appears neither Seattle or Milwaukee want that final spot, as the SuperSonics display a dismal performance in New Jersey. The two sides are locked at 33 wins each, with 2 games to go.

April 23rd:
Atlanta Hawks 105-109 Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks 95-98 Washington Bullets
Milwaukee Bucks 107-90 Minnesota Polars
Toronto Huskies 97-125 Seattle SuperSonics

Atlanta’s narrow defeat, coupled with the Bullet’s impressive win at home to Dallas means the East playoff battle goes to the last night of the season, with Atlanta leading Washington by one win. The West playoff battle does the same, with both teams finding some form to pick up a win each.

April 25th:
Detroit Pistons 116-99 Washington Bullets
Cleveland Cavaliers 115-92 Atlanta Hawks
Seattle SuperSonics 94-91 Utah Jazz
Minnesota Polars 92-89 Milwaukee Bucks

Washington’s defeat at home to Detroit means Atlanta can celebrate despite being beaten by Cleveland, the two teams will meet again in the First Round of the playoffs. Seattle just about do the required job in Utah, meaning the Bucks must win at home to bottom of the Conference Minnesota. Milwaukee trailed early at home to the Polars but fought back to make the game level going into the final minute. A field goal from the Polars left them 2 points up before a missed attempt by Kenny Fields allowed veteran Tom Chambers the chance to wrap it up. He scored only one of his two free throws, but William Bedford missed his three point attempt on the buzzer meaning the Bucks end of season capitulation sees them miss out on the playoffs by one game.

Other League News:

Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley win the Player of the Month award for April in the East and West respectively
The Los Angeles Lakers record their worst regular season total since moving to Los Angeles
Shaquille O'Neal suffers a reoccurrence of his ankle injury, potentially ruling him out of the series against Tampa.
Multiple coaches are fired at the end of the season. Jerry Sloan leaves Utah, K.C Jones leaves Detroit and Del Harris departs from New Jersey.
The Los Angeles Lakers announce that Magic Johnson will return as their Head Coach for the 1993-94 season. Johnson replaces former coach Cotton Fitzsimmons and interim coach Doug Moe.

Most Valuable Player: Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Rookie of the Year: Shaquille O'Neal (Philadelphia 76ers)
Len Bias Sixth Man of the Year: Dee Brown (Denver Nuggets)
Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)
Most Improved Player: Kendall Gill (Philadelphia 76ers)

All-NBA 1st Team:
Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Gary Payton (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
Charles Barkley (Houston Rockets)
Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)

All-NBA 2nd Team:
Isiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
John Stockton (Sacramento Kings)
Derrick Coleman (Washington Bullets)
Larry Johnson (Miami Heat)
David Robinson (Tampa Bay Bandits)

All-NBA 3rd Team:
Rod Strickland (Miami Heat)
Tim Hardaway (New York Knicks)
Scottie Pippen (Detroit Pistons)
Danny Manning (Indiana Pacers)
Patrick Ewing (Sacramento Kings)

All-Defensive 1st Team:
Michael Jordan (New York Knicks)
Isiah Thomas (Dallas Mavericks)
Danny Manning (Indiana Pacers)
Karl Malone (Chicago Bulls)
Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)

All-Rookie 1st Team:
Shaquille O'Neal (Philadelphia 76ers)
Christian Laettner (Denver Nuggets)
Alonzo Mourning (Portland Trail Blazers)
Latrell Sprewell (Portland Trail Blazers)
Jim Jackson (Toronto Huskies)

Up Next: The 1992-93 Playoffs!

HB62 · Apr 27, 2024

1992-93 Playoffs - First Round

East:

West:

Up Next: Playoffs Part 2

HB62 · May 5, 2024

1992-93 Season - The Playoffs: Comeback Season
The Semi Finals:

The Conference Finals:

HB62 · May 6, 2024

1993 Offseason: Drama in Utah

25th anniversary of the 1993 NBA Draft in Salt Lake: An oral history of the night's top storylines from the Trail Blazers, Jazz, Lakers and Heat

James L. Edwards III
Jun 18, 2018

“Good evening, and welcome to the Delta Center, here in Salt Lake City. And, this year, home of the 1993 NBA Draft.”

This month marks the 25th anniversary of those words uttered by then-NBA commissioner David Stern. On June 30, 1993, Stern walked out to the podium in Utah’s Delter Center and kicked off what would be the first and so far only NBA Draft held in Utah.

In the 26 seconds of Stern’s opening remarks, each reference the commissioner made to the hometown team and the city was met with seismic ovations that nearly drowned out the voice of the league’s most powerful person. The people of Utah, the supporters of Jazz basketball, were there to witness history.

As far as NBA Drafts go, this year was as eventful as any. And for the locals, there was a reason to tune in from the very beginning. The three marquee names were Utah native, Brigham Young’s 7-foot-6 big man Shawn Bradley, University of Michigan standout Chris Webber and Memphis guard Penny Hardaway. It was believed going into the night that Webber would go No. 1 in his hometown, but Bradley and his uncoachable height had a case for the top slot, too. Hardaway was expected to fall in line behind the other two.

And that’s exactly what happened. However, the signature moment from the event came when the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers revealed their plan to swap Webber and Blazers legend Clyde Drexler, after Miami took the Michigan star at No. 1. It was a deal that was negotiated earlier that day, and one that was kept quiet until Stern announced the trade over the PA system in the Delta Center.

For the Jazz, they were just a few years removed from the dark days of the 1989 season, where they had picked up just 16 wins. The Jazz had slowly started to pick themselves up since then, though were still trying to find ways to turn themselves back into a playoff team. The 1993 draft was a great opportunity, as Utah held the No. 2 pick despite having more wins than 5 other teams in the regular 1992-93 season. Their success in the lottery meant that the Utah crowd were expecting to see local star Shawn Bradley drafted to his home team, and they would not be disappointed.

Welcome to Salt Lake City

From 1980 to 1991, New York was the home of the NBA Draft. And then, in the early 1990s, the NBA decided to take its draft show on the road. In 1992, Portland became the first city outside of New York to host the annual event. The next year, Utah received the nod.

Matt Friedman, floor reporter for CBS Radio during the draft:
The draft used to be in places like the Felt Forum, which was an auditorium connected to Madison Square Garden in New York.

Jerry Sloan, Head Coach of the Jazz (1987-1993):
It was probably just a year before [that we placed the bid]. The league was experimenting. We jumped on board and we knew that Shawn Bradley would be a big factor. We had the new arena, amazing fans, that kind of underdog feeling that I think encapsulates the draft each year. It turned out that it was a pretty special draft.

Scott Layden, former Director of Basketball Operations at Utah Jazz:
We had a lottery for the tickets. We sort of made it into something bigger than it should have been. They sold out, but the tickets were free. We had 20,000 people there for the draft. It was extraordinarily successful, and as it turned out we got the No. 2 pick that year.

Dave Checketts, Utah native who was the New York Knicks President in 1993:
I came back to Detroit for the draft to represent the Knicks. Here you have what is equivalent to a big-time event, and you’ve got a certain buzz in the building. I believe the Center was packed.

Layden:
It was huge, and part of that was because you couldn’t get a ticket. People were scalping them for $20, $30 to get into this draft. From an NBA standpoint, it was as close to the NFL situation, meaning it was a must-see event. It took on a life of its own. It was almost entirely manmade by making it a lottery. We had 40,000 applicants to get the tickets.

Lindsey Hunter:
I got there the day before the draft. I didn’t really go anywhere, I just kind of stayed in my hotel. But I do remember the place was excited.

Penny Hardaway:
I got to Utah the afternoon before the draft. I just remember being very anxious. We went out to eat and you could feel the buzz in the area for the event. Plus, with Shawn Bradley being at BYU, being from the area, it was an exciting time for all of us.

Friedman:
Webber was the biggest high school sports athlete of that era by far. There’s some revisionist history stuff that goes on with him, but you can’t overstate how big of a name Chris Webber was in Detroit in the early 1990s. Leading up to the draft, “Would Webber go No. 1?” was without doubt the biggest story. The Heat, who had won the 1993 draft lottery, already had Larry Johnson at Power Forward and there was definitely that question of whether Miami could get the best out of both Johnson and Webber on the same team. We thought about that story all the time.

Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach in 1993:
I would say there was more talk about Shawn or Chris going No. 1. The consensus was that Penny was going to be a really, really good player, but just didn’t quite have the hype of the other two.

Lewis Schaffel, Miami Heat General Manager in 1993:
Webber, Bradley and Penny were the three top players. We brought them all in and worked them out. We came away convinced that Webber was the guy we were going to take. Our fans were hysterical about the thought of Johnson and Chris Webber together.

Stern walked back to the podium to announce that Webber was the No. 1 pick. As soon as the name “Chris” exited his mouth, the crowd in Auburn Hills canceled out the rest of his words with their standing ovation and overpowering excitement. Everyone thought Webber was headed to Orlando, but Schaffel and Portland head coach Rick Adelman knew that wasn’t the case.

Bob Neal, TNT broadcaster, live on the broadcast as Webber went No. 1:
The celebration begins for the 20-year-old sophomore who played two years at the University of Michigan — consensus All-American. Chris Webber played at Country Day High School in suburban Birmingham, Michigan. A lot of his high school teammates, his childhood friends, are here in Utah tonight to enjoy this big moment for the young man …

Hubie Brown, TNT analyst, live on the broadcast:
You’re talking the presence is the key package here, you’re talking brute strength. He’s going to have to get on the foul line and shoot better than 55 percent, otherwise we’re going to have two guys who are going to be fouled every night. Larry Johnson and Webber, and we’re liable to have a lot of rebounding, offensive board play.

Webber, being interviewed following selection:
First, I’m just happy to be the No. 1 pick. There’s no guarantee that I’m going to get to go to Miami — a lot of things can still happen. I just thank God for blessing me. God gave me the talent, He gave me the ability, and when people doubted me, God still was on my side, so I’m just happy everything worked out OK.

Neal during the broadcast:
I know there’s been a great deal of speculation as to whether or not Webber would in fact go to Miami the last couple of days. Everything from Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway going all the way up to Miami to Shawn Bradley going there and having a duo of Bradley and Larry Johnson.

Schaffel, 25 years later:
The excitement in Miami when we took him was off the charts. He was the most visible of all of those college players.

Meanwhile, across the country in Portland, the Trail Blazers were a year on from the start of a huge franchise rebuild. On the night of the 1992 draft, they’d sent three key players to Golden State in exchange for their No. 2 pick, which they used to take Center Alonzo Mourning. Alongside Mourning was the No. 20 pick from 1992 Latrell Sprewell, who had had an exceptional first season.

Adelman:
At the time, we had the longest playoff streak of any team in the league, but hadn’t even made the Conference final since 1987. We had a great leader in Clyde Drexler, but the West was just stacked during the 80’s and early 90’s. We drafted Clyde in 1983, just as the Lakers were dominating everyone and then Houston got their hands on Barkley and Hakeem. There was maybe a slight opportunity the two years Dallas went back to back, but they had Aguirre, Isiah, Benjamin. We just didn’t have the depth to compete with these teams in the playoffs. I said to Paul (Allen, Portland owner) around the time Houston won ring number 2, we need to change track and get ourselves ready for when Houston and Dallas start to drop off.

Clyde Drexler:
I said to Paul that if we didn’t at least make the Conference Finals in 92 I wanted to move to a contender. He told me about the trade for Alonzo and asked me to give it another year, which I did. Being knocked out by the team we’d made the trade with (Golden State) and seeing three of my old teammates advance to the West Final was kinda the final straw.

Schaffel:
I was in touch with Paul Allen of the Trail Blazers and he was very eager to get Webber. They didn’t have a need for Bradley, but they saw a potential partnership between Webber and Alonzo Mourning. For us, we saw the opportunity of getting one of the greatest players in the league at the time. We knew Drexler wanted out of Portland.

“You can’t teach height” — Jazz general manager Scott Layden

As everyone anticipated, the Utah Jazz took BYU big man and local star Shawn Bradley with the No. 2 pick. The room was met with a noise that drowned out Commissioner David Stern for a good few minutes.

Layden:
He was highly recruited out of high school. There just wasn’t a lot of 7-foot-6 guys then. BYU was never on TV, but we knew who he was and had a pretty good sense of his game due to him being a local lad.
Bernie Bickerstaff, the Utah Jazz Head Coach: I had not long got the job in Utah, and we had the No. 2 pick. I would say we liked all three of those guys (Webber, Bradley, Hardaway). We were content that at the second spot that we’d get a good enough player that we weren’t going to try to move into the first position. We had a decision between Penny and Shawn Bradley. We liked Bradley a lot. Was the decision influenced by him being from Utah? It’s difficult to say.

Hardaway:
I knew Utah wanted their native star. They didn’t want a guard from Tennessee. I knew that I was safe with Utah and that I’d be picked by the Lakers. I was very excited.

Neal during the broadcast after Bradley’s name was announced:
Very clean-cut young man. He spent the last two years in Australia on a church mission for the Mormon church. He last played at BYU in 1990-91. He’s from the small town of Castle Dale, Utah, just over 1,000 population. Now he has the opportunity to become an All Star with his home franchise.

Doug Collins, TNT analyst, during the broadcast:
This is a young man that they can build a new team around. … When you look at the highlights, this is a young man that can run and catch the ball and has moves. He’s just going to have to get bigger and stronger.

Hardaway:
I played against Shawn in college and I faced him in high school. I knew exactly what he was.

Brown during the broadcast:
When you watch him play, he has a game with his back to the basket. He can hit the jump shot, the shot blocking. You say, “Well, five [blocks] a game as a freshman, that’s not so many,” well in ’91 that led the NCAA. He’s blessed, he can really run, he has great eye-and-hand coordination — you can’t bat over .400 in high school baseball unless you have that. Plus, he’s an excellent golfer. He loves to water ski. He’s a very well-rounded individual. You know he’s going to work hard at the game. But you’re talking about a guy that can change everything, the complexion of the paint.

Bradley during the live interview:
I’m just a 7-6 kid that loves to have fun and loves to play the game. I feel, at 7-6, being able to play many different sports has been a benefit all my life, and I enjoy the game a lot. My heart’s into it. … I would not trade my missionary experience for anything in the world. It was the best thing to have prepared me for the rest of my life, (more) than anything I could have done at the time.
Layden:
Given his size and athleticism, for a guy that size, it seemed to us that it would translate to a player who would have a big impact on our franchise. We expected a big increase in support.

Now that Bradley was off the board, the team with the No. 3 overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers had the easy decision of drafting Penny Hardaway.

Hardaway:
I knew pretty much from the start I would go to the Lakers. Utah were always going to take Shawn and I was never being taken over Chris. Honestly, I was very thrilled at the thought of playing for this historic team. And to then find out that Magic Johnson was going to be the new coach, it was like a dream come true.

Neal during the broadcast:
A wonderful moment for Anfernee Hardaway. … The greatest player in the history of Memphis State, certainly while he’s been at college. Some people say they remind him of a young Magic Johnson, well he’s now going to get the opportunity to develop his game under the tutelage of the great himself. He’s a ball-handling point guard at 6-7. He can play two or three positions if he needs to. And now he dons the cap of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Magic Johnson:
The roster was in desperate need of freshening up at Point Guard, which was kind of my own fault because I’d retired so suddenly and not given the team any chance to kind of plan ahead. Anfernee was exactly what we needed, and we hoped he might be the player who could rejuvenate the Franchise.

Brown during the broadcast:
It’s interesting because the scouts that you truly respect in this league feel that he’s the best player in the draft. We’re talking about a tremendously talented individual.

Following the selection of Hardaway, the New Jersey Nets selected Hartford power forward Vin Baker with the No. 4 pick and the Denver Nuggets took Jamal Mashburn at No. 5. Stern once again approached the podium, but this time it was to officially announce the trade, which was hinted at during the entire broadcast.

Schaffel:
A little while later David Stern comes out and says, “I’d like to report a trade.” He broke the news. Our fans were absolutely in rebellion. They were upset.

Stern during the draft:
Miami … (boos ring throughout the Delta Center) … has traded the draft rights to Chris Webber to Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Clyde Drexler and a first-round draft pick, which will be exercised, at the earliest, in the year 1996.

After chatting with someone in his entourage, Webber got up from his table in the green room and headed toward the stage.

Webber during the live interview:
I’m just happy to be the No. 1 pick. I thank God for the ability to play basketball. I’m just happy to be part of the NBA.

Drexler, 25 years later:
I knew (about the trade). I don’t think Chris knew about the trade. I think it was more of a shock to him. He seemed happy though. Moving to Portland meant he could play perimeter alongside Alonzo, whereas in Miami he would almost certainly have been at 5.

Friedman:
The Heat took Webber No. 1 and we never really thought about a trade because there was no tipping picks then. When they announced it, that’s how you found out about it. That trade was announced over a PA.

Neal:
It became a double story. Who trades the first pick in the draft? Usually you make the trade before the draft, but it hadn’t really been done after already making the pick.

Schaffel:
Nobody knew anything. I had a job to do. I had to come out and try to talk to our fans. I tried to explain it to our fans. They didn’t want to hear anything. They drowned me out. The best I could do was, “Fans, you’re booing tonight, but Clyde is going to turn your boos to cheers.’ And then I got off the stage as fast as I could. Nothing I could say that night would appease them. All I could hope was that they would be appeased by the end of the season. We still hadn’t made the playoffs as a franchise, that needed to change.

The 1993 First Round Draft in Full

1	Chris Webber	Portland Trail Blazers (Via Heat)
2	Shawn Bradley	Utah Jazz
3	Penny Hardaway	Los Angeles Lakers
4	Vin Baker	New Jersey Nets (Via Clippers)
5	Jamal Mashburn	Denver Nuggets
6	Isiah Rider	New Jersey Nets
7	Bobby Hurley	Minnesota Polars
8	Calbert Cheaney	Charlotte Hornets
9	Lindsay Hunter	Milwaukee Bucks (Via Detroit)
10	Allan Houston	Milwaukee Bucks
11	Luther Wright	Washington Bullets
12	Rodney Rogers	Seattle SuperSonics
13	Terry Dehere	Los Angeles Clippers (Via Atlanta)
14	Scott Haskin	Toronto Huskies
15	George Lynch	Golden State Warriors (Via Portland)
16	Sam Cassell	Tampa Bay Bandits (Via Philadelphia)
17	Doug Edwards	Phoenix Suns
18	Gheorghe Muresan	Detroit Pistons (Via Indiana)
19	Acie Earl	Boston Celtics
20	Corie Blount	Sacramento Kings
21	Rex Walters	Golden State Warriors
22	Lucious Harris	Chicago Bulls
23	Ervin Johnson	Denver Nuggets (Via Tampa Bay)
24	Chris Mills	Dallas Mavericks
25	James Robinson	Houston Rockets
26	Bruce Bowen	Cleveland Cavaliers
27	Nick Van Exel	Washington Bullets (Via New York)

Notable Trades - 1993 Offseason

1st Pick	Miami Heat
Clyde Drexler, 96 1 Rd Pick	Portland Trail Blazers

Cliff Robinson	Portland Trail Blazers
Willie Anderson	Atlanta Hawks

Charles Oakley, Bobby Phills	Charlotte Hornets
Kendall Gill, Tom Gugliotta	Philadelphia 76ers

Kendall Gill, J.R Reid	Charlotte Hornets
94 1st Rd Pick, John Williams	Los Angeles Clippers

Mark Aguirre	Dallas Mavericks
95 1 Rd Pick, Tim Perry	New Jersey Nets

Wayman Tisdale	Golden State Warriors
Jim Jackson	Toronto Huskies

Glen Rice, Stanley Roberts	Utah Jazz
Christian Laettner, Walt Williams, 95 1 Rd Pick	Denver Nuggets

Up Next: The 10 Year Recap

**This post was inspired the real article about the 1993 draft under the same name, I've just rehashed it to reflect ITTL events.**

HB62 · May 7, 2024

NBA: The Difference a Trade Makes - 10 Year Recap

Season by Season

	Champions	Runner Up	Finals MVP	Season MVP	Leading Points Scorer	Rookie of the Year	Len Bias Sixth Man of the Year	Defensive Player of the Year	Most Improved Player
1983-84	Los Angeles Lakers	Boston Celtics	Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Larry Bird (SF) (26.7) (Celtics)	Ralph Sampson (Rockets)	Kevin McHale (Celtics)	Tree Rollins (Hawks)	Sleepy Floyd (Warriors)
1984-85	Dallas Mavericks	Boston Celtics	Mark Aguirre	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Dominique Wilkins (SF) (28.7) (Hawks)	Michael Jordan (Knicks)	Larry Drew (Hawks)	Ralph Sampson (Bulls)	James Worthy (Lakers)
1985-86	Los Angeles Lakers	Boston Celtics	Magic Johnson	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Dominique Wilkins (SF) (29.0) (Hawks)	Patrick Ewing (Kings)	Reggie Theus (Spurs)	Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Clyde Drexler (Trail Blazers)
1986-87	Los Angeles Lakers	Detroit Pistons	Magic Johnson	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Dominique Wilkins (SF) (27.4) (Hawks)	Len Bias (Rockets)	Len Bias (Rockets)	Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Kenny Fields (Bucks)
1987-88	Houston Rockets	Tampa Bay Bandits	Charles Barkley	Michael Jordan (SG) (Knicks)	Michael Jordan (SG) (28.0) (Knicks)	David Robinson (Bandits)	Len Bias (Rockets)	David Robinson (Bandits)	William Bedford (Bullets)
1988-89	Dallas Mavericks	Indiana Pacers	Mark Aguirre	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Magic Johnson (PG) (28.8) (Lakers)	Mitch Richmond (Cavaliers)	Hot Rod Williams (SuperSonics)	Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Marvis Fresh (Heat)
1989-90	Dallas Mavericks	Detroit Pistons	Mark Aguirre	Akeem Olajuwon (C) (Rockets)	Alex English (SF) (26.8) (Heat)	Tim Hardaway (Warriors)	Clark Kellogg (Celtics)	Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Gary Grant (Huskies)
1990-91	New York Knicks	Sacramento Kings	Michael Jordan	Magic Johnson (PG) (Lakers)	Magic Johnson (PG) (28.0) (Lakers)	Derrick Coleman (Bullets)	Clark Kellogg (Celtics)	Patrick Ewing (Kings)	Dino Radja (Knicks)
1991-92	Houston Rockets	New York Knicks	Dominique Wilkins	Michael Jordan (SG) (Knicks)	Tim Hardaway (PG) (27.2) (Warriors)	Larry Johnson (Heat)	Billy Owens (Pacers)	Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Doug West (Lakers)
1992-93	New York Knicks	Houston Rockets	Michael Jordan	Michael Jordan (SG) (Knicks)	Michael Jordan (SG) (26.1) (Knicks)	Shaquille O'Neal (76ers)	Dee Brown (Nuggets)	Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets)	Kendall Gill (76ers)

Team Wins by Season

	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	Total
Atlanta Hawks	39	31	36	35	45	51	50	43	39	39	408
Boston Celtics	72	57	56	53	50	31	49	62	38	46	514
Charlotte Hornets						22	27	28	41	33	151
Chicago Bulls	26	33	47	37	45	53	52	42	42	56	433
Cleveland Cavaliers	37	30	35	18	19	33	37	46	49	63	367
Dallas Mavericks	44	54	41	50	46	50	55	60	53	58	511
Denver Nuggets	51	40	40	36	25	28	29	40	15	31	335
Detroit Pistons	55	50	53	50	46	31	48	42	29	34	438
Golden State Warriors	32	38	43	27	18	21	32	37	34	51	333
Houston Rockets	26	42	33	61	59	59	57	56	62	61	516
Indiana Pacers	28	30	37	36	38	57	50	29	41	45	391
Kansas City / Sacramento Kings	30	29	37	52	54	57	55	61	50	49	474
Los Angeles Lakers	66	65	70	71	56	55	56	55	39	28	561
Miami Heat						27	33	31	32	27	150
Milwaukee Bucks	45	36	41	34	26	32	44	53	39	34	384
Minnesota Polars							10	33	30	24	97
New Jersey Nets	44	42	34	43	48	44	39	40	42	20	396
New York Knicks	25	35	50	57	62	60	48	46	64	57	504
Philadelphia 76ers	40	54	35	35	28	26	40	41	23	43	365
Phoenix Suns	47	34	34	36	31	37	42	39	40	43	383
Portland Trail Blazers	50	48	47	56	41	52	47	44	49	41	475
San Antonio Spurs / Tampa Bay Bandits	30	20	13	13	39	51	55	50	59	57	387
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers	34	36	41	36	46	54	29	24	39	23	362
Seattle SuperSonics	46	47	47	43	36	31	28	31	40	35	384
Toronto Huskies							17	18	29	40	104
Utah Jazz	46	56	40	24	40	16	36	32	39	31	360
Washington Bullets	29	36	33	40	45	47	39	45	50	38	402

Team Playoff History

	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
Atlanta Hawks	SF (Pistons)	DNQ	1 Rd (Pistons)	1 Rd (Knicks)	East Final (Bandits)	SF (Pacers)	East Final (Pistons)	East Final (Knicks)	1 Rd (Knicks)	SF (Pacers)
Boston Celtics	NBA Final (Lakers)	NBA Final (Mavericks)	NBA Final (Lakers)	SF (Pistons)	1 Rd (Bullets)	DNQ	SF (Hawks)	SF (Knicks)	DNQ	1 Rd (Pacers)
Charlotte Hornets						DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Bullets)	DNQ
Chicago Bulls	DNQ	1 Rd (Celtics)	1 Rd (Bucks)	1 Rd (Celtics)	1 Rd (Nets)	West Final (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Kings)	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	1 Rd (Kings)
Cleveland Cavaliers	1 Rd (Pistons)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Pacers)	DNQ	1 Rd (Hawks)	SF (Knicks)	1 Rd (Hawks)
Dallas Mavericks	SF (Trail Blazers)	W	1 Rd (Jazz)	SF (Lakers)	SF (Rockets)	W	W	SF (Rockets)	West Final (Rockets)	1 Rd (Suns)
Denver Nuggets	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Jazz)	1 Rd (Lakers)	1 Rd (Rockets)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Kings)	DNQ	DNQ
Detroit Pistons	East Final (Celtics)	SF (76ers)	East Final (Celtics)	NBA Final (Lakers)	1 Rd (Hawks)	1 Rd (Knicks)	NBA Final (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Bandits)	DNQ	DNQ
Golden State Warriors	DNQ	SF (Trail Blazers)	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	West Final (Rockets)
Houston Rockets	DNQ	1 Rd (Mavericks)	DNQ	SF (Trail Blazers)	W	1 Rd (Suns)	SF (Kings)	West Final (Kings)	W	NBA Final (Knicks)
Indiana Pacers	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Knicks)	1 Rd (Pistons)	DNQ	NBA Final (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Pistons)	DNQ	East Final (Knicks)	East Final (Knicks)
Kansas City / Sacramento Kings	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	1 Rd (Mavericks)	West Final (Mavericks)	NBA Final (Knicks)	1 Rd (Suns)	SF (Rockets)
Los Angeles Lakers	W	1 Rd (Warriors)	W	W	West Final (Rockets)	SF (Mavericks)	SF (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Bucks)	DNQ	DNQ
Miami Heat						DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ
Milwaukee Bucks	1 Rd (Hawks)	1 Rd (76ers)	SF (Celtics)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Lakers)	SF (Kings)	DNQ	DNQ
Minnesota Polars							DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ
New Jersey Nets	1 Rd (76ers)	SF (Celtics)	DNQ	1 Rd (Bullets)	SF (Bandits)	1 Rd (Hawks)	1 Rd (Bandits)	DNQ	1 Rd (Cavaliers)	DNQ
New York Knicks	DNQ	1 Rd (Pistons)	SF (Pistons)	East Final (Pistons)	1 Rd (Bandits)	East Final (Pacers)	1 Rd (Hawks)	W	NBA Final (Rockets)	W
Philadelphia 76ers	SF (Celtics)	East Final (Celtics)	1 Rd (Celtics)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Celtics)	1 Rd (Celtics)	DNQ	1 Rd (Bandits)
Phoenix Suns	SF (Lakers)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	SF (Bulls)	1 Rd (Rockets)	DNQ	SF (Mavericks)	SF (Warriors)
Portland Trail Blazers	West Final (Lakers)	West Final (Mavericks)	SF (Lakers)	West Final (Lakers)	SF (Lakers)	1 Rd (Lakers)	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Rockets)	SF (Rockets)	1 Rd (Warriors)
San Antonio Spurs / Tampa Bay Bandits	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	NBA Final (Rockets)	SF (Knicks)	SF (Pistons)	SF (Hawks)	1 Rd (Pacers)	SF (Knicks)
San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers	1 Rd (Lakers)	DNQ	West Final (Lakers)	1 Rd (Lakers)	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Bulls)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ
Seattle SuperSonics	1 Rd (Suns)	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	1 Rd (Clippers)	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	1 Rd (Rockets)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Mavericks)	1 Rd (Rockets)
Toronto Huskies							DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Knicks)
Utah Jazz	1 Rd (Trail Blazers)	SF (Mavericks)	SF (Clippers)	DNQ	1 Rd (Lakers)	DNQ	DNQ	DNQ	1 Rd (Rockets)	DNQ
Washington Bullets	1 Rd (Celtics)	1 Rd (Nets)	DNQ	SF (Knicks)	SF (Hawks)	1 Rd (Bandits)	DNQ	1 Rd (Knicks)	SF (Pacers)	DNQ

Division and Conference Champions:

	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993
Atlantic	Boston Celtics	Boston Celtics	Boston Celtics	New York Knicks	New York Knicks	New York Knicks	Boston Celtics	Boston Celtics	New York Knicks	New York Knicks
Central	Detroit Pistons	Detroit Pistons	Detroit Pistons	Detroit Pistons	Detroit Pistons	Indiana Pacers	Tampa Bay Bandits	Tampa Bay Bandits	Tampa Bay Bandits	Cleveland Cavaliers
Midwest	Denver Nuggets	Utah Jazz	Dallas Mavericks	Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets	Dallas Mavericks	Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets
Pacific	Los Angeles Lakers	Los Angeles Lakers	Los Angeles Lakers	Los Angeles Lakers	Sacramento Kings	Sacramento Kings	Los Angeles Lakers	Sacramento Kings	Sacramento Kings	Golden State Warriors

East	Boston Celtics	Boston Celtics	Boston Celtics	Detroit Pistons	Tampa Bay Bandits	Indiana Pacers	Detroit Pistons	New York Knicks	New York Knicks	New York Knicks
West	Los Angeles Lakers	Dallas Mavericks	Los Angeles Lakers	Los Angeles Lakers	Houston Rockets	Dallas Mavericks	Dallas Mavericks	Sacramento Kings	Houston Rockets	Houston Rockets

Coach History (Head Coach at start of each season shown)

	1983/84	1984/85	1985/86	1986/87	1987/88	1988/89	1989/90	1990/91	1991/92	1992/93	1993/94
Atlanta Hawks	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello	Mike Fratello
Boston Celtics	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	Jack Ramsay	Chris Ford	Chris Ford	Chris Ford	Chris Ford	Larry Bird
Charlotte Hornets						Dick Harter	Dick Harter	Gene Littles	Allan Bristow	Allan Bristow	Allan Bristow
Chicago Bulls	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	George Karl	George Karl	Mike Dunleavy	Phil Jackson	Phil Jackson	Phil Jackson	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss
Cleveland Cavaliers	Tom Nissalke	Tom Nissalke	Gene Littles	Mike Schuler	Mike Schuler	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly
Dallas Mavericks	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Dick Motta	Don Chaney
Denver Nuggets	Doug Moe	Doug Moe	Doug Moe	Doug Moe	Doug Moe	Jimmy Rodgers	Jimmy Rodgers	Don Casey	Don Casey	Dan Issel	Dan Issel
Detroit Pistons	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	K.C. Jones	Chris Ford
Golden State Warriors	Johnny Bach	Johnny Bach	Johnny Bach	Stan Albeck	Stan Albeck	Bernie Bickerstaff	Bernie Bickerstaff	Bernie Bickerstaff	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Don Nelson
Houston Rockets	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch	Bill Fitch
Indiana Pacers	Jack McKinney	George Irvine	George Irvine	Doug Collins	Doug Collins	George Irvine	George Irvine	George Irvine	Bob Hill	Bob Hill	Bob Hill
Los Angeles Clippers	Jim Lynam	Jim Lynam	Don Chaney	Don Chaney	Don Casey	Don Casey	Mike Schuler	Paul Westhead	Larry Brown	Larry Brown	Larry Brown
Los Angeles Lakers	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Mike Dunleavy	Mike Dunleavy	Mike Dunleavy	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Magic Johnson
Miami Heat						Ron Rothstein	Ron Rothstein	Ron Rothstein	Ron Rothstein	Gregg Popovich	Gregg Popovich
Milwaukee Bucks	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Don Nelson	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Chuck Daly	Chuck Daly	Frank Hamblen	Mike Dunleavy	Mike Dunleavy
Minnesota Polars							Bill Musselman	Larry Brown	Jimmy Rodgers	Jimmy Rodgers	Sidney Lowe
New Jersey Nets	Stan Albeck	Stan Albeck	Stan Albeck	Dave Wohl	Dave Wohl	Dave Wohl	Del Harris	Del Harris	Del Harris	Del Harris	John Lucas II
New York Knicks	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Hubie Brown	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley	Pat Riley
Philadelphia 76ers	Billy Cunningham	Billy Cunningham	Billy Cunningham	Matt Guokas	Jim Lynam	Jim Lynam	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens
Phoenix Suns	John MacLeod	John MacLeod	John MacLeod	Bernie Bickerstaff	Bernie Bickerstaff	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Paul Westphal	Paul Westphal
Portland Trail Blazers	Jack Ramsay	Jack Ramsay	Jack Ramsay	Jack Ramsay	Jack Ramsay	Rick Adelman	Rick Adelman	Rick Adelman	Rick Adelman	Rick Adelman	Rick Adelman
Sacramento Kings	Cotton Fitzsimmons	Jack McKinney	Phil Johnson	Billy Cunningham	Billy Cunningham	Billy Cunningham	Don Chaney	Don Chaney	Don Chaney	Don Chaney	Rudy Tomjanovich
Seattle SuperSonics	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Lenny Wilkens	Cotton Fitzsimmons	John MacLeod	John MacLeod	John MacLeod	George Karl	George Karl	George Karl
Tampa Bay Bandits	Morris McHone	Bob Bass	Bob Bass	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss	Bob Weiss	Phil Jackson	Phil Jackson
Toronto Huskies							Matt Guokas	Matt Guokas	Jim Lynam	Jim Lynam	Jim Lynam
Utah Jazz	Frank Layden	Frank Layden	Frank Layden	Frank Layden	Jerry Sloan	Jerry Sloan	Jerry Sloan	Jerry Sloan	Jerry Sloan	Jerry Sloan	Bernie Bickerstaff
Washington Bullets	Gene Shue	Gene Shue	Gene Shue	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery	Kevin Loughery

1993/94 Starting Line Ups

	PG	SG	SF	PF	C	6
Atlanta Hawks	Derek Harper	Reggie Miller	Noel Teague	Cliff Robinson	Nick Vanos	Kenny Smith
Boston Celtics	Mark Price	Byron Scott	Clark Kellogg	Kevin McHale	Vlade Divac	Chris Gatling
Charlotte Hornets	Muggsy Bogues	Rex Chapman	Tracy Murray	Tom Gugliotta	Dikembe Mutombo	John Williams
Chicago Bulls	Michael Adams	Dan Mejerle	Orlando Woolridge	Karl Malone	Bill Laimbeer	Chris Morris
Cleveland Cavaliers	Gary Payton	Mitch Richmond	Kenny Payne	Buck Williams	Pervis Ellison	Thurl Bailey
Dallas Mavericks	Isiah Thomas	Joe Dumars	Toni Kukoc	Antoine Carr	Benoit Benjamin	Tim Perry
Denver Nuggets	Dee Brown	Hersey Hawkins	Glen Rice	Laphonso Ellis	Jon Koncak	Stanley Roberts
Detroit Pistons	Scott Skiles	Rolando Blackman	Scottie Pippen	Horace Grant	Tree Rollins	Greg Anthony
Golden State Warriors	Fat Lever	Jeff Hornacek	Dale Ellis	A.C. Green	Rik Smits	Dale Davis
Houston Rockets	Jon Sundvold	Ricky Pierce	Dominique Wilkins	Charles Barkley	Hakeem Olajuwon	George McCloud
Indiana Pacers	Dana Barros	Blue Edwards	Billy Owens	Danny Manning	Herb Williams	Eddie Johnson
Los Angeles Clippers	Kevin Johnson	Kendall Gill	Sam Mitchell	Tyrone Hill	Brad Daugherty	Donald Royal
Los Angeles Lakers	Penny Hardaway	Kevin Edwards	Kelly Tripucka	James Worthy	Rony Seikaly	Kenny Walker
Miami Heat	Rod Strickland	Clyde Drexler	Rodney McCray	Larry Johnson	Elden Campbell	Kevin Brooks
Milwaukee Bucks	Kenny Fields	Allan Houston	Bernard King	Terry Mills	Victor Alexander	William Bedford
Minnesota Polars	Pooh Richardson	Vinny Del Negro	Marvis Fresh	Kevin Willis	Kevin Duckworth	Vernon Maxwell
New Jersey Nets	Brian Shaw	Isaiah Rider	Mark Aguirre	Vin Baker	Blair Rasmussen	Mark Macon
New York Knicks	Tim Hardaway	Michael Jordan	Terry Cummings	Dino Radja	Stacey King	Ed Pinckney
Phildadelphia 76ers	Michael Williams	Bobby Phills	Sean Elliot	Charles Oakley	Shaquille O'Neal	Michael Cage
Phoenix Suns	Sleepy Floyd	Steve Smith	Detlef Schrempf	Randy White	Bison Dele	Jeff Malone
Portland Trail Blazers	Terry Porter	Willie Anderson	Latrell Sprewell	Chris Webber	Alonzo Mourning	Arvydas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings	John Stockton	Drazen Petrovic	Chuck Person	Otis Thorpe	Patrick Ewing	Danny Ferry
Seattle SuperSonics	Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf	Craig Ehlo	Dennis Scott	Purvis Short	Manute Bol	Hot Rod Williams
Tampa Bay Bandits	Mookie Blaylock	Dell Curry	Chris Mullin	Shawn Kemp	David Robinson	Kenneth Griffith
Toronto Huskies	Kenny Anderson	Nick Anderson	Kiki Vandeweghe	Wayman Tisdale	Bill Cartwright	Reggie Williams
Utah Jazz	Doc Rivers	Lancaster Gordon	Walt Williams	Christian Laettner	Shawn Bradley	Tim McCormick
Washington Bullets	Ennis Whatley	Doug West	Armen Gilliam	Derrick Coleman	Olden Polynice	J.R. Reid

Up Next: A team by team guide to the 1993/94 season

HB62 · Saturday at 6:00 PM

1993-94 Season Preview: A Team by Team Guide

A look at all 27 teams competing in the 48th NBA season, in predicted order of finish.

East:
1. New York Knicks
Owner: Paramount Communications
Arena: Madison Square Gardens
Coach: Pat Riley
Last Season Record: 57-25
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Champion)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 9

It’s fair to say the Knicks decision to go all out to get Tim Hardaway was one that was rewarded almost instantly. Hardaway was instrumental in taking some of the load off Michael Jordan through the regular season which allowed Jordan to be fresh and ready for the playoffs. Both posted excellent numbers throughout, and were the stars of the show as the Knicks launched that spectacular Conference finals comeback against Indiana. Injury to Gary Payton means Cleveland should be less of a threat this time around in the East, and you’d back the Knicks to finish above Tampa in a two horse race.

2. Tampa Bay Bandits
Owner: Thomas Pritzker
Arena: St. Pete Times Forum
Coach: Phil Jackson
Last Season Record: 57-25
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in Semi Final to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 6

It’s now 6 seasons since the Bandits’ incredible 8th seed run to the NBA final, and since then the expectation has grown year on year but they again failed to return to that stage after a defeat to eventual champions New York in the semi finals. They’ve now posted 55 or more regular season wins 4 seasons in a row, so there’s no doubt this is a team that should be contending deep into the playoffs. Will this be the year for Tampa?

3. Philadelphia 76ers
Owner: Ed Snider
Arena: Wachovia Spectrum
Coach: Lenny Wilkens
Last Season Record: 43-39
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Tampa Bay Bandits)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

A possibly bold prediction, given the recent downturn in fortunes in Philly, but there’s no doubt things are now looking back upwards for the 1983 champs. The arrival of Shaquille O’Neal and the emergence of Michael Williams and Sean Elliot has given them a mighty strong starting roster for the upcoming season. Philly improved by 20 wins last season, almost doubling their total from the season before. Whilst a similar improvement is unlikely, even winning 10 more games would pretty much guarantee them a home tie in the first round of the playoffs. Philly are one to watch this season for sure.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Owner: Gordon Gund
Arena: Richfield Coliseum
Coach: Chuck Daly
Last Season Record: 63-19
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Atlanta Hawks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 3

The Cavs’ incredible regular season performance was tainted by their disappointing first round exit in the playoffs to the Hawks. Both the Knicks and the Rockets looked beatable last season and Cleveland may feel they might not get a better chance for a while at a ring. This season has already started badly, with Gary Payton ruled out for most if not all of it with an ACL injury picked up this week. The Cavs still have a strong enough line up to comfortably make the playoffs without Payton, but a repeat of last seasons 63 wins feels unlikely.

5. Boston Celtics
Owner: Don Gatson
Arena: Boston Gardens
Coach: Larry Bird
Last Season Record: 46-36
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Indiana Pacers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

It’s been a while since everyone’s first look at the fixture calendar is to the Lakers vs the Celtics but this year that’s where most people’s eyes would have gone first. As it happens, fans won’t have to wait too long for the return of Magic vs Bird, with the two now respective Head Coaches meeting on December 6th. It’s difficult to know how Larry Bird will get on in his new role, but sources indicate he has impressed many during the offseason and that Boston could surprise some this season. They had a more than solid regular season last time around, but fell to a disappointing playoff loss to Indiana. Playoff improvement is the name of the game for Bird this season.

6. Miami Heat
Owner: Micky Arison
Arena: Miami Arena
Coach: Gregg Popovic
Last Season Record: 27-55
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

If not now, then when? The Heat have picked up Clyde Drexler from Portland in the offseason forming a pretty stacked trio alongside Rod Strickland and Larry Johnson. Miami now have more than enough quality to make the playoffs for the first team, and coach Gregg Popovic will be under big pressure to deliver. Don’t be surprised to see an early coach change if the Heat find themselves outside that top 8 after the first couple of months. The fixture list hasn’t helped Popovic much, with the Heat’s opening 4 games coming against Tampa, Dallas, New York and Cleveland.

7. Indiana Pacers
Owner: Herb Simon
Arena: Market Square Arena
Coach: Bob Hill
Last Season Record: 45-37
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in East Final to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 2

It’s now two consecutive appearances in the Eastern Conference final for Indiana, who continuously seem to peak just in time for the playoffs. It’s helped by the fact they have no real weak links in that starting line up, and a few guys who can come off the bench and slot in seamlessly. The East just seems to be getting stronger and stronger at the minute, so the Pacers can’t let the past couple of seasons make them complacent, but they should have more than enough to make another playoff appearance. A third consecutive conference final would be an extraordinary achievement.

8. Atlanta Hawks
Owner: Ted Turner
Coach: Mike Fratello
Last Season Record: 39-43
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in Semi Final to Indiana Pacers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 8

Atlanta’s incredible playoff streak almost came to an end last season, finishing above Washington by one win to clinch that final spot. They then shocked 1st seed Cleveland in the first round, one of many shocks Atlanta have pulled off in the playoffs other the last 8 years. Even though there are teams below Atlanta that you just feel should without doubt be above them, it’s impossible to predict the Hawks anywhere other than the top 8 given they always seem to find a way of getting to the postseason. Reggie Miller’s numbers will need to stay impressively high for them to have a chance this season.

9. Detroit Pistons
Owner: Bill Davidson
Arena: The Palace of Auburn Hills
Coach: Chris Ford
Last Season Record: 34-48
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in First Round to Tampa Bay Bandits)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Detroit’s end of season collapse in form was enough to spell the end for coach K.C. Jones. In comes Chris Ford, who many feel was harshly treated at Boston. Ford will need to do what Jones couldn’t, and that’s get the best out of a group of players who have massively underperformed for a few years now. Unless things are greatly improved this campaign, it may be time for Detroit to go through a rebuild whilst their assets still have value.

10. Charlotte Hornets
Owner: Richard DeVos
Arena: Charlotte Coliseum II
Coach: Allan Bristow
Last Season Record: 33-49
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in First Round to Washington Bullets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

A busy summer for the Hornets, who at the end of it ended up with Tom Gugliotta and John Williams plus a potentially highly valuable first round pick from the Clippers for next year's draft. The Hornet’s team is one of the youngest in the league, but they’re building nicely and whilst a playoff appearance feels a little way off this season, don’t be surprised to see them comfortably in the top 8 within a few years.

11. Washington Bullets
Owner: Abe Pollin
Arena: US Airways Arena
Coach: Kevin Loughery
Last Season Record: 38-44
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in Semi Final to Indiana Pacers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

The Bullets just missed out on a playoff spot last campaign, falling one win short to Atlanta. Their offseason trades don’t seem to have added much to the top of the roster, rather adding a little strength to the middle of it. With other teams improving heavily, it’s difficult to see how Washington improve on last season’s 9th place finish.

12. Toronto Huskies
Owner: Allan Slaight
Arena: Toronto Eaton Centre
Coach: Jim Lynam
Last Season Record: 40-42
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

People are still scratching their heads at how the Huskies managed to finish 7th in the East last season. They seemed to be getting battered every time a Toronto score flashed up on the screen, and yet every game they competed in that was close they seemed to find a way to win it. In the end, they got to 40 wins which was enough to see the Huskies make their first ever playoffs, and they even secured a famous win over the Knicks during the first round series. Toronto have managed to pick up Kiki Vandeweghe in free agency, but even that signing doesn’t do much to persuade us from the assumption that last seasons postseason appearance won’t be repeated this season.

13. New Jersey Nets
Owner: The Secaucus Seven
Arena: Meadowlands Arena
Coach: John Lucas II
Last Season Record: 20-62
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in First Round to Cleveland Cavaliers)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

As far as seasons go, it doesn’t get much worse than the one the Nets endured last campaign. They managed just 20 wins, remarkable considering they had a winning record the season before. On top of that, they lost their two star players to trades that both seemed weighted heavily in favor of the other franchise in the deal. The Nets have managed to get hold of 3 time NBA Champion Mark Aguirre over the offseason, although perhaps about two years too late to get much use out of him. The two draft picks, Vin Baker and Isaiah Rider, are both expected to be starters almost straight away for the Nets which pretty much tells you enough about the state of the rest of the roster right now.

West:
1. Houston Rockets
Owner: Charlie Thomas
Arena: Compaq Center
Coach: Bill Fitch
Last Season Record: 61-21
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in NBA final to New York Knicks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 7

With the Mavericks' time at the top seemingly fading, the Rockets are now the undisputed team to beat in the West. It’s now their turn to want revenge on New York, after the Knicks got revenge on them in the most recent NBA final. It’s difficult to see how anyone in the West gets close to stopping the Rockets reaching a third consecutive final, although the Warriors did get them a little worried in the West final last season.

2. Sacramento Kings
Owner: James Thomas
Arena: Sleep Train Arena
Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich
Last Season Record: 49-33
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in Semi Final to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 7

The rumored unrest inside the Kings dressing room didn’t materialize to anything during the offseason, possibly due to the departure of coach Don Chaney who leaves for Dallas. Replacing Chaney is former Houston assistant Rudy Tomjanovich. It will be interesting to see if Tomjanovich can bring what he will have learnt working with legendary coach Bill Fitch to Sacramento, and bridge that gap between the two teams. The Kings may not get many more opportunities as a contender with Stockton, Ewing and Petrovic.

3. Golden State Warriors
Owner: Chris Cohan
Arena: Oakland Arena
Coach: Don Nelson
Last Season Record: 51-31
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in West Final to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 1

Given how the Warriors finished last season, it would be wrong to have them any lower than third here. They surprised everyone by taking second seed by virtue of winning the Pacific Division, ending their long playoff drought and then cruising all the way to the West Final. They caused the Rockets a scare early on in the series before eventually falling short to the dominant side in the West. The difference between this and last season is that there is now an expectation on the Warriors, and it will be interesting to see how they handle that.

4. Dallas Mavericks
Owner: Don Carter
Arena: Reunion Arena
Coach: Don Chaney
Last Season Record: 58-24
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Phoenix Suns)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 10

The Mavs look to have begun a rebuilding process with the departure of franchise legend Mark Aguirre. Aguirre departs for the worst side in the East in New Jersey, giving the Mavericks a potential great few draft picks down the line. They still have the likes of Isiah Thomas and Benoit Benjamin, so no need to think they’ll be falling down the order too quickly, but the dynasty era is definitely now moving towards the rear view mirror.

5. Portland Trail Blazers
Owner: Paul Allen
Arena: Rose Garden Arena
Coach: Rick Adelman
Last Season Record: 41-41
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Golden State Warriors)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 11

Portland made another big move in the Summer, ditching franchise player Clyde Drexler for the No 1 pick in Chris Webber. It’s a move that allows Portland to pair Webber with last year’s no 2 pick Alonzo Mourning in what could be a duo for the next decade or more. It may be a very young Portland side now, but it’s still full of quality and doesn’t look like losing that long playoff streak any time soon.

6. Phoenix Suns
Owner: Jerry Colangelo
Arena: America West Arena
Coach: Paul Westphal
Last Season Record: 43-39
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in Semi Final to Golden State Warriors)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 2

It’s been a good few years for the Suns, reaching the semi finals in 3 of the last 5 seasons in the West. They would have seen last season as a good opportunity to go even further, but eventually came unstuck to an inform Warriors team. There’s no reason to expect anything else than more of the same for Phoenix this campaign, with no major additions to the side but also the teams below them in the West not looking much stronger than last season.

7. Denver Nuggets
Owner: Comsat Denver Inc
Arena: McNichols Sports Arena
Coach: Dan Issel
Last Season Record: 31-52
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in First Round to Sacramento Kings)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

It’s been a tough period for Denver, making the playoffs just once in the last 6 seasons as trades and drafts have consistently been gotten wrong. They look to have steadied the ship now though, and the acquisition of Glen Rice from Utah was a big play in the off season that might just allow them to make that step back towards being a solid playoff team.

8. Los Angeles Lakers
Owner: Jerry Buss
Arena: Great Western Forum
Coach: Magic Johnson
Last Season Record: 28-54
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in First Round to Milwaukee Bucks)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Never have the Lakers been such an unknown as they head into the 1993-94 season. It’s unthinkable to believe they can be anywhere worse than the car crash of last season but of course as legendary as Magic was as a player we don’t know what his skills as a Head Coach are just yet. They were able to get hot prospect Penny Hardaway in the draft though, and have acquired Kelly Tripucka who becomes the latest line of old stars to grab one last paycheck from the Lakers. And poor James Worthy is still there, still waiting for his old teammates to show up. At least he has Magic back with him this season.

9. Chicago Bulls
Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Coach: Bob Weiss
Last Season Record: 56-26
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Sacramento Kings)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 9

The Bulls had a superb regular season last campaign, notching 56 regular season wins. It was only good enough for 4th seed in the playoffs however, and Chicago then lost in the first round to 5th seed Sacramento meaning the excellent regular season again counted for nil. In the current 9 season playoff streak, the Bulls have advanced past the first round just once. At this point, a rebuild is surely necessary but the Bulls seem to insist on running with the same failing top roster. We’re predicting a playoff hangover for Chicago this season that might finally force that rebuild.

10. Seattle SuperSonics
Owner: Barry Ackerly
Arena: Sonics Arena
Coach: George Karl
Last Season Record: 35-47
Last Playoff Appearance: 1993 (Lost in First Round to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 2

A couple of solid years for Seattle by sneaking into the playoffs for two years in a row. Mostly due to the exploits of Abdul-Rauf who continues to perform at an All-Star level. Alongside Abdul-Rauf is an inconsistent Manute Bol and an aging Purvis Short, which just doesn’t seem like enough to get it done this time around for Seattle. Expect them to be close if they do miss out however.

11. Milwaukee Bucks
Owner: Herb Kohl
Arena: The Bradley Center
Coach: Mike Dunleavy
Last Season Record: 34-48
Last Playoff Appearance: 1991 (Lost in Semi Final to Sacramento Kings)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Milwaukee have just started to drift away from playoff contenders, missing out the last two seasons. It’s also just two playoff appearances in the last seven years for a Bucks side that has seen top quality players come and go. Right now Bernard King is the franchise guy, which is a bit worrying for the Bucks given he’s 35. Expect a couple more years of pain for Milwaukee as recent first round draft picks Allan Houston and Lindsay Hunter work on becoming the new top guys for the Bucks.

12. Minnesota Polars
Owner: Marv Wolfenson & Harvey Ratner
Arena: Target Center
Coach: Sidney Lowe
Last Season Record: 24-58
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

The Polars awful draft lottery luck continued this offseason, being drawn out first of the seven teams involved meaning they picked seventh despite managing just 24 wins all season. It means after 4 years the Polars are still struggling to build an even semi competitive roster in what has been a testing start to life in the NBA. Minnesota may have to start looking towards pulling something out of the bag in free agency, because the draft lottery Gods seem to have taken a disliking to the Polars for some reason.

13. Los Angeles Clippers
Owner: Donald Sterling
Arena: Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Coach: Larry Brown
Last Season Record: 23-59
Last Playoff Appearance: 1989 (Lost in 1st Round to Chicago Bulls)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

It’s a slightly better Clippers lineup than the last few seasons, mostly due to being able to get a full season from Brad Daugherty. Still there’s unlikely to be enough quality to mount any sort of playoff push unless coach Larry Brown can unleash the same sort of form that almost got them a shock playoff spot two years ago.

14. Utah Jazz
Owner: Larry H. Miller
Arena: Delta Center
Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff
Last Season Record: 31-51
Last Playoff Appearance: 1992 (Lost in First Round to Houston Rockets)
Playoff Appearance Streak: 0

Whilst Utah earned second pick in the draft and therefore were able to draft local star Shawn Bradley as well as pick up young prospect Christian Laettner from Denver, they’ve also lost franchise leader Glen Rice the other way to the Nuggets. Rice has been the one keeping Utah semi-competitive over the last few seasons, and unless Laettner and Bradley become top NBA level players overnight, there’s just not enough to suggest anything other than a difficult season for the Jazz. Things may look better in a few seasons, if it’s any consolation to the Utah faithful out there.

Up Next: The 1993-94 Season

HB62 · Sunday at 4:56 AM

1993-94 Season - November: A Familiar Tale

The 1993-94 season began on the 5th November, with 20 of the 27 NBA teams in action. The reigning champions New York Knicks kicked off the new season against the team that had finished top of the Eastern Conference in the regular season, Cleveland. This was a different Cleveland this season though, one missing Gary Peyton. It was now up to Mitch Richmond to carry the weight of expectation for Cleveland on his shoulders alone, and 41 points on the opening night was a pretty good way to go about that. Unfortunately for Richmond and Cleveland, it still wasn't enough as the Knicks cruised to a 89-103 win at MSG to start their championship defense with a win. The young Portland side got off to an impressive start with a 124-99 win in Seattle. Number one pick Chris Webber scored 28 points with 13 rebounds on his NBA debut, whilst 1992 Number 2 pick Alonzo Mourning backed him up with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Rod Strickland was on form for Miami, scoring 40 points at home to Tampa. It wasn't enough to secure a win though, with Tampa earning a 96-88 win at the home of their Florida neighbours. Larry Bird's first game in charge of Boston was successful, as the Celtics picked up an excellent win in Dallas. Mark Price top scored with 20 whilst Vlade Divac had 16 points and 14 rebounds in a 102-93 win for Boston. Hakeem Olajuwon started the season in fine form, with 33 points and 21 rebounds in a dominant 85-105 win for Houston at home to Phoenix.

Opening Night Results:
Cleveland Cavaliers 89-103 New York Knicks
Charlotte Hornets 114-98 Detroit Pistons
Tampa Bay Bantis 96-88 Miami Heat
Indiana Pacers 109-110 Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics 102-93 Dallas Mavericks
Chicago Bulls 105-103 Milwaukee Bucks
Portland Trail Blazers 124-99 Seattle SuperSonics
Los Angeles Clippers 87-117 Golden State Warriors
Phoenix Suns 85-105 Houston Rockets
Philadelphia 76ers 98-109 Sacramento Kings

Magic Johnson's coaching career began with a good win for the Lakers in Denver. Despite 43 points from Glen Rice, the Lakers were able to secure a 107-99 win with Worthy getting 34 and Rony Seikaly collecting 19 rebounds. Penny Hardaway began his career scoring 15 points and registering 8 assists on his debut. Cleveland's tough start continued with defeat at home to Tampa, mostly thanks to Shawn Kemp and David Robinson combining for 69 points and 32 rebounds. Atlanta and Indiana's first three games were all against each other, with Indiana winning the mini best of 3 series by 2 games to 1. Indiana would also play Cleveland and Tampa 3 times over the course of the first month, beating Cleveland twice and Tampa just the once. The Charlotte Hornets got off to a fast start, winning their opening 3. Rex Chapman in particular was on good form and would end the month averaging 24.6 PPG. Also starting well was Tampa Bay, who returned home for the first time after good wins on the road in Miami and Cleveland to face Philly. The Bandits were victorious again, thanks to another imperious performance from the Kemp / Robinson duo. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson both lost for the first time as a coach on the same night. The Celtics went down 113-90 at home to Washington whilst the Lakers were beaten at 103-81 by Cleveland. There was an impressive win on the same night for Minnesota, who won 128-96 in Utah. The Polars would back that up two nights later by beating Sacramento 121-126 at home to make it three wins on the spin to start the season. Enduring a stuttering start was the Golden State Warriors. Last season's Western Conference runners up went on an eight game losing run after being the Clippers on the opening night. Defeats included a loss on the road to Toronto and revenge for the Clippers in LA. They would eventually secure a win when Toronto came to the Oakland Arena, delivering a 79-123 thrashing on their struggling opponents. Still, the Warriors were well off the pace of last seasons exploits.

One team that very much wasn't well off the pace was Houston. Last years defeated finalists were in no mood to mess around this season as they batted away every challenge they faced in the opening month, winning all 12. Hakeem, Wilkins and Barkley all ended the month averaging over 22 PPG whilst Hakeem and Barkley also averaged over 12 RPB each. It was difficult to see who might stop Houston on current form, especially in the West.

Houston Rockets Results - November

Opponent	Result	Top Scorer
Phoenix Suns (H)	85-105	Hakeem Olajuwon 33
Cleveland Cavaliers (H)	107-120	Dominique Wilkins 31
Chicago Bulls (H)	93-119	Dominique Wilkins 36
Los Angeles Lakers (A)	110-94	Hakeem Olajuwon 28
Seattle SuperSonics (H)	104-117	Hakeem Olajuwon 30
Golden State Warriors (A)	96-79	Dominique Wilkins 24
Atlanta Hawks (A)	119-101	Charles Barkley 32
Atlanta Hawks (H)	92-114	Charles Barkley 38
Seattle SuperSonics (A)	116-93	Charles Barkley 34
Dallas Mavericks (H)	89-115	Charles Barkley 27

Los Angeles Lakers (A)	136-93	Charles Barkley 39
Miami Heat (H)	108-116	Ricky Pierce 25

Also starting well was Michael Jordan and the Knicks. Terry Hardaway picked up a minor knock in game 4 against the Kings, putting him out for a couple of weeks. It was during these couple of weeks that Jordan posted a series of insane numbers now that he wasn't sharing the scoring with Hardaway. In the next game against Miami, Jordan posted 49 points and 11 assists, although the Knicks did fall to their first defeat of the season. The next night he would score 49 points again, in a comfortable win at home to Washington. In his next game in Toronto, he made his first triple double of the season with a 28 / 10 / 19 game in another dominant win. The next night, in their second match against Sacramento, Jordan lit up MSG with 57 points in a 107-124 victory. It was a remarkable four game run that left a few wondering just what sort of numbers Jordan would post for a season if he wasn't sharing the load with Hardaway. New York would lose just twice in November, strangely enough both against a Miami side who picked up just two other wins all month. The two sides with the lowest win totals were both in the East. The woeful Nets sat at the bottom of the conference, still searching for their first win after 10 games. They were barely averaging 90 points per game, despite the best efforts of Mark Aguirre who must have been wondering what he'd done to deserve such a change of scenery. The Nets scored over 100 just once in November, a 112-101 loss at home to Boston on the opening night. Also struggling were Toronto, although they did at least manage wins at home to the Warriors and the Nuggets but had also suffered six losses by a margin of 14 or more. Going into December, Houston had the only flawless record. The 76ers were still unbeaten at home, and so, unexpectedly, were the Los Angeles Clippers.

1st December Division Standings

Atlantic

Position	Team	W-L	PCT	GB	Division Record
1	New York Knicks	11-2	.846	--	6-0
2	Philadelphia 76ers	10-2	.833	0.5	2-0
3	Charlotte Hornets	9-6	.600	3.0	4-3
4	Boston Celtics	6-6	.500	4.5	3-2
5	Washington Bullets	4-6	.400	5.5	2-3
6	Toronto Huskies	2-8	.200	7.5	0-3
7	New Jersey Nets	0-10	.000	9.5	0-6

Central

Position	Team	W-L	PCT	GB	Division Record
1	Indiana Pacers	8-4	.667	--	5-4
2	Tampa Bay Bandits	8-5	.615	0.5	3-3
3	Atlanta Hawks	7-5	.583	1.0	4-2
4	Cleveland Cavaliers	6-7	.462	2.5	3-3
5	Miami Heat	4-7	.364	3.5	0-2
6	Detroit Pistons	4-10	.286	5.0	1-2

Midwest

Position	Team	W-L	PCT	GB	Division Record
1	Houston Rockets	12-0	1.000	--	2-0
2	Milwaukee Bucks	7-3	.700	4.0	2-1
3	Dallas Mavericks	6-5	.545	5.5	1-1
4	Minnesota Polars	6-5	.545	5.5	1-3
5	Chicago Bulls	6-6	.500	6.0	4-2
6	Denver Nuggets	5-7	.417	7.0	0-1
7	Utah Jazz	3-10	.231	9.5	0-2

Pacific

Position	Team	W-L	PCT	GB	Division Record
1	Portland Trail Blazers	8-4	.667	--	4-2
2	Los Angeles Clippers	6-4	.600	1.0	3-1
3	Phoenix Suns	7-7	.500	2.0	2-3
4	Sacramento Kings	5-7	.417	3.0	2-0
5	Seattle SuperSonics	5-9	.357	4.0	2-2
6	Golden State Warriors	4-8	.333	4.0	1-2
7	Los Angeles Lakers	4-10	.286	5.0	0-4

1st December Conference Standings

East:
1. New York Knicks - 11-2
2. Indiana Pacers - 8-4
3. Philadelphia 76ers - 10-2
4. Charlotte Hornets - 9-6
5. Tampa Bay Bandits - 8-5
6. Atlanta Hawks - 7-5
7. Boston Celtics - 6-6
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - 6-7
------------------------------------
9. Washington Bullets - 4-6
10. Miami Heat - 4-7
11. Detroit Pistons - 4-10
12. Toronto Huskies - 2-8
13. New Jersey Nets - 0-10

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 12-0
2. Portland Trail Blazers - 8-4
3. Milwaukee Bucks - 7-3
4. Los Angeles Clippers - 6-4
5. Dallas Mavericks - 6-5
6. Minnesota Polars - 6-5
7. Phoenix Suns - 7-7
8. Chicago Bulls - 6-6
-------------------------------------
9. Sacramento Kings - 5-7
10. Denver Nuggets - 5-7
11. Seattle Supersonics - 5-9
12. Golden State Warriors - 4-8
13. Los Angeles Lakers - 4-10
14. Utah Jazz - 3-10

League Leaders:
PPG:
1. Michael Jordan (30.1)
2. Mitch Richmond (27.2)
3. Rod Strickland (26.5)

RPG:
1. Hakeem Olajuwon (14.0)
2. Shawn Kemp (12.9)
3. David Robinson (12.3)

APG:
1. John Stockton (11.8)
2. Ennis Whatley (10.5)
3. Jon Sundvold (9.5)

SPG:
1. Michael Jordan (2.6)
2. Kevin Duckworth (2.4)
3. Michael Williams (2.1)

BPG:
1. Benoit Benjamin (3.2)
2. David Robinson (3.0)
3. Patrick Ewing (2.8)

Player of the Month:
Michael Jordan (East) / Charles Barkley (West)

HB62 · Tuesday at 3:06 PM

1993-94 Season - December: Two New Franchises for Christmas

Magic Defeats Bird in Boston (Is this the 80's?)

December 6th, 1993

In scenes reminiscent of a decade or so ago, Magic Jonhson's LA Lakers defeated Larry Bird's Boston Celtics 119-113 in Boston, only this time the two NBA legends were leading their respective sides from the side of the court rather than on it. Both stars have started their coaching journeys this season, and the meeting tonight in Boston was the first between the two as Head Coaches. The Los Angeles Lakers, perhaps inspired by the multi championship winning teams of the 80s, rushed into a 35-19 first quarter lead thanks to the scoring exploits of Kenneth Walker. The Celtics did their best to peg back the Lakers, reducing the deficit to 6 by half time but the away team would maintain that margin come full time to emerge victorious. There were double doubles for both Walker and Rony Seikaly for the Lakers, whilst Byron Scott top scored with 31 for Boston. It's a much needed win for Magic, the Lakers had lost seven in a row coming into the game tonight and it's just their fifth win of the season so far as they try to avoid missing the playoffs for an unthinkable third season in a row. For Boston, tonight's result leaves Bird's side on an 8-8 record to start the season.

December 7th: Rockets Finally Lose - Miss out on Record

December 7th 1993

The Houston Rockets lost for the first time this season, suffering a 105-107 loss in Philadelphia against the 76ers. In an incredibly tight game throughout, Philly Point Guard Michael Williams secured the win with a three point shot 4 seconds from time. Following a Rockets time out, there was still time for Hakeem Olajuwon to miss the opportunity to force overtime with a close range attempt that bounced out. Houston’s start of 15 straight wins matches that of the Washington Capitols, who began the season in the same fashion way back in 1948. The Rockets were led by Dominique Wilkins, who managed 29 points. They are still without Charles Barkley, who suffered an injury last week against Miami and is expected to miss most of the month. Given the closeness of the loss, it’s reasonable to wonder just how long the Rockets might have gone unbeaten without the injury to their star man. For Philadelphia, there was an excellent 26 point performance from Sean Elliot whilst Shaquille O’Neal had a 17/10 double double as his rise continued. The win for the 76ers leaves them at 11-3 to start the season.

Miami Make Big Money Move for Motta

December 9th 1993

The Miami Heat have announced Dick Motta as their new Head Coach, following the early season dismissal of Gregg Popovich. Miami have reportedly offered Motta a high value, long term contract to tempt him back into work following his resignation from his hugely successful spell with the Dallas Mavericks, where he led them to 3 NBA titles across a 13 year spell. Motta replaces outgoing coach Gregg Popovich, who was fired after Miami became the first team to lose to the New Jersey Nets this season. The Heat were beaten 101-75 at home, a loss that left them with just 5 wins from their opening 15 games this season. The Heat were expected to make the playoffs for the first time this season, having sent number one draft pick Chris Webber to Portland in exchange for NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler. Those lofty expectations have not been met however, and with Popovich already under pressure following an underachieving first season his firing does not come as a shock to many.

Breaking Records in Utah

December 11th 1993

The Utah Jazz put in officially the worst performance by an NBA basketball team tonight, suffering a 52-107 loss at home to Portland. The 52 points scored by the Jazz is the lowest scored by a team in a game since the introduction of the 24 second shot clock brought into the sport in 1955. It breaks the previous record set by the Milwaukee Bucks against Boston back in 1955. The game started poorly for Utah, as they managed just 8 points in the first quarter compared to Portland’s 18. In terms of deficit to the opposition, that was actually Utah’s best quarter as the Jazz’s defense back leakier as they started to score slightly better in the remaining quarters. Portland led 48-26 at half time, before scoring a further 59 in the second half compared to another 26 from Utah. Paul Graham was Utah’s top scorer, managing 13. No other player got into double figures whilst for Portland Alonzo Mourning managed 28 points. Rookie Chris Webber scored a double double with both 11 points and rebounds. It was a dark night in a so far dark season for Utah basketball. No wonder the relocation rumors are swirling.

NBA Heading to Kentucky and Montreal

December 25th, 1993

The NBA kicked off its Christmas Day schedule by announcing the arrival of two new NBA franchises. The newest NBA franchises will be located in Louisville, Kentucky and in the Canadian City of Montreal. Both franchises will join the sport in 1995. The choice of Montreal is said to be motivated by the desire for a Canadian competitor to the Toronto Huskies. Huskies playoff appearance last season where they faced the New York Knicks and Michael Jordan has further increased interest in the sport north of the border, with Vanouver reportedly also interested in a franchise. Montreal was favored due to the much closer proximity to the Huskies, with NBA staff hoping to create a potential long term rivalry up north. The Canadian franchise will be named the Montreal Royals, and will host games at the currently in construction Molson Center. Meanwhile Louisville has finally been awarded their own NBA franchise, after attempts by various local business groups to move existing franchises to the area. The Louisville Brawlers, as they will be known, will play at Freedom Hall, a well known Basketball arena which previously played host to ABA side the Kentucky Colonels. The NBA said the Louisville and Montreal teams would get the sixth and seventh picks in the first round of the 1995 draft. An expansion draft also will be held, with each existing club losing one player after being allowed to protect eight players.

On the court on Christmas Day, the New York Knicks won the headline match in a comfortable 74-100 win over Detroit. The Rockets suffered just their second defeat of the season in a shock 100-84 loss at home to in form Chicago. The Lakers lost again, this time on the road to Golden State as their difficult start to life under Magic Johnson continued. There was a narrow win for Boston at home to Dallas, 83-84 whilst Philadelphia thrashed the Cavaliers in Cleveland 119-91, Shaq with a 39 pts / 16 reb game as well as 7 blocks.

Detroit Complete Rebuild as Grant and Rollins Depart

December 27th 1993

Horace Grant and Tree Rollins became the next two players this month to leave the Detroit Pistons as they continued to gut the roster following another dismal start to the season. After a 95-120 loss in Toronto left the Pistons on just 5 wins from their opening 18, the franchise announced that star player Scottie Pippen had been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Tyrone Hill and a bunch of draft picks. Now a couple of weeks later, Horace Grant and Tree Rollins have departed for Washington as part of a three way trade. Olden Polynice and Mike Brown have moved to Detroit from Washington, as well as a draft pick. Detroit have also gained Detlef Schrempf from the Phoenix Suns, who received J.R. Reid from Washington. The Pistons have also announced their intention to stick with Head Coach Chris Ford long term, allowing him the opportunity to lead the rebuilding Piston’s into a hopefully more successful second half of the decade.

Conference Standings - 1st January 1994
East:
1. New York Knicks - 21-4
2. Tampa Bay Bandits - 19-8
3. Philadelphia 76ers - 20-5
4. Indiana Pacers - 16-10
5. Charlotte Hornets - 17-15
6. Washington Bullets - 14-12
7. Atlanta Hawks - 14-12
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - 13-15
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9. Boston Celtics - 12-15
10. Miami Heat - 12-16
11. Detroit Pistons - 9-19
12. Toronto Huskies - 7-18
13. New Jersey Nets - 2-25

West:
1. Houston Rockets - 26-3
2. Portland Trail Blazers - 18-6
3. Chicago Bulls - 18-11
4. Denver Nuggets - 17-12
5. Los Angeles Clippers - 15-11
6. Milwaukee Bucks - 14-12
7. Dallas Mavericks - 14-14
8. Phoenix Suns - 13-14
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9. Minnesota Polars 12-14
10. Golden State Warriors - 10-18
11. Los Angeles Lakers - 10-19
12. Sacramento Kings - 9-18
13. Utah Jazz - 7-19
14. Seattle SuperSonics - 7-20

NBA: The Difference a Trade Makes

1993 Champion

Atlanta Hawks

Indiana Pacers

New York Knicks

Tampa Bay Bandits

Houston Rockets

Sacramento Kings

Phoenix Suns

Golden State Warriors

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1993 Offseason: Drama in Utah

25th anniversary of the 1993 NBA Draft in Salt Lake: An oral history of the night's top storylines from the Trail Blazers, Jazz, Lakers and Heat

Welcome to Salt Lake City

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HB62

Recent threadmarks

NBA: The Difference a Trade Makes

1993 Champion

Atlanta Hawks

Indiana Pacers

New York Knicks

Tampa Bay Bandits

Houston Rockets

Sacramento Kings

Phoenix Suns

Golden State Warriors

Attachments

Attachments

1993 Offseason: Drama in Utah​

​

25th anniversary of the 1993 NBA Draft in Salt Lake: An oral history of the night's top storylines from the Trail Blazers, Jazz, Lakers and Heat​

Welcome to Salt Lake City​

1993 Offseason: Drama in Utah

25th anniversary of the 1993 NBA Draft in Salt Lake: An oral history of the night's top storylines from the Trail Blazers, Jazz, Lakers and Heat

Welcome to Salt Lake City