139: 078: Michael, who lost face, solves the locker room problem (Request for monthly tickets!)_4 139: 078: Michael, who lost face, solves the locker room problem (Request for monthly tickets!)_4 The Spurs owner described him as “a child spoiled by his outstanding talent.”
Such a Demon Lord of Mayhem naturally wouldn’t graciously praise Roger.
However, what was surprising was that even the usually friendly and reserved Drexler had a similar attitude toward Roger: “Rod is right, he’s definitely overrated.
He can’t defend, can’t pass, he just happens to be on two exceptionally well-assembled teams, that’s all.
Not to dredge up the past, but I scored 50 points in a single game back in 1989, nothing remarkable about that.”
Like Karl Malone, Drexler couldn’t accept that a new generation was eagerly eyeing the championship while he still hadn’t grasped one himself.
It was as if he couldn’t stand being overshadowed by Magic, who was specifically added to the All-Star by Stern because of his HIV status, and snatched his ’92 All-Star MVP, commenting, “Everyone knows I’m the real AMVP.”
In his view, Magic should’ve just stayed at home because of his HIV, rather than compete over accolades with him when he didn’t deserve any.
As for Roger, he felt this rookie had absolutely no right to compete with him for the championship.
Of course, Drexler kept everything to himself and didn’t like speaking out.
This time he spoke so much, and even deliberately mentioned that Roger only performed well because he was on well-assembled teams, mainly to seize the opportunity to pressure management.
After the defeat in the ’92 finals, the Trail Blazers’ lineup had always been unstable.
In Drexler’s view, the Trail Blazers’ management made several foolish trades and signings.
Therefore, he was expressing scorn for Roger as an old money individual toward a new money type, and at the same time, he was indirectly criticizing management.
He had always hoped that the team would trade a player like Rod Strickland, who contributed nothing to the team but had good statistics, for some useful players in return.
However, the media’s reaction left Drexler feeling hurt.
Because almost all media were uniformly mocking him.
Yes, Roger, who made it to the finals, is overrated, while Drexler, who got eliminated in the first round last season, is underrated; that’s the funniest joke I’ve ever heard.
— “SportsCenter” host.
99% of fans voted that replacing Roger with Drexler would see the Magic’s performance decline.
Thus, Roger’s success isn’t just due to a good lineup.
— “Orlando Sentinel.”
Poor Clyde, is this the only way he can remain relevant now, by playing the clown?
I like him, I really do, but I am disappointed in his current attitude; he has complained about the team’s lineup long enough.
As a team leader, he should be leading them to victory, not constantly complaining.
— Trail Blazers legend Bill Walton.
Drexler never expected to face uniform criticism.
Apart from the Portland local media, no one spoke up for him.
This made him even more invested in this game.
I’ll show you all what I can do!
The day before the game, Brian Hill originally planned for Harper to take on Drexler.
This was a routine arrangement, as Harper often guarded the opposing team’s top perimeter scorer.
But this time, Roger raised his hand: “Brian, I have a suggestion.”
“Let’s hear it,” Brian Hill returned to his amiable demeanor, as everyone, including O’Neal, had no complaints during yesterday’s running drills, and O’Neal was even more focused on his training, which made him forget the unpleasant loss to the Jazz.
Roger’s proposal was simple: “How about I personally take on Clyde.”
“Give me a reason, Roger.”
I just want to show them that not everyone is qualified to mess with me; is that a good reason?”
“I think that’s a very sensible proposal!” Shaq quickly chimed in to support his close friend.
“Shut up Shaq, I’m the boss!” Hill said, turning to Harper, “you go guard that fool Rod; Roger, I’m only giving you a few rounds.
If Drexler scores too easily, I’ll put Ron in.”
Hill was willing to accommodate such minor requests from his players, provided the player hadn’t made mistakes.
Roger made an “OK” gesture: “You won’t need Ron; I’m enough.”
Roger was rubbing his hands together; with the locker room issues resolved, all other problems seemed minor.