Clyde Drexler Then and Now

Clyde Drexler Then

Clyde Drexler, born on June 22, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, spent most of his formative years in the South Park area of Houston, Texas.

Growing up in Houston, he attended high school where he initially played baseball and struggled to join the basketball team. 

It wasn’t until his senior year that he made the basketball team, and his performances quickly garnered the attention of college scouts in 1979. 

This turning point marked the beginning of Drexler’s journey to becoming a basketball legend.

After graduating from high school in 1980, Drexler received scholarship offers from several prestigious educational institutions, including New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston. 

His strong ties to his hometown led him to choose the University of Houston, where he majored in finance and worked at a bank during the summer. 

Despite some initial skepticism from fans regarding his basketball abilities, Drexler soon proved his worth with outstanding performances on the court.

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His dunking prowess and driving skills quickly made him a standout player for the University of Houston.

Drexler’s college career was marked by his remarkable athleticism and ability to make game-changing plays. 

He gained widespread recognition for his contributions to the University of Houston’s basketball program, setting numerous records and showcasing his potential to excel at the professional level.

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As a junior, Drexler declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, confident in his abilities and ready to take the next step in his basketball career. 

His time at the University of Houston laid a strong foundation for what would become an illustrious career in the NBA, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

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Clyde Drexler Career History

Clyde Drexler began his illustrious NBA career when he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 14th overall pick in the 1983 NBA draft. 

His rookie season was relatively slow, as he struggled to find his rhythm and secure substantial playing time.

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However, by his second season, Drexler had earned more minutes on the court, and by his third season, he was already recognized as a rising star, earning his first All-Star team selection. 

During the 1989-1990 season, Drexler led the Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals, though they were ultimately defeated by the Detroit Pistons in five games. 

Despite this setback, Portland continued to perform well in the subsequent seasons, enjoying some of the best years in the franchise’s history.

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In 1992, Drexler’s talent was further validated when he joined the Gold-medal-winning US Olympic basketball team, known as the “Dream Team.” 

His career took a significant turn three years later when he was traded to the Houston Rockets. 

The trade came at a time when Portland’s performance had declined, and it was evident that the team was no longer a championship contender.

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Drexler’s move to Houston was driven by two main goals: to return to his hometown and to win an NBA championship. Remarkably, he achieved both objectives.

The Houston Rockets’ victory in the 1995 NBA Finals was one of the most memorable upsets in NBA history. 

Despite a lackluster regular season, the Rockets transformed during the playoffs. Drexler, alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, played a crucial role in this dramatic turnaround, propelling the team to the top.

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The Rockets faced the Orlando Magic in the Finals and secured a stunning victory with a clean sweep. 

This championship marked Drexler’s last appearance in the NBA Finals, capping his performance with an impressive average of 21.5 points per game. 

Drexler continued to play for three more seasons before retiring in 1998. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with various teams over the next few years. 

Drexler’s career remains a testament to his resilience, skill, and enduring impact on the game of basketball.

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Clyde Drexler Height

Clyde Drexler, standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters), brought a remarkable combination of height, athleticism, and skill to the basketball court. 

His impressive stature allowed him to excel as a shooting guard and small forward, positions where his versatility and agility were key assets. 

This height, combined with his exceptional leaping ability and coordination, made him a formidable opponent on both ends of the court.

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Drexler’s physical attributes, along with his dedication and hard work, played a significant role in his successful career, enabling him to perform at a high level throughout his time in the NBA.

Clyde Drexler Retirement

Clyde Drexler retired from professional basketball at the age of 35, expressing a desire to leave the game on his own terms while still performing at a “high level.” 

His decision to retire at this point in his career underscored his commitment to excellence and his wish to be remembered for his peak performance rather than a decline. 

Drexler’s retirement came at a time when he had firmly established himself as one of the most accomplished players in NBA history.

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At the time of his retirement, Drexler was one of only three players in NBA history to achieve the remarkable milestone of 20,000 points, 6,000 assists, and 6,000 rebounds. 

This exclusive achievement highlighted his versatility and all-around contributions to the game. 

Drexler was not just a prolific scorer but also an adept playmaker and a strong rebounder, making him a well-rounded and invaluable player on the court.

Drexler’s ability to maintain a high level of play throughout his career was a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and basketball intelligence.

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His decision to retire while still performing at an elite level ensured that he left the game with his legacy intact, celebrated as one of the greatest players in NBA history. 

Drexler’s career remains a benchmark for aspiring basketball players, showcasing the importance of excellence, versatility, and leaving the sport on one’s own terms.

Clyde Drexler Wife

After divorcing his first wife in 2011, Clyde Drexler found love again and married his second wife, Tonya, in 2014. 

This new chapter in his personal life brought stability and happiness, allowing him to focus on his post-basketball endeavors and family. 

Drexler’s journey through personal and professional highs and lows reflects his resilience and ability to adapt to change.

Drexler is a proud father of four children, a role he has embraced with the same dedication and commitment he demonstrated on the basketball court. 

Balancing his responsibilities as a father with his career, Drexler has managed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for his children. 

His experiences as a professional athlete and public figure have undoubtedly shaped his approach to parenting, instilling values of perseverance, hard work, and integrity in his family.

Clyde Drexler’s life beyond basketball showcases his multifaceted personality and his ability to thrive in various aspects of life. 

His marriage to Tonya and his role as a father highlight the importance of family and personal relationships in his journey. 

Despite the challenges and transitions, Drexler has continued to build a legacy that extends beyond his athletic achievements, emphasizing the significance of personal fulfillment and family bonds.

Clyde Drexler Now

At 62 years old, Clyde Austin Drexler continues to have a significant impact on the basketball world, leveraging his extensive experience and passion for the sport in his role as the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league. 

As an American former professional basketball player, Drexler’s transition from an NBA legend to an influential figure in the Big3 league highlights his enduring commitment to the game and his desire to contribute to its evolution.

The Big3 league, known for its fast-paced and competitive 3-on-3 format, benefits greatly from Drexler’s leadership and vision. 

His experience as a player who reached the pinnacle of professional basketball provides valuable insights into player management, league operations, and the overall growth of the sport. 

Under Drexler’s guidance, the league has continued to attract former NBA stars and has gained popularity among basketball fans, further solidifying its place in the sports entertainment landscape.

Drexler’s current role as commissioner allows him to stay connected to the game he loves while also fostering a new platform for retired players to showcase their skills and remain engaged with the basketball community. 

His contributions to the Big3 league are a testament to his dedication to advancing the sport and providing opportunities for athletes to extend their careers in a competitive and entertaining environment.

At 62, Clyde Drexler remains a prominent and respected figure in basketball, with a legacy that spans both his illustrious playing career and his influential role in shaping the future of the sport through the Big3 league. 

His continued involvement in basketball underscores his passion and commitment to the game, inspiring both current and future generations of players and fans.

Clyde Drexler’s Net Worth

Clyde Drexler, a retired American professional basketball player, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million.

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