Clyde DrexlerNBA legend and champion in 1995 with the Houston Rocketshas answered the questions of the winning fans of the raffle of the NBA Fan Club. 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 confessing his favorite player from Spain, he changed sports to highlight his admiration for another legend, “My favorite Spanish player is Rafa Nadal”.
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
The legendary forward was also asked about the rival that had cost him the most to defend in the NBAto which I replied 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 expose you any given night”. On the other hand, he was also very clear when 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’ve ever had.”
The best player I’ve ever had to play against is Michael Jordan, he was very difficult to defend against. And the best teammate, Hakeem Olajuwon, phenomenal player and great friend
Regarding the current NBA, Drexler revealed the team that he most enjoys seeing on the court: “I love watching the Brooklyn Nets when they’re all healthy, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving making a special team. I also love to see LeBronwho is still one of my favorite players because of the way he plays, he is a great teammate”, the legendary forward also added some names of players that he finds extraordinary, “James Harden, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, “The Joker”, These players have unique talent and are some of the best in the entire world.”
James Harden, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, “The Joker”, these players have unique talent and are some of the best in the entire world.
A dream come true
Clyde Drexler was selected 14th overall in the 1983 draft by the Portland Trail Blazersa 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.
There are many players who have been through the NBA and have been really good. Choosing only 75 and being one of them is a true honor.
Drexler’s time in the NBA left a big mark that is part of the history of the league, for that reason it was chosen among the 75 best in historya selection that the league has put together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NBA. The legend of Rockets and Trail Blazers was very happy to be part of the list: “it is a great honor. There are many players who have been through the NBA and have been really good. Picking just 75 and being one of them is a real honour.”
The full talk can be viewed on the NBA Fan Club page.
