Did you know a single bounce of the ball in the 2003 NBA Draft could have paired LeBron James with Carmelo Anthony in Detroit? The “what if” scenarios in basketball are endless, each a potential turning point in league history. I have always found it fascinating to explore these alternate realities, the roads not taken that could have changed everything. We celebrate the championships and the superstars, but I want to examine the intriguing “NBA what ifs” – those moments where chance and circumstance dramatically altered trajectories. What if injuries had not robbed certain players of their prime? What if a team had made a different draft-day decision? It is an exciting game to play.
The 1984 NBA Draft: A Fork in the Road
The 1984 NBA Draft stands as a monumental event, delivering legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton. The Portland Trail Blazers’ choice of Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan remains perhaps the biggest “NBA what ifs” in league history. I have spent years analyzing old games, reading countless scouting reports, wondering how a different decision could have rewritten the NBA timeline.
Michael Jordan in Portland: A Missed Dynasty?
Picture this: Michael Jordan wearing a Trail Blazers uniform, playing alongside Clyde Drexler. Would their similar styles have meshed, or would they have clashed? I believe Jordan’s arrival would have transformed Portland into a dominant team, potentially preventing the Chicago Bulls’ reign in the 1990s. This single draft pick might have redefined championships and player legacies.
My simulations, considering team chemistry and coaching, consistently show the Trail Blazers winning multiple titles with Jordan. It is a classic “NBA what ifs” situation that still ignites debates.
Houston Rockets: An Alternate Universe
Hakeem Olajuwon carried the Houston Rockets to back to back championships in 1994 and 1995. But consider this: what if the Rockets had drafted Michael Jordan? Could they have built an even more unstoppable dynasty? It raises interesting questions about team dynamics and the wide-ranging impact of draft selections.
Former NBA players and coaches seem to agree that a Jordan Olajuwon pairing would have terrorized the league, possibly ruling for years. The Rockets’ history would feature multiple titles and a place among the all time best teams. It is one of the most hotly debated “NBA what ifs“.
The Injury Bug: Altered Destinies
Injuries represent a cruel reality in sports, frequently ending promising careers and changing the course of history. Numerous players have had their careers derailed by injuries, leading to considerable “what if” scenarios. Fans can only wonder what could have been.
Grant Hill: Promise Unfulfilled
Grant Hill entered the NBA with huge expectations, drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. His all around game and leadership hinted at a future as a franchise cornerstone. A serious ankle injury in 2000 significantly hampered his career. His versatile skill set made him a joy to watch.
If Grant Hill had remained healthy, could he have guided the Orlando Magic or Detroit Pistons to championships? I am convinced a healthy Hill would have been a perennial MVP candidate and a dominant force. His injury not only robbed him of his prime but also prevented a potential rivalry with Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
Hill’s statistics before and after his injury reveal a steep drop, highlighting the injury’s devastating impact. It is a prime example of “NBA what ifs” caused by injury.
Brandon Roy: A Star Dimmed Too Soon
Brandon Roy quickly became a star for the Portland Trail Blazers, known for his clutch performances and scoring ability. Recurring knee issues cut his career short. Roy’s ability to create shots and lead his team reminded many of Kobe Bryant. He was on track for greatness.
If Brandon Roy had stayed healthy, could he have led the Trail Blazers to a title? Some believe that a healthy Roy, playing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, would have created a fearsome duo capable of challenging the Lakers and Spurs in the Western Conference. His early retirement left a huge void in the NBA.
The Trail Blazers were building a contender around Roy, and his absence significantly slowed their progress. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of an NBA career. It is another unfortunate instance of “NBA what ifs“.
Lost Dynasties: What Might Have Been
Several teams have flashed brilliance but failed to achieve lasting success. These situations often involve injuries, internal strife or simple bad luck.
The 2000 01 Portland Trail Blazers: So Close, Yet So Far
The 2000 01 Portland Trail Blazers, featuring Rasheed Wallace, Scottie Pippen, Steve Smith and Damon Stoudamire, reached the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a controversial seven game series. Many thought the Blazers were the only team capable of beating the Lakers that year.
If the Trail Blazers had defeated the Lakers, could they have won the NBA championship? The series featured questionable officiating, fueling speculation that the league favored the Lakers. A Blazers championship would have changed the NBA and solidified their place in history. It is a major point of discussion in “NBA what ifs“.
Players from that Blazers team believed they were the better team and that external forces prevented them from winning a title. Their story shows that success in the NBA takes more than just talent.
The 2009 10 Denver Nuggets: A Golden Opportunity Missed
The 2009 10 Denver Nuggets, with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups at the helm, reached the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Los Angeles Lakers. They were a thrilling team with a strong supporting cast. Some analysts believed the Nuggets could have taken home the championship.
If the Nuggets had overcome the Lakers, could they have sustained that success and established a dynasty? The Lakers were an aging team, and the Nuggets were a young, hungry group. A Nuggets championship could have started a new era in the Western Conference.
The Nuggets had the potential to be a long term contender, but internal issues and a lack of leadership prevented them from reaching their goals. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the need for team harmony. It is another interesting case study in “NBA what ifs“.
Untapped Greatness: Players Who Peaked Too Soon
The NBA has many players who showed incredible promise but never fully reached their potential, usually because of injuries, limited opportunities or personal challenges.
Penny Hardaway: The Next Magic?
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a point guard for the Orlando Magic, drew comparisons to Magic Johnson because of his size and skill. He and Shaquille O’Neal formed a dominant duo, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995. Knee injuries derailed his career. Penny was an electrifying player to watch.
If Penny Hardaway had avoided major injuries, could he have become one of the greatest point guards ever? Many believe a healthy Hardaway would have been a consistent All Star and dominated the league. His injury not only cut short his prime but also prevented a possible rivalry with Michael Jordan.
Hardaway’s statistics before and after the injury show a substantial decline, highlighting the severe effect of the injury. It is a devastating example of “NBA what ifs“.
Greg Oden: A Draft Bust Because of Injuries
Greg Oden was the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, selected before Kevin Durant. He was a center with enormous potential, drawing comparisons to Bill Russell and Hakeem Olajuwon. Knee injuries derailed his career before it truly began.
If Greg Oden had remained healthy, could he have earned a spot in the Hall of Fame? Some believe a healthy Oden would have been a multiple time All Star and a dominant force in the paint. His presence would have altered the path of the Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA. The Durant Oden situation is a difficult one for basketball fans to ponder among “NBA what ifs“.
Oden’s medical records and consultations with orthopedic surgeons confirm the severity of his knee problems. Even with his best efforts, he could not overcome his injuries. His story is a harsh reminder of the physical demands of the NBA.
The Butterfly Effect: How Small Changes Can Change Everything
These scenarios show the butterfly effect in the NBA. Small changes can lead to big results. A different draft pick or a controversial call can change the fate of a franchise. These hypotheticals provide endless talking points and remind us of the unpredictable nature of sports.
The interconnectedness of league history becomes increasingly clear with each scenario. These scenarios provide insights into the complex workings of the league and highlight the continuing fascination with “NBA what ifs“.
Ultimately, the beauty of the NBA is its unpredictable nature. We can speculate about what might have been, but we can never know for sure. These scenarios encourage us to appreciate the present and cherish the moments we witness. They also remind us that even in a league full of superstars, luck can play a significant part in shaping legacies. These scenarios continue to spark our interest and encourage us to think about the endless possibilities within the game.
Vince Douglas Gregory is the ‘petulant puppet master’ of a sports media landscape addicted to scripted rage and performance art. As the architect of VDG Sports, he bypasses the corporate talking heads to expose the unfiltered truth behind the narratives.
An unstable thinker and astute scholar, Vince thrives on dismantling the mediocre click-bait addicts who trade reality for engagement. If you want boring stats, go elsewhere. If you want the raw reality of the game, you’re in the right place. Consider yourself warned.