What if he developed a left hand? What about a crossover? Drexler did straight line drives his career. He's never been an ankle breaker. He could have developed his handles a lot more. I guess that's sorta grasping at straws. I just love how Roy would COOK your ankles and pull up for a 17 footer right in your mouth after you stumbled back on your heels.
Oh, and for the record I still have the following: Clyde Drexler Wheaties Box (with the tear in the corner and all. Wheaties haters did that on purpose. ) Clyde the glide poster of him with the Red Baron pilot hat, in the clouds, with that KANGAROOS on! (Yes it is a fact. I still possess this poster) In my son's room he has the black and white "Uh Oh" Nike Poster With Terry, Buck, and Mercy Kersey. One of these I've been a fan for a long time.
Then they would have played together. I don't see your point. Do you think Drexler would have taken a backseat to MJ? Drex was quiet. He could have played Small Forward though!
Well, since we're living in an alternate universe where we drafted Jordan, Drexler is irrelevent. He either shuts up and plays second fiddle, or leaves, but the point of that draft was that you always draft BPA and you don't draft for need. That point should be hammered home to the extent that all Blazer fans understand it.
It's closer than most would think, considering stats and prime. Drexler was ~23 PER for a few peak years. Roy was as well. Drexler was clearly he better player, though based on longevity.
But if longevity wasn't a factor, and you could have a prime Clyde or a prime Roy, which would you take? Honestly, I wish I could remember more of Clyde. I was pretty young when we were making our runs with Clyde, Terry, Jerome, etc. I didn't really start to understand and follow the league until 1993-1994. I know that when Roy was healthy, he was as good as any other guard in the league. He was killer when the game was on the line. I really wish he could have stayed healthy because I think he would have set a legacy in the playoffs.
Going off the premise that Roy played a full career and duplicated his best year for 6-7 more seasons, then I'd say Roy. They really are a superb contrast of style and play, so much, that its almost an apples and oranges scenario and impossible to really say. A little like comparing Joe Montana vs Steve Young. Just depends on what particular style of basketball you like. I think, what's interesting, is the areas Drexler has the advantage (rebounding, defense, transition) it's an overwhelming one. They're pretty even otherwise, except for game closing ability, where Roy was one of the best in the last 20 years. But game closing is probably the most important measuring trait there is, and so I give it to Roy overall.
Who cares? He was Clyde the Glyde, he was unstoppable in the open court, and nearly unstoppable if you game him a seam. Roy could never lead a fast break, while it was Clyde's specialty.
Drexler was light years better than any blazer we've had or have currently. His defense was some of the best I've ever seen from a sg. He rebounded well and made everyone around him better. Do you remember the clutch blocks or steals he had? It was amazing to watch. I would argue the shooting too. You should look at drexler's career numbers. The dude just oozed superstardom. Roy could have been great if stayed healthy, but I doubt he would ever get to a level like drexler. Sorry bro, it's not even close and drexler isn't even my favorite blazer.
Drexler's defense was out of this world. Only player than he had trouble defending was Jordan. Everyone else would have big issues against him.
Who had issues with Drexler's D? Your treating Drexler like Republicans Treat Reagan. Just because you say it over and over again doesn't make it true. His OTB Defense was NOT good. He was NOT and never was a OTB defensive stopper. He was NOT better than Roy at OTB Defense before Roy's injuries. Now Drex was a FAR better Off The Ball Defender as that's where his steals came from (which would lead to many transition DUNKS). But to say that his D was outta this world? That is just not the case. Now if we want to compare scoring averages Drexler had Terry Porter. Roy had Blake.... Terry Porter made DREXLER better. We had no guards to help Make Roy Better. I can say this though: Passing Drexler>Roy (I only give one chevron because Drex played w/Porter) But there was a season where Drexler averaged 8 assists a game. Off The Ball Offense Drexler>>>Roy
That was a hyperbole argument. I am acknowledging how good Drexler was. And as far as a player turning a franchise around; he is the Blazer's Ronald Reagan. Walton brought the ring, but didn't stay with the franchise long enough to make a fan impact like Drexler did. Drexler is #2 all time in steals at SG. 7th All time in the entire NBA. The OTB isn't a telling stat on his defensive prowess. Scoring, Drexler was a hellofalot better. "He is one of three players in NBA history to have posted career totals of at least 20,000 points, 6,000 rebounds and 6,000 assists (the two others being Oscar Robertson and John Havlicek).[14] As of 2008, Drexler leads all guards with his career average of offensive rebounds with 2.4 per game." Get back to me when Roy was ever on pace for something like this....
Drexler played with a lead guard that actually made HIM better. Playing with Porter IMHO is the difference in Scoring #s. I already gave Drex his due on rebounding and his passing.
That's a load of crap. And miller was a great passing guard. Roy had problems playing with a facilitator.
I love watching both guys play. It's really close for me because of how clutch Roy was. If Roy was healthy he'd be the best SG in the game right now. My knock on Roy was he wasn't a very good play maker for his teammates. But with the game on the line I'd take Roy. Overall game I'd take Drexler. Game 7, 2 minutes left I'd take Roy every time!
Roy averaged 4.7 Assists for his career. While not being good in this area as Drexler, saying he "wasn't a very good playmaker for his teammates" is not a correct statement. Edit: as good.
