That's well written TL... A good kind of relax from the war, politics in other TLs 
Keep up the gd work, get me hooked.
Keep up the gd work, get me hooked.
The '84 Draft: A Forever Different NBA
- Thread starter sashlon
- Start date
- Status
He could have come up to the draft from high school..and still be picked #1....he was that good.
Cool TL. Keep it up!
And the Toronto Huskies shall select 'Big Country' Reeves in '95. And they'll make up for that mistake by selecting Nash in '96.
But that's a long ways from now.
And the Toronto Huskies shall select 'Big Country' Reeves in '95. And they'll make up for that mistake by selecting Nash in '96.
But that's a long ways from now.
EXPANSION DRAFT
Here are the top 10 picks from the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft:
NEXT: The 1988 Off-Season
Here are the top 10 picks from the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft:
- Miami Heat Kiki Vanderwighe (Denver) F
- Charlotte Hornets Sam Bowie (Washington) C
- Miami Heat Benoit Benjamin (LA Clippers) C
- Charlotte Hornets Brad Sellers (Philadelphia) F
- Miami Heat Spud Webb (Atlanta) G
- Charlotte Hornets Kelley Tripuka (New Jersey) F
- Miami Heat Billy Thompson (San Antonio) G-F
- Charlotte Hornets Alton Lister (Seattle) C
- Miami Heat Craig Ehlo (Houston) G-F
- Charlotte Hornets Craig Hodges (Milwaukee) G
NEXT: The 1988 Off-Season
The 1988 Off-Season
Houston Rockets
Michael Jordan and the Rockets basked in the glory of an NBA championship. Jordan was, undisputedly, the world’s best player. However, the Rockets had their issues. Veteran forward Robert Reid decided to retire, leaving a big chemistry hole for the team to fill. Swingman Craig Ehlo was lost in the Expansion Draft. There were also grave concerns about centre Ralph Sampson. He had missed numerous games over the past two seasons because of knee troubles, and in the summer he again went under the knife.
Free agents Andre Turner and World B. Free were added to the mix along with rookie centre Andrew Lang. Karl Malone and Jordan had had their differences during the title run, now the two young stars set their issues aside and began laying the ground work for their title defence.
Chicago Bulls
A week after the Finals defeat, Moses Malone resigned for two years. Chicago also resigned forward Gene Banks, and traded Sedale Threatt for talented Seattle Guard Sam Vincent. Charles Barkley and the Bulls would stand pat, and make another run with what they had.
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers traded disgruntled guard Jim Paxson to Atlanta for future Draft picks and added veteran free agent Maurice Lucas. Clyde Drexler fully recovered from his hamstring injury. With youngsters Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey stepping into key roles, Akeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trailblazers looked to regain their crown.
Los Angeles Lakers
The 1988-89 season would be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s last. The Lakers added veteran forward Orlando Woolridge to their bench, giving them another potent scorer. Trade rumours swirled around the Laker organisation, especially around James Worthy. Worthy had developed into a star player, twice an All Star and clearly second only to Magic Johnson in terms of value to the franchise. However, there was speculation of a rift between Worthy and Johnson. There were rumours that Magic had lobbied Jerry West to trade Worthy for Dallas star Mark Aguirre (a close friend of Johnson’s).
Coach Pat Riley was under pressure. Since their 1985 title, the Lakers had fallen behind both Houston and Portland in the Western conference. Now with Kareem’s looming retirement, speculation abounded that a time for rebuilding was at hand in LA.
Philadelphia 76ers
A month before the 1988-89 season was to begin, the basketball world was stunned by the revelations that young Sixers big man Roy Tarpley had battled and overcome serious drug problems over the past two years. Tarpley spoke out when news the continuing drug problems of former Houston Rockets guard Lewis Lloyd became public. Tarpley spoke to the media with retired Sixer legend Julius Erving by his side. Erving, he said, had taken a special interest in Tarpley, had mentored him and helped him through very difficult times. NBA Commissioner David Stern praised Tarpley for his openness.
The Sixers were ecstatic with the progress of Tarpley and young guard Kevin Johnson. In the draft they added dynamic Kentucky guard Rex Chapman to the mix. Troubled young big man Brad Sellers was left unprotected for the Expansion Draft and was gone. Sleepy Floyd had played well in Philadelphia, but now the Sixers were looking to continue their youth movement. Floyd was traded to Dallas for oft-injured guard Brad Davis and the Mavericks’ 1992 First round pick.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks had a fruitful off-season, trading picks to land centre Bill Cartwright from New York and guard Sleepy Floyd from Philadelphia. The Dallas front office hoped that these additions would lift Dallas from being a playoff also-ran to a genuine contender.
Trade rumours circulated almost daily about volatile forward Mark Aguirre, but these were flatly denied. With a line-up of Cartwright/Perkins/Aguirre/Blackman/Harper and Floyd as a sixth man, the Mavericks looked good for the upcoming season.
NEXT: The 1988-89 NBA Season
Houston Rockets
Michael Jordan and the Rockets basked in the glory of an NBA championship. Jordan was, undisputedly, the world’s best player. However, the Rockets had their issues. Veteran forward Robert Reid decided to retire, leaving a big chemistry hole for the team to fill. Swingman Craig Ehlo was lost in the Expansion Draft. There were also grave concerns about centre Ralph Sampson. He had missed numerous games over the past two seasons because of knee troubles, and in the summer he again went under the knife.
Free agents Andre Turner and World B. Free were added to the mix along with rookie centre Andrew Lang. Karl Malone and Jordan had had their differences during the title run, now the two young stars set their issues aside and began laying the ground work for their title defence.
Chicago Bulls
A week after the Finals defeat, Moses Malone resigned for two years. Chicago also resigned forward Gene Banks, and traded Sedale Threatt for talented Seattle Guard Sam Vincent. Charles Barkley and the Bulls would stand pat, and make another run with what they had.
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers traded disgruntled guard Jim Paxson to Atlanta for future Draft picks and added veteran free agent Maurice Lucas. Clyde Drexler fully recovered from his hamstring injury. With youngsters Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey stepping into key roles, Akeem Olajuwon and the Portland Trailblazers looked to regain their crown.
Los Angeles Lakers
The 1988-89 season would be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s last. The Lakers added veteran forward Orlando Woolridge to their bench, giving them another potent scorer. Trade rumours swirled around the Laker organisation, especially around James Worthy. Worthy had developed into a star player, twice an All Star and clearly second only to Magic Johnson in terms of value to the franchise. However, there was speculation of a rift between Worthy and Johnson. There were rumours that Magic had lobbied Jerry West to trade Worthy for Dallas star Mark Aguirre (a close friend of Johnson’s).
Coach Pat Riley was under pressure. Since their 1985 title, the Lakers had fallen behind both Houston and Portland in the Western conference. Now with Kareem’s looming retirement, speculation abounded that a time for rebuilding was at hand in LA.
Philadelphia 76ers
A month before the 1988-89 season was to begin, the basketball world was stunned by the revelations that young Sixers big man Roy Tarpley had battled and overcome serious drug problems over the past two years. Tarpley spoke out when news the continuing drug problems of former Houston Rockets guard Lewis Lloyd became public. Tarpley spoke to the media with retired Sixer legend Julius Erving by his side. Erving, he said, had taken a special interest in Tarpley, had mentored him and helped him through very difficult times. NBA Commissioner David Stern praised Tarpley for his openness.
The Sixers were ecstatic with the progress of Tarpley and young guard Kevin Johnson. In the draft they added dynamic Kentucky guard Rex Chapman to the mix. Troubled young big man Brad Sellers was left unprotected for the Expansion Draft and was gone. Sleepy Floyd had played well in Philadelphia, but now the Sixers were looking to continue their youth movement. Floyd was traded to Dallas for oft-injured guard Brad Davis and the Mavericks’ 1992 First round pick.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks had a fruitful off-season, trading picks to land centre Bill Cartwright from New York and guard Sleepy Floyd from Philadelphia. The Dallas front office hoped that these additions would lift Dallas from being a playoff also-ran to a genuine contender.
Trade rumours circulated almost daily about volatile forward Mark Aguirre, but these were flatly denied. With a line-up of Cartwright/Perkins/Aguirre/Blackman/Harper and Floyd as a sixth man, the Mavericks looked good for the upcoming season.
NEXT: The 1988-89 NBA Season
With the Lakers againg 3-4 years early and not winning those back to back titles, I wonder if it will impact Riley's image when it comes to Miami considering hiring him later. Probably not, he's still got the Showtime Lakers that he built, but it might not be quite as much of a threat for him to come down and coach the team if they falter.
Of course, that's a long way off, anyway. Another coach whose time is nearer is Lenny Wilkens - how long will he stay with Cleveland with them not having quite the team they did OTL? Or, does Len Bias become a star with them and they have about the team they did OTL in the late '80s and early '90s? If Wilkens is fired, it might be nice to see him get on one of those teams that wins a title, as I always liked him as a coach, even not watching basketball much he seemed like a really good one whose teams could never get past the dynasties of the era (much like Schottenheimer with the Browns/Chiefs).
Of course, that's a long way off, anyway. Another coach whose time is nearer is Lenny Wilkens - how long will he stay with Cleveland with them not having quite the team they did OTL? Or, does Len Bias become a star with them and they have about the team they did OTL in the late '80s and early '90s? If Wilkens is fired, it might be nice to see him get on one of those teams that wins a title, as I always liked him as a coach, even not watching basketball much he seemed like a really good one whose teams could never get past the dynasties of the era (much like Schottenheimer with the Browns/Chiefs).
I like this TL, hopeful for a better time of it than OTL for my Warriors (Ewing is a good start at least!).
And the Pacers have their Reggie Miller in Ricky Pierce, it's going to be fun seeing him blossom into a star while Manning and Tisdale develop into a brutal one-two punch in the frontcourt. Brian Shaw should make a great clutch sixth man for them too.
Hmmm....wonder if the Lakers falling off the rails a bit will butterfly Magic Johnson's HIV?
Hmmm....wonder if the Lakers falling off the rails a bit will butterfly Magic Johnson's HIV?
The 1988-89 NBA Season
Houston’s season
The Rockets began the season with Ralph Sampson on the sidelines. He was expected back sometime around the All Star break. However, Michael Jordan had no intention of letting Sampson’s ongoing knee problem ruin Houston’s title defence. Jordan was simply magnificent (33.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 7.2apg, 2.9 spg), putting together a third consecutive MVP season. Karl Malone (23.9ppg, 11.5rpg) was also in fine form and the two stars led the Rockets to a 15-1 start to the season.
Houston would come back to earth however. As the season progressed, the loss of Robert Reid and injury problems for key role players Jay Humphries and Jim Petersen took their toll. In January the Rockets dropped six consecutive games. When Sampson returned in February, he managed just seven games before he broke down with another knee injury. He would never wear a Rockets uniform again.
Coach Bill Fitch was also having problems. Fitch, known for his fiery temper, had several altercations with Malone, who tired of the coaches’ demands. Jordan was also growing weary of Fitch. Many wondered how long he would keep his job. Despite the problems, Jordan and Malone still led the Rockets to a 55-27 record and another Midwest division crown.
Portland’s season
Akeem Olajuwon elevated his play to new levels in the ’88-89 season. He had a career year (27.1ppg, 12.5rpg, 3.7bpg), won another Defensive Player of the Year award, and finished third in the MVP voting. Led by Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler (23.6ppg) the Trailblazers compiled a 57-25 record, the second best mark in the Western Conference, two wins behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
Olajuwon and Drexler were All Stars, and Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey both made strong contributions as the Blazers set a league best 36-5 mark at home.
LA Laker’s season
Magic Johnson put together his best ever season (21.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 11.5apg), finishing second in the MVP voting. Led by Magic, James Worthy (23.5ppg) and Byron Scott (20.5ppg) the Lakers were strong all season and finished with a 59-23 mark, the best in the league.
The Lakers enjoyed the luxury of the strongest bench in the NBA, with Michael Cooper, Frank Brickowski and Orlando Woolridge all making important contributions. Second year centre Mark West produced an impressive sophomore season, and Kareem was as steady as ever.
Golden State’s season
Under Don Nelson, the Warriors finished 45-37, good for third in the Pacific division. Patrick Ewing (21.6ppg, 11.5rpg, 2.9bpg) continued to improve, finishing second to Olajuwon in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Ewing and Michael Cage gave Golden State one of the league’s toughest inside combos.
Young point guard Kenny Smith continued to develop well under the tutelage of veteran Mo Cheeks. Dell Curry had become one of the deadliest shooters in the NBA, but he was streaky, inconsistent. The Warriors were considered by many to be one of the best young up and coming teams in the league.
Dallas’ season
The Mavericks used their improved depth to good effect and posted a 50-32 record. Led by All Stars Mark Aguirre (22.5ppg) and Rolando Blackman (21.0ppg), Dallas had one of the league’s most potent offensive attacks. Sleepy Floyd was a strong asset, winning the league’s Sixth Man Award. Sam Perkins and Derek Harper both had career years. Many people considered Dallas to be a sleeper championship contender.
Utah’s season
The Utah Jazz had a solid season, finishing 46-36. Point guard John Stockton (14.4ppg, 13.5aps, 2.7spg) had already developed into one of the NBA’s best players and made his first All Star game. Ron Harper and Buck Williams both had consistent years. Some people were critical of coach Frank Layden, believing the that Jazz’s talented group was capable of more, and had failed to take the next step towards true contention.
Chicago’s season
The Bulls stormed to a 57-25 record, the best in the Eastern conference. Charles Barkley (25.8ppg, 13.3rpg) was again a transcendent star, and Joe Dumars (17.5ppg, 4.3apg) had the best season of his career so far.
Reggie Lewis (15.6ppg) was moved into the starting line-up, and thrived in a bigger role. Moses Malone (15.8ppg, 11.5rpg) took a lesser offensive role, and concentrated on defence and rebounding, anchoring Chicago’s excellent team defence.
Philadelphia’s season
The rebuilding Sixers suffered through another losing season, but their 36-46 record was an improvement, and it was enough to return them to the post season. Kevin Johnson (15.9ppg, 7.7apg) blossomed in his second season and Roy Tarpley (18.9ppg, 12.6rpg) made the All Star team for the first time in his career. Rex Chapman had an inconsistent but exciting rookie campaign.
New York’s season
The Knicks were definitely a team on the rise in ’88-89, they compiled a 48-34 record and won the Atlantic division. Brad Daugherty (19.6ppg, 10.5rpg), Chris Mullin (20.9ppg) and Mark Jackson (12.0ppg, 8.5apg) formed one of the NBA’s most promising young cores.
Indiana’s season
Danny Manning (17.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.5apg) was a clear choice as Rookie of the Year. He led the Pacers to a 41-41 mark, a 13 game improvement. Ricky Pierce enjoyed a career year with a bigger role on his new team. Wayman Tisdale was solid. Brian Shaw enjoyed an impressive rookie season, making his way into the rotation early and becoming the Pacer’s Sixth man. The Pacers made the playoffs.
The League
In the Eastern conference, the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons (55-27) and the Atlanta Hawks (54-28) had the top records. Detroit had the league’s toughest defence and led by super star Isaiah Thomas, the looked like a real contender for the title. Atlanta on the other had possessed the awesome offensive talents of Dominique Wilkins and Tom Chambers.
The Atlantic division was a mess however. Before the season Larry Bird succumbed to bone spurs and Achilles troubles and opted for surgery. He would miss the entire season. In his absence, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Danny Ainge played valiantly to keep the Celtics competitive. Boston finished with a 45-37 record, second in the Atlantic.
Len Bias (23.1ppg, 7.5rpg) and promising rookie Dan Majerle helped Cleveland to a 35-47 record, Cleveland beat out Milwaukee on the season’s final day for the last playoff spot.
In Charlotte, Sam Bowie was making a new beginning. He began the season with a clean bill of health, and managed 65 games. He had the best season of his career (11.5ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.4bpg), the expansion Hornets finished 19-63. In New Jersey, rookie guard Mitch Richmond (20.3ppg) was superb, but the team stank with a 26-56 record.
In the Western conference, the San Antonio Spurs were the league’s worst team with a 14-68 record, trailing even the newcomers from Miami (16-66). The Los Angeles Clippers (25-57) had an injury riddled season and were also Lottery bound. Denver were bad too (29-53).
The Phoenix Suns finished 38-44, with rookie centre Rik Smits looking very promising. Larry Nance made the All Star team, and the Suns were back in the playoffs. Sacramento were a Lottery team, but second-year guard Reggie Miller (19.9ppg) was a bright spot.
The Seattle Supersonics were one of the league’s most exciting and deep teams. Behind the play of star Xavier McDaniel, young Scottie Pippen, sharp shooter Dale Ellis and dynamic point guard Muggsy Bogues, the Sonics finished 44-38.
Playoff Standings:
East West
Chicago (57-25) LA Lakers (59-23)
New York (48-34) Houston (55-27)
Detroit (55-27) Portland (57-25)
Atlanta (54-28) Dallas (50-32)
Boston (45-37) Utah (46-36)
Indiana (41-41) Golden State (45-37)
Philadelphia (36-46) Seattle (44-38)
Cleveland (35-47) Phoenix (38-44)
NEXT: The 1989 NBA Playoffs
Houston’s season
The Rockets began the season with Ralph Sampson on the sidelines. He was expected back sometime around the All Star break. However, Michael Jordan had no intention of letting Sampson’s ongoing knee problem ruin Houston’s title defence. Jordan was simply magnificent (33.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 7.2apg, 2.9 spg), putting together a third consecutive MVP season. Karl Malone (23.9ppg, 11.5rpg) was also in fine form and the two stars led the Rockets to a 15-1 start to the season.
Houston would come back to earth however. As the season progressed, the loss of Robert Reid and injury problems for key role players Jay Humphries and Jim Petersen took their toll. In January the Rockets dropped six consecutive games. When Sampson returned in February, he managed just seven games before he broke down with another knee injury. He would never wear a Rockets uniform again.
Coach Bill Fitch was also having problems. Fitch, known for his fiery temper, had several altercations with Malone, who tired of the coaches’ demands. Jordan was also growing weary of Fitch. Many wondered how long he would keep his job. Despite the problems, Jordan and Malone still led the Rockets to a 55-27 record and another Midwest division crown.
Portland’s season
Akeem Olajuwon elevated his play to new levels in the ’88-89 season. He had a career year (27.1ppg, 12.5rpg, 3.7bpg), won another Defensive Player of the Year award, and finished third in the MVP voting. Led by Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler (23.6ppg) the Trailblazers compiled a 57-25 record, the second best mark in the Western Conference, two wins behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
Olajuwon and Drexler were All Stars, and Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey both made strong contributions as the Blazers set a league best 36-5 mark at home.
LA Laker’s season
Magic Johnson put together his best ever season (21.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 11.5apg), finishing second in the MVP voting. Led by Magic, James Worthy (23.5ppg) and Byron Scott (20.5ppg) the Lakers were strong all season and finished with a 59-23 mark, the best in the league.
The Lakers enjoyed the luxury of the strongest bench in the NBA, with Michael Cooper, Frank Brickowski and Orlando Woolridge all making important contributions. Second year centre Mark West produced an impressive sophomore season, and Kareem was as steady as ever.
Golden State’s season
Under Don Nelson, the Warriors finished 45-37, good for third in the Pacific division. Patrick Ewing (21.6ppg, 11.5rpg, 2.9bpg) continued to improve, finishing second to Olajuwon in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. Ewing and Michael Cage gave Golden State one of the league’s toughest inside combos.
Young point guard Kenny Smith continued to develop well under the tutelage of veteran Mo Cheeks. Dell Curry had become one of the deadliest shooters in the NBA, but he was streaky, inconsistent. The Warriors were considered by many to be one of the best young up and coming teams in the league.
Dallas’ season
The Mavericks used their improved depth to good effect and posted a 50-32 record. Led by All Stars Mark Aguirre (22.5ppg) and Rolando Blackman (21.0ppg), Dallas had one of the league’s most potent offensive attacks. Sleepy Floyd was a strong asset, winning the league’s Sixth Man Award. Sam Perkins and Derek Harper both had career years. Many people considered Dallas to be a sleeper championship contender.
Utah’s season
The Utah Jazz had a solid season, finishing 46-36. Point guard John Stockton (14.4ppg, 13.5aps, 2.7spg) had already developed into one of the NBA’s best players and made his first All Star game. Ron Harper and Buck Williams both had consistent years. Some people were critical of coach Frank Layden, believing the that Jazz’s talented group was capable of more, and had failed to take the next step towards true contention.
Chicago’s season
The Bulls stormed to a 57-25 record, the best in the Eastern conference. Charles Barkley (25.8ppg, 13.3rpg) was again a transcendent star, and Joe Dumars (17.5ppg, 4.3apg) had the best season of his career so far.
Reggie Lewis (15.6ppg) was moved into the starting line-up, and thrived in a bigger role. Moses Malone (15.8ppg, 11.5rpg) took a lesser offensive role, and concentrated on defence and rebounding, anchoring Chicago’s excellent team defence.
Philadelphia’s season
The rebuilding Sixers suffered through another losing season, but their 36-46 record was an improvement, and it was enough to return them to the post season. Kevin Johnson (15.9ppg, 7.7apg) blossomed in his second season and Roy Tarpley (18.9ppg, 12.6rpg) made the All Star team for the first time in his career. Rex Chapman had an inconsistent but exciting rookie campaign.
New York’s season
The Knicks were definitely a team on the rise in ’88-89, they compiled a 48-34 record and won the Atlantic division. Brad Daugherty (19.6ppg, 10.5rpg), Chris Mullin (20.9ppg) and Mark Jackson (12.0ppg, 8.5apg) formed one of the NBA’s most promising young cores.
Indiana’s season
Danny Manning (17.5ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.5apg) was a clear choice as Rookie of the Year. He led the Pacers to a 41-41 mark, a 13 game improvement. Ricky Pierce enjoyed a career year with a bigger role on his new team. Wayman Tisdale was solid. Brian Shaw enjoyed an impressive rookie season, making his way into the rotation early and becoming the Pacer’s Sixth man. The Pacers made the playoffs.
The League
In the Eastern conference, the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons (55-27) and the Atlanta Hawks (54-28) had the top records. Detroit had the league’s toughest defence and led by super star Isaiah Thomas, the looked like a real contender for the title. Atlanta on the other had possessed the awesome offensive talents of Dominique Wilkins and Tom Chambers.
The Atlantic division was a mess however. Before the season Larry Bird succumbed to bone spurs and Achilles troubles and opted for surgery. He would miss the entire season. In his absence, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Danny Ainge played valiantly to keep the Celtics competitive. Boston finished with a 45-37 record, second in the Atlantic.
Len Bias (23.1ppg, 7.5rpg) and promising rookie Dan Majerle helped Cleveland to a 35-47 record, Cleveland beat out Milwaukee on the season’s final day for the last playoff spot.
In Charlotte, Sam Bowie was making a new beginning. He began the season with a clean bill of health, and managed 65 games. He had the best season of his career (11.5ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.4bpg), the expansion Hornets finished 19-63. In New Jersey, rookie guard Mitch Richmond (20.3ppg) was superb, but the team stank with a 26-56 record.
In the Western conference, the San Antonio Spurs were the league’s worst team with a 14-68 record, trailing even the newcomers from Miami (16-66). The Los Angeles Clippers (25-57) had an injury riddled season and were also Lottery bound. Denver were bad too (29-53).
The Phoenix Suns finished 38-44, with rookie centre Rik Smits looking very promising. Larry Nance made the All Star team, and the Suns were back in the playoffs. Sacramento were a Lottery team, but second-year guard Reggie Miller (19.9ppg) was a bright spot.
The Seattle Supersonics were one of the league’s most exciting and deep teams. Behind the play of star Xavier McDaniel, young Scottie Pippen, sharp shooter Dale Ellis and dynamic point guard Muggsy Bogues, the Sonics finished 44-38.
Playoff Standings:
East West
Chicago (57-25) LA Lakers (59-23)
New York (48-34) Houston (55-27)
Detroit (55-27) Portland (57-25)
Atlanta (54-28) Dallas (50-32)
Boston (45-37) Utah (46-36)
Indiana (41-41) Golden State (45-37)
Philadelphia (36-46) Seattle (44-38)
Cleveland (35-47) Phoenix (38-44)
NEXT: The 1989 NBA Playoffs
OH! I just now remembered something.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wilson_(basketball)
If Benji Wilson's death is butterflied away and he does well in college he'd be coming out in the 1989 NBA Draft (at the latest anyway). I don't know how good he would've been but he's there if you want to throw him into the mix.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Wilson_(basketball)
If Benji Wilson's death is butterflied away and he does well in college he'd be coming out in the 1989 NBA Draft (at the latest anyway). I don't know how good he would've been but he's there if you want to throw him into the mix.
The 1989 NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference
The Chicago Bulls easily swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0 in the First round, despite Len Bias producing a 51 point explosion in game 3. Atlanta beat Boston 3-1 in a spiteful series that saw Tom Chambers and Robert Parish both suspended from the series’ final game for fighting. Detroit bullied the young Indiana Pacers, sweeping them, and New York beat Philadelphia 3-0.
In the Second round, the Pistons also swept the young and gifted New York Knicks. With Isaiah Thomas orchestrating the offense, and Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn providing the intimidation, the Pistons were in fine form.
The Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks squared off in a rematch of their classic series of a year ago. This time things would not be so close. The Hawks were banged up after a physical series against the Celtics. Tom Chambers and Hawks centre Kevin Willis were both carrying injuries. Charles Barkley was unstoppable, averaging 35.2ppg and 12.0 rpg, as the Bulls brushed the Hawks aside in five games.
In game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls dominated in front of their home crowd, winning 101-79. Barkley had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Moses Malone finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds. The Pistons had been able to physically dominate and intimidate their pervious opponents, but found the Bulls were a much tougher group.
In the second game, the Pistons bounced back with a strong effort, only to lose at the buzzer on a Reggie Lewis jump shot. The Bulls trailed 98-99 with 5.3 seconds remaining, and Chris Ford had drawn up a play for Barkley (23 points, 14 rebounds). The Piston defence had collapsed on Barkley, and he hit Lewis for the open shot to win the game 100-99. Isaiah Thomas had played a great game finishing with a triple double, 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.
The Pistons stormed to an easy win in game three, led by Thomas (25 points, 8 assists), Vinnie Johnson (21 points) and Adrian Dantley (20 points and 7 rebounds). Mahorn and Rodman teamed to frustrate Charles Barkley into a poor game, and not even 32 points from Joe Dumars was enough to avoid a 102-83 result.
Chicago would rebound though, taking game four 104-99, to claim a commanding 3-1 series lead. In a spiteful contest, three flagrant fouls were called and Piston Rick Mahorn was ejected for throwing a punch at Moses Malone. The Bulls kept their composure, and matched the Piston’s physical intensity. Barkley had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Malone had 11 points and 18 rebounds.
Detroit were down, but they were far from out. Ignited by a 33 point display from Adrian Dantley, and another virtuoso Isaiah Thomas performance (18 points, 14 assists), the Pistons stunned the Bulls in game five at Chicago Stadium. The final score line (103-94) was flattering to the Bulls, who were never really in the game.
In game six, the Pistons dominated Chicago, 97-73. They seemed to grab every loose ball, every important rebound. Led by Thomas (21 points) and Bill Laimbeer (17 points, 14 rebounds), the Pistons embarrassed the Bulls, and pushed the series to a sudden-death seventh game.
Game seven in Chicago promised high drama, but it didn’t deliver. Regrouping after the jolt of two poor losses, the Bulls took control of the game early, and enjoyed a 111-91 rout. Charles Barkley (39 points 16 rebounds) was imperious, elevating his game beyond the Piston’s ability to contain him. Joe Dumars and John Paxson hounded Detroit’s backcourt into poor shooting and poor decision making. Chicago were going back to the NBA Finals.
Western Conference
The Los Angeles Lakers had no problems with the Phoenix Suns, sweeping them 3-0. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz in four games, although two of the Mavericks wins were overtime games. Portland beat Golden State in four games, with Olajuwon and Ewing engaging in an epic struggle in the paint. In the end, the centre with the stronger team around him advanced.
However, the highest drama was occurring in the Houston-Seattle series. The defending champions were wounded, without Ralph Sampson in the middle. The young Supersonics looked to pull off an upset.
In the first two games, the Rockets were solid on their home floor with Michael Jordan and Karl Malone leading the way they staked themselves to a 2-0 lead. But in Seattle everything changed. Xavier McDaniel and Dale Ellis each had 30 points in game 3 as the Sonics won 112-99, running away with the game with a 21-4 run in the last five minutes.
In game four, Sonics point guard Muggsy Bogues carved up the Rocket’s defence dishing 20 assists. Ellis dropped 37 points and young swingmen Scottie Pippen and Nate McMillan teamed to hound Jordan into a 5/21 shooting night (Jordan had 23 points). The Sonics crushed Houston 115-89.
Facing elimination in the fifth game, the defending champion Rockets dug deep and fought hard. Jordan had 40 to lead all scorers. With the game tied at 88 with ten minutes to play, Karl Malone and Xavier McDaniel were involved in an altercation that would see both ejected for fighting. Jordan and the Rockets would survive, holding on for a 104-100 win.
In the Second round the Lakers easily brushed aside Dallas in five games, with both Magic Johnson and James Worthy outstanding. The Lakers now looked like a clear championship favourite. However everyone’s attention was really focused on the Portland-Houston series.
The Rockets stole game one on Portland’s home floor 106-99, with Jordan dominating Clyde Drexler to score 49 points. Portland rebounded with a 123-102 blowout in game 2. The Blazers would carry on their form, embarrassing Houston 109-90 in game three. The Rockets tied the series in game four (102-95) behind strong performances from Malone (30 points, 11 rebounds) and Jordan (25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).
The pivotal fifth game in Portland promised to be a modern classic. However, Akeem Olajuwon had different ideas. Without Sampson the Rockets had been unable to deal with Olajuwon effectively all series, now in this key game he exploded for 46 points, torching young Rockets centre Andrew Lang. Portland led from end to end, winning 108-96. Jordan had another triple double (31 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists) but it wasn’t enough.
Game six would be another Olajuwon showcase. He dominated all over the court, finishing with 33 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. Not even a sublime 44 point game from Michael Jordan would be enough to save the Rockets, as Portland closed out the series with a 102-96 win.
In the Western Conference finals, the Lakers jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead, with Magic Johnson and James Worthy dominating. Worthy in particular was devastating, with 38 points in game one and 41 in game two.
The Trailblazers looked to bounce back in game three, but the Lakers ambushed them, jumping out to a 37-23 lead at the first break. Portland worked hard to get back into the game, and midway through the final period they tied the game at 103. In the game’s final six minutes, James Worthy took over, scoring 13 of his 29 points. Olajuwon (30 points, 9 rebounds) fouled out with two minutes remaining, and the Lakers prevailed, 121-114 to grab a 3-0 series lead.
The Blazers avoided being swept with a 113-105 win in game four, inspired by 37 points from Drexler, but the series was no longer in doubt. The Lakers wrapped it up back home in Los Angeles with a 119-105 victory. Byron Scott and James Worthy each had 29 points.
It was a moment of redemption for the Lakers. Since their ’85 championship they had come up short against both Houston and Portland. Now they were once again kings of the Western Conference, and in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final series they would try to win their fourth title of the decade.
Five days later, the Lakers learned who their opponents would be. The Chicago Bulls survived a gruelling seven game series against the ‘Bad Boy’ Detroit Pistons. In the waning moments of the Bull’s game seven blowout victory, the Chicago Stadium crowd began to chant: “Beat LA, Beat LA”.
NEXT: The 1989 NBA Finals
Eastern Conference
The Chicago Bulls easily swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0 in the First round, despite Len Bias producing a 51 point explosion in game 3. Atlanta beat Boston 3-1 in a spiteful series that saw Tom Chambers and Robert Parish both suspended from the series’ final game for fighting. Detroit bullied the young Indiana Pacers, sweeping them, and New York beat Philadelphia 3-0.
In the Second round, the Pistons also swept the young and gifted New York Knicks. With Isaiah Thomas orchestrating the offense, and Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn providing the intimidation, the Pistons were in fine form.
The Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks squared off in a rematch of their classic series of a year ago. This time things would not be so close. The Hawks were banged up after a physical series against the Celtics. Tom Chambers and Hawks centre Kevin Willis were both carrying injuries. Charles Barkley was unstoppable, averaging 35.2ppg and 12.0 rpg, as the Bulls brushed the Hawks aside in five games.
In game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls dominated in front of their home crowd, winning 101-79. Barkley had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Moses Malone finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds. The Pistons had been able to physically dominate and intimidate their pervious opponents, but found the Bulls were a much tougher group.
In the second game, the Pistons bounced back with a strong effort, only to lose at the buzzer on a Reggie Lewis jump shot. The Bulls trailed 98-99 with 5.3 seconds remaining, and Chris Ford had drawn up a play for Barkley (23 points, 14 rebounds). The Piston defence had collapsed on Barkley, and he hit Lewis for the open shot to win the game 100-99. Isaiah Thomas had played a great game finishing with a triple double, 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.
The Pistons stormed to an easy win in game three, led by Thomas (25 points, 8 assists), Vinnie Johnson (21 points) and Adrian Dantley (20 points and 7 rebounds). Mahorn and Rodman teamed to frustrate Charles Barkley into a poor game, and not even 32 points from Joe Dumars was enough to avoid a 102-83 result.
Chicago would rebound though, taking game four 104-99, to claim a commanding 3-1 series lead. In a spiteful contest, three flagrant fouls were called and Piston Rick Mahorn was ejected for throwing a punch at Moses Malone. The Bulls kept their composure, and matched the Piston’s physical intensity. Barkley had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Malone had 11 points and 18 rebounds.
Detroit were down, but they were far from out. Ignited by a 33 point display from Adrian Dantley, and another virtuoso Isaiah Thomas performance (18 points, 14 assists), the Pistons stunned the Bulls in game five at Chicago Stadium. The final score line (103-94) was flattering to the Bulls, who were never really in the game.
In game six, the Pistons dominated Chicago, 97-73. They seemed to grab every loose ball, every important rebound. Led by Thomas (21 points) and Bill Laimbeer (17 points, 14 rebounds), the Pistons embarrassed the Bulls, and pushed the series to a sudden-death seventh game.
Game seven in Chicago promised high drama, but it didn’t deliver. Regrouping after the jolt of two poor losses, the Bulls took control of the game early, and enjoyed a 111-91 rout. Charles Barkley (39 points 16 rebounds) was imperious, elevating his game beyond the Piston’s ability to contain him. Joe Dumars and John Paxson hounded Detroit’s backcourt into poor shooting and poor decision making. Chicago were going back to the NBA Finals.
Western Conference
The Los Angeles Lakers had no problems with the Phoenix Suns, sweeping them 3-0. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz in four games, although two of the Mavericks wins were overtime games. Portland beat Golden State in four games, with Olajuwon and Ewing engaging in an epic struggle in the paint. In the end, the centre with the stronger team around him advanced.
However, the highest drama was occurring in the Houston-Seattle series. The defending champions were wounded, without Ralph Sampson in the middle. The young Supersonics looked to pull off an upset.
In the first two games, the Rockets were solid on their home floor with Michael Jordan and Karl Malone leading the way they staked themselves to a 2-0 lead. But in Seattle everything changed. Xavier McDaniel and Dale Ellis each had 30 points in game 3 as the Sonics won 112-99, running away with the game with a 21-4 run in the last five minutes.
In game four, Sonics point guard Muggsy Bogues carved up the Rocket’s defence dishing 20 assists. Ellis dropped 37 points and young swingmen Scottie Pippen and Nate McMillan teamed to hound Jordan into a 5/21 shooting night (Jordan had 23 points). The Sonics crushed Houston 115-89.
Facing elimination in the fifth game, the defending champion Rockets dug deep and fought hard. Jordan had 40 to lead all scorers. With the game tied at 88 with ten minutes to play, Karl Malone and Xavier McDaniel were involved in an altercation that would see both ejected for fighting. Jordan and the Rockets would survive, holding on for a 104-100 win.
In the Second round the Lakers easily brushed aside Dallas in five games, with both Magic Johnson and James Worthy outstanding. The Lakers now looked like a clear championship favourite. However everyone’s attention was really focused on the Portland-Houston series.
The Rockets stole game one on Portland’s home floor 106-99, with Jordan dominating Clyde Drexler to score 49 points. Portland rebounded with a 123-102 blowout in game 2. The Blazers would carry on their form, embarrassing Houston 109-90 in game three. The Rockets tied the series in game four (102-95) behind strong performances from Malone (30 points, 11 rebounds) and Jordan (25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).
The pivotal fifth game in Portland promised to be a modern classic. However, Akeem Olajuwon had different ideas. Without Sampson the Rockets had been unable to deal with Olajuwon effectively all series, now in this key game he exploded for 46 points, torching young Rockets centre Andrew Lang. Portland led from end to end, winning 108-96. Jordan had another triple double (31 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists) but it wasn’t enough.
Game six would be another Olajuwon showcase. He dominated all over the court, finishing with 33 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. Not even a sublime 44 point game from Michael Jordan would be enough to save the Rockets, as Portland closed out the series with a 102-96 win.
In the Western Conference finals, the Lakers jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead, with Magic Johnson and James Worthy dominating. Worthy in particular was devastating, with 38 points in game one and 41 in game two.
The Trailblazers looked to bounce back in game three, but the Lakers ambushed them, jumping out to a 37-23 lead at the first break. Portland worked hard to get back into the game, and midway through the final period they tied the game at 103. In the game’s final six minutes, James Worthy took over, scoring 13 of his 29 points. Olajuwon (30 points, 9 rebounds) fouled out with two minutes remaining, and the Lakers prevailed, 121-114 to grab a 3-0 series lead.
The Blazers avoided being swept with a 113-105 win in game four, inspired by 37 points from Drexler, but the series was no longer in doubt. The Lakers wrapped it up back home in Los Angeles with a 119-105 victory. Byron Scott and James Worthy each had 29 points.
It was a moment of redemption for the Lakers. Since their ’85 championship they had come up short against both Houston and Portland. Now they were once again kings of the Western Conference, and in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final series they would try to win their fourth title of the decade.
Five days later, the Lakers learned who their opponents would be. The Chicago Bulls survived a gruelling seven game series against the ‘Bad Boy’ Detroit Pistons. In the waning moments of the Bull’s game seven blowout victory, the Chicago Stadium crowd began to chant: “Beat LA, Beat LA”.
NEXT: The 1989 NBA Finals
Mercenarius
Banned
Now the '89 Finals will be exciting.
Will Barkley finally get his moment of glory, or will it be Jabbar that gets his last great victory?
Will Barkley finally get his moment of glory, or will it be Jabbar that gets his last great victory?
I love this timeline so far, but I do have one criticism. I'm not seeing enough close games. A lot of these scores have teams winning by at least 10 points and I think it would be more realistic is you had more games decided by 6 or less points.
The'84 Draft: A Forever Different NBA
The 1989 NBA Finals – Lead Up
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls entered the 1989 NBA Finals in search of redemption. For the Bulls, the memory of the heartbreaking loss to Houston a year earlier was still fresh and raw. The Bull’s players had played all season with a sense of mission, and an angry resolve. For the Lakers, just getting back to the Finals had been a major accomplishment, now they sought to cap the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final season with a championship.
The Lakers were regarded by many as a slight favourite. They had home court advantage, and they had also enjoyed a five day layoff while the Bulls had to fight tooth and nail to survive the withering challenge of the Detroit Pistons. That series had been like a heavyweight boxing match, and many Bulls players were feeling bruised and battered. But, under coach Chris Ford, this Chicago team had shown a remarkable resilience, and they felt confident entering their second consecutive Finals.
In the lead up to game one, the media had descended upon both teams as they prepared. It was only inevitable that Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley would be the men who shined the brightest for the cameras. Magic wore a permanent smile, joking and kidding with reporters and team mates. He spoke of his respect and admiration for Kareem, and of the team’s desire to send off their legendary captain in the best possible style.
Barkley on the other hand was full of intensity. He talked about all of the challenges that his team had faced over the last three seasons, and how he genuinely believed that this group was destined to win a championship. When asked about the red hot James Worthy, Barkley said he respected Worthy’s game, but he was going to make a point of “knocking him on his ass” whenever possible. He laughed when asked if AC Green and Frank Brickowski could guard him. He called Byron Scott a “sissy”.
Laker coach Pat Riley knew he had a deeper team. His strategy for the series was simple. The Lakers needed to dictate the tempo of the games. No team in the league could beat LA in a running game. Chicago had a solid half-court offense. The Lakers would look to scramble the game whenever possible, to not allow Barkley and Moses Malone to play to their strengths.
For the Bulls, no one had more pressure on him than Joe Dumars. He was one of the best defensive players in the NBA, but his matchup with Magic Johnson would most likely decide the series. If Magic was allowed to control the tempo of the games, the Lakers would surely win.
Game one would be at the Forum, in Los Angeles.
NEXT: Games 1-3 of the NBA Finals
The 1989 NBA Finals – Lead Up
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls entered the 1989 NBA Finals in search of redemption. For the Bulls, the memory of the heartbreaking loss to Houston a year earlier was still fresh and raw. The Bull’s players had played all season with a sense of mission, and an angry resolve. For the Lakers, just getting back to the Finals had been a major accomplishment, now they sought to cap the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final season with a championship.
The Lakers were regarded by many as a slight favourite. They had home court advantage, and they had also enjoyed a five day layoff while the Bulls had to fight tooth and nail to survive the withering challenge of the Detroit Pistons. That series had been like a heavyweight boxing match, and many Bulls players were feeling bruised and battered. But, under coach Chris Ford, this Chicago team had shown a remarkable resilience, and they felt confident entering their second consecutive Finals.
In the lead up to game one, the media had descended upon both teams as they prepared. It was only inevitable that Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley would be the men who shined the brightest for the cameras. Magic wore a permanent smile, joking and kidding with reporters and team mates. He spoke of his respect and admiration for Kareem, and of the team’s desire to send off their legendary captain in the best possible style.
Barkley on the other hand was full of intensity. He talked about all of the challenges that his team had faced over the last three seasons, and how he genuinely believed that this group was destined to win a championship. When asked about the red hot James Worthy, Barkley said he respected Worthy’s game, but he was going to make a point of “knocking him on his ass” whenever possible. He laughed when asked if AC Green and Frank Brickowski could guard him. He called Byron Scott a “sissy”.
Laker coach Pat Riley knew he had a deeper team. His strategy for the series was simple. The Lakers needed to dictate the tempo of the games. No team in the league could beat LA in a running game. Chicago had a solid half-court offense. The Lakers would look to scramble the game whenever possible, to not allow Barkley and Moses Malone to play to their strengths.
For the Bulls, no one had more pressure on him than Joe Dumars. He was one of the best defensive players in the NBA, but his matchup with Magic Johnson would most likely decide the series. If Magic was allowed to control the tempo of the games, the Lakers would surely win.
Game one would be at the Forum, in Los Angeles.
NEXT: Games 1-3 of the NBA Finals
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