As I launch a new series where I talk to people about their favorite teams ever, I start with my own, the mid-’90s Houston Rockets! Houston native and diehard sports fan KP joins me as we go through everything that led up to those Rockets’ teams capturing back-to-back NBA titles!
We start in the ‘70s and ‘80s when a young KP first became a Rockets fan himself! KP talks about the difficulty of even watching the NBA on TV, the underappreciated greatness of Moses Malone, and the drafting of Ralph Sampson. Which current NBA player reminds KP of Ralph?
We move on to the Rockets winning a coinflip to draft Hakeem and forming possibly the greatest big man 1-2 punch in the history of the game only to see a potential dynasty derailed by injuries and cocaine! How did a team that upset the Showtime Lakers to face the Celtics in the NBA Finals find itself floundering in NBA purgatory for YEARS?
Then, a familiar face returns as the Rockets build out a roster fit for a contender! How did a new system and young players help Hakeem cement himself as the best player in the league? Also, the road from Choke City to Clutch City and a rematch of the 1984 NCAA Finals with a special guest appearance from OJ Simpson.
Getting on top is hard, but staying there is even harder. We talk about the challenges facing Houston as they tried to repeat as NBA champions and how those struggles led to trading for Houston’s own Clyde Drexler. Also, a Dream Finals run that featured a Kiss of Death, an MVP showdown with David Robinson, and a young, svelte Shaq!
We finish up with how the dynasty ended, Hakeem Olajuwon’s place in history, and the cold reality of being a sports fan! We also talk about missed free throws, the importance of role players, and fighting sleep! Tap in and hit me up if you want to talk about your favorite team ever!
Check KP out on Instagram @kpnetglobal and at www.kpnetglobal.com
01:20 KP’s Houston sports fandom and the Rockets of the ‘70s and ‘80s
13:06 The OG Wemby and a coinflip for a Dream
20:25 A dynasty derailed, the highest of highs, and NBA purgatory
25:55 Rudy T, a hot start, and a supporting cast fit for an MVP
35:17 From Choke City to Clutch City and the joy of hating on great players
43:20 The 1994 NBA Finals, white Broncos, cold Starks, and a Dream fulfilled
56:17 The 1994-’95 regular season and bringing Clyde home
01:03:17 My Houston Rockets fandom origin story
01:07:36 Would the Rockets still have rings if Michael Jordan hadn’t retired?
01:11:06 Vernon Maxwell goes mad and the Kiss of Death
01:22:06 The Admiral gets Dream Shook
01:28:06 The 1995 NBA Finals, missed FTs, attacking Shaq, and fighting sleep
01:47:23 The heart of a champion and the cold reality of sports fandom
01:52:02 The end of Clutch City, the catalyst for other dynasties, and Hakeem’s legacy
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Beyond The Arc with Brandon Silvers breaks down today's hottest sports topics in a way that makes sense whether you're a rookie or a vet! Tune in to hear in-depth analysis, unique commentary, and more! Follow BTA on Twitter @BeyondTheArc843! For more from Brandon, follow him on Twitter @brand0n_silvers and on Instagram @thebrandonsilvers!