Clyde Drexler, NBA legend and champion in 1995 with the Rockets, has answered questions from winning fans of the NBA Fan Club sweepstakes. When asked about Spanish basketball, Drexler replied that he only had praise to answer: “Spain has always had great basketball players, from Pau Gasol to Ricky Rubio and Rudy Fernández. They are all great players and in the same team they could cause problems for anyone” he commented referring both to the national team and to the Spaniards who have passed through the NBA. Although when he confessed his favorite player from Spain, he changed sports to highlight his admiration for another legend, “My favorite Spanish player is Rafa Nadal“.
The legendary forward was also asked about the rival who had the hardest time defending in the NBA, to which he answered what everyone expected, “the best player I have ever had to play against is Michael Jordan, it was very difficult to defend him“. Although before deciding on one, he highlighted the great offensive level that was in the league during his time: “There are a lot of good offensive players in the NBA, especially in the ’80s and ’90s. Players you don’t even know could embarrass you on any given night.“On the other hand, he was also very clear when he was asked about the best player he had shared the court with: “Hakeem Olajuwon, when I came to the Houston Rockets he was a phenomenal player and a great friend too.. I have to say that Hakeem has been the best partner I have ever had.“.
Regarding the current NBA, Drexler revealed the team that he enjoys seeing on the court the most: “I love watching the Nets when they’re all healthy, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving form a special team. I also love watching LeBron, he’s still one of my favorite players because of the way he plays, he’s a great teammate.“The legendary forward also added some player names that he finds extraordinary,”James Harden, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, these players have unique talent and they are some of the best in the whole wide world“.
A dream come true
Clyde Drexler was selected 14th in the 1983 draft by the Blazers, a moment he remembers with nostalgia, highlighting what it meant for him to reach the NBA: “Since you were a child you grow up dreaming of being an NBA player. If you’re lucky enough to get drafted, the moment you put on that jersey is the greatest moment of all.you realize that your dream has come true“.
Drexler’s time in the NBA left a great mark that is part of the history of the league, for that reason he was chosen among the 75 best in history, a selection that the league has prepared to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NBA. The Rockets and Blazers legend was very happy to be part of the list: “It’s a great honor. There are many players who have passed through the NBA and have been really good. Choosing only 75 and being one of them is a true honor.“.
