There were more than a few NBA Superstars during the 1990s. Michael Jordan's presence alone kept many of the NBA's best players from gaining championship glory. The 1990s witnessed the tail end of great careers such as Dominique Wilkins and Magic Johnson. This decade also contained the career births of future cornerstones Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. Then there were the players who played the best years of the careers during the 1990s. Many of those stars are what I'm considering our must see stars during this road to redemption for the Jordan dominated NBA. Charles BarkleySir Charles led the Phoenix Suns to new heights during the 1992-1993 NBA season. They were successful in winning the Western Conference Title, but they were the third victim to fall to Michael Jordan's Bulls in the NBA Finals. Barkley played the part of three peat in MJ's legacy. Obviously, this Phoenix Suns team is excluded from contention in our redemption story. Some possible teams that could be featured are the 1992-1993 Philadelphia 76ers. Here Barkley had freakishly tall Manute Bol in a supporting role. This wasn't a strong team, but it's an eligible year. Then there is always the 1996-1997 Houston Rockets, where Barkley and Clyde Drexler teamed up with Hakeem Olajuwon to create an elderly Big 3.
Clyde DrexlerDuring the 1992 NBA Finals, the Portland Trailblazers fell to the Chicago Bulls. This was a heat breaking defeat for Portland fans after watching their team steam roll through the Lakers, Suns, and Jazz on their way to the NBA Finals. With the help of Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey, Drexler and the Trailblazers won the Pacific Division during this season. They were able to do this in the previous season as well, but failed to reach the NBA Finals. Which means that the 1990-1991 Trailblazers are available for use here. There is also the 1996-1997 Houston Rockets that we have referred to already.
Patrick EwingThe New York Knicks and Mr. Ewing were the most reoccurring victims of the Chicago Bulls constant post-season bullying. During four of the Bulls championship runs, they eliminated the Knicks in the process. This wouldn't feel right without The Knicks in this redemption story. That being said, only two seasons are available and the 1997-1998 team isn't anything to brag about. That being said, I will be featuring the 1996-1997 New York Knicks.
Reggie MillerIt feels proper to introduce Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers within the same breath of the New York Knicks. Reggie Miller had amazing shooting touch, but was not graced with the athleticism of his shooting guard counterpart, Michael Jordan. The tough nosed Reggie Miller will undoubtedly have a shot at redemption during this story. Reggie Miller's long distance shot will be perfect for the 2K basketball world.
Hakeem OlajuwonThe Houston Rockets are the one team that was able to win a couple NBA championships during the 1990s. Of course they came while Michael Jordan attempted to play baseball, causing some fans to add an asterisk next to those championships. The Rockets never had the privilege of facing Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals. There are many seasons to choose from. Do I go with the 1992-1993 Rockets who most resemble the championship Rockets or the elderly Big 3 of Olajuwon, Barkley, and Drexler?
David RobinsonThe Admiral put up some fantastic years during the 1990s. Is it possible that during this story he can help start a championship legacy well before Tim Duncan's arrival? Or maybe David Robinson and Tim Duncan want a shot during Duncan's rookie campaign in 1997-1998? When it comes to defeating a powerhouse like the Bulls, a team with the current San Antonio mentality is needed. Maybe I can bring that mentality back in time to help aid the David Robinson Spurs.
Gary Payton & Shawn KempThis was one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA during the 1990s. Even though these two got a shot at Chicago already, I plan on playing with this duo once more. This team is too exciting to pass up playing with. Maybe Payton, Kemp, and Coach George Karl can all achieve redemption during this story. At the very least, they should provide plenty of highlights.
Karl Malone & John StocktonThey already had their shot. They even had two chances at defeating the Bulls. They were one of the toughest opponents for the Bulls during their championship span. I have said all the same things to myself. I will go with an early 90s Utah Jazz team to hopefully shake it up enough to reach success. It's a travesty that Karl Malone and John Stockton retired without any rings. They will have that chance again and at the very least... they should provide us with a thrilling series.