[LSDDSL]

Just heard the author of the book on the radio the other day, defending Drexler by saying the comments weren't malicious, but rather just out of context. Apparently he had asked Drexler about players on the team, and Clyde wondered why guys like Isiah Thomas or James Worthy didn't make it. McCallum told him they couldn't carry a twenty man roster, so who did Drexler think, at the time, should have been passed over in favor of the other guys. His answer was what was written. Not a slight on Magic, just that he didn't think he was one of the best players in the country at that time.

He also talked about the Bobby Hurley/Chris Webber collegiate team that beat the Dream Team. I don't really remember that...It'd be cool to see video of that game.

[biannaruh]

Deadspin.com


Clyde Drexler: Everybody On The Dream Team Felt Sorry For Magic Because They Were Waiting For Him To Die

Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum followed the Dream Team around during the 1992 Olympics, and he has a new book, Dream Team, which covers the team in great detail. McCallum writes about the NBA climate before Barcelona, the team's various selection controversies, their legendary practices, and the games themselves.

McCallum also visits some of the Dream Teamers in 2011. One is Clyde Drexler, who hasn't let go of his old bitter feelings about Magic Johnson, his HIV-afflicted teammate. Magic learned he was HIV-positive before the 1991 NBA season and retired quickly. He came back for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, and had 25 points and nine assists. He also kept his spot on the Dream Team. Clyde was not pleased about any of that.

"Magic was always..." And Drexler goes into a decent Magic impression: "'Come on, Clyde, come on, Clyde, get with me, get with me,' and making all that noise. And, really, he couldn't play much by that time. He couldn't guard his shadow."

"But you have to have to understand what was going on then. Everybody kept waiting for Magic to die. Every time he'd run up the court everybody would feel sorry for the guy, and he'd get all that benefit of the doubt. Magic came across like, 'All this is my stuff.' Really? Get outta here, dude. He was on the declining end of his career."

Drexler had played exquisitely in the 1992 All-Star Game in Orlando, although the MVP award eventually went to Magic, who had been added by Commissioner Stern as a special thirteenth player to the Western Conference roster. "If we all knew Magic was going to live this long, I would've gotten the MVP of that game, and Magic probably wouldn't have made the Olympic team."

[Peabelilt]

I agree 100% with Drexler.

I remember that all-star game.

First, he shouldn't have been playing, he didn't earn it.

Second, nobody wanted to guard him.

[jojocomok]

There's things that people know, that you just shouldn't say out loud Clyde. This is one of those things.

[Peabelilt]

There's things that people know, that you just shouldn't say out loud Clyde. This is one of those things.

I don't know.

Why do we build this coccoon of glass around poor Magic?

He had unprotected sex with hundreds of women and we are suppossed to tread lightly when we discuss his condition?

Is he exempt from criticism?

Should every great player get to be in the olympics just because they had a bad break and really didn't qualify?

[S.T.D.]

Magic is living the good life. No real reason to feel sorry for him now.

[jojocomok]

I don't know.

Why do we build this coccoon of glass around poor Magic?

He had unprotected sex with hundreds of women and we are suppossed to tread lightly when we discuss his condition?

Is he exempt from criticism?

Should every great player get to be in the olympics just because they had a bad break and really didn't qualify?

I'm not arguing any of that.

It's just when you come out 20 years later, and say it the way Drexler did, he comes off as sounding like a bitter douche.

Everyone knows it. He doesn't need to say it.

[standaman]

I'm not arguing any of that.

It's just when you come out 20 years later, and say it the way Drexler did, he comes off as sounding like a bitter douche.

Everyone knows it. He doesn't need to say it.

Why have a book be as boring as a typical press conference?

[Peabelilt]

I'm not arguing any of that.

It's just when you come out 20 years later, and say it the way Drexler did, he comes off as sounding like a bitter douche.

Everyone knows it. He doesn't need to say it.

The reporter asked him and he answered.

Honestly.

Can't fault that.

Bitter?

He should have been all-star MVP, he could have put that trophy on the case.

What does Magic need with an award that was given/earned largely out of sympathy?

Clyde's got what? 1 championship ring from Houston?

He also missed out on a an NCAA championship thanks to that NC State fluke.

Dang, he should be bitter.

[jojocomok]

The reporter asked him and he answered.

Honestly.

Can't fault that.

Bitter?

He should have been all-star MVP, he could have put that trophy on the case.

What does Magic need with an award that was given/earned largely out of sympathy?

Clyde's got what? 1 championship ring from Houston?

He also missed out on a an NCAA championship thanks to that NC State fluke.

Dang, he should be bitter.

[Peabelilt]

I give a fuck

[toreesi]

Does Clyde Drexler really need that car that came with the MVP that bad? Is he Spreewellin it nowadays? Did they even give cars away back then? Is this reality?

[jojocomok]

Does Clyde Drexler really need that car that came with the MVP that bad? Is he Spreewellin it nowadays? Did they even give cars away back then? Is this reality?

[Acalsenunse]

Regarding the All-Star game...No, Magic Johnson didn't "deserve" to be there. But it is a game all about entertaining the fans. The fans loved it. So who cares?

As for Magic being on the decline at that point...yes, he absolutely was. But I'm not sure why that should've kept him off the Dream Team. A number of those players were on the decline by that point. I think he still led the team in assists during the Olympics. And let's not forget that in Magic's 1995-96 comeback I think he averaged like 15 points, 7 assists and 6 boards off the bench. He was still a more than serviceable basketball player.

Clyde has always been a world-class douche. I'd expect nothing less from him at this point.

[jojocomok]

Clyde has always been a world-class douche. I'd expect nothing less from him at this point.

Yeah, but y u still mad tho?

[Byxtysaaqwuz]

drexler showed up to a practice with 2 right footed sneakers and was going to go through practice wearing them and barkley, jordan, and magic relentlessly made fun of him about it.

[Cgnebksb]

. I think he still led the team in assists during the Olympics.

Of course he did. Nobody wanted to guard him.

[jojocomok]

Of course he did. Nobody wanted to guard him.