Clyde Drexler spent twelve seasons as the face of Portland basketball — ten All-Star appearances, two NBA Finals runs, and a Hall of Fame career that defined what it meant to be a Trail Blazer. Here's why #22 belongs in the rafters.
Drexler grew up in Houston and played college basketball at the University of Houston alongside Hakeem Olajuwon — he later returned to Houston to win his first NBA championship alongside his old college friend.
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He was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996 — just one year after finally winning his first championship ring at age 33 in Houston.
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The Glide nickname came from his fluid, effortless style of movement — coaches and opponents noted that Drexler made extraordinarily athletic plays look routine through pure physical grace.
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Drexler served as head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball team from 1998 to 2000, returning to his collegiate roots after retiring from the NBA.
Clyde Drexler returned home to Houston at the peak of his career and helped the Rockets win the 1995 NBA championship. A Hall of Famer who grew up in Houston and starred at the University of Houston, Clyde the Glide gave the city its greatest homecoming story.