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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 2h

Hollander POTD John Drew. 25th pick by ATL in 74. Pure scorer. Topped 20 ppg 6x, 2x all-star. As for defense: "Hawks have a lot good defensive players but none of them has the initials JD." Traded to UTA in 82 but struggled w/drugs+ was banned in 85. Got life sorted out. RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 13h

More from Elliott Kalb's 2004 "Who's Better, Who's Best," experts give their GOATs: -Ryan: Russ, then Magic & MJ -Heinsohn: Russ, Wilt, KAJ a distant 3rd -Harris: MJ, then Russ, Wilt -Guokas: Wilt has no peer -Thorn: MJ, Russ, Wilt -Loughery: Russ, MJ, Shaq -Vecsey: MJ, Russ, KAJ

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 19h

Bonus Hollander POTD John Paxson. Notre Dame G was drafted 19th by SA in 83. After 3 meh seasons, he built a role as MJ's foil in the backcourt from 86-94. His clutch shooting sealed titles in Game 5 of the 91 Finals & Game 6 of the 93 Finals. Fans loved him as player, not as GM.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Hollander POTD Hersey Hawkins. Bradley star drafted 6th in 88 by PHI (via LAC). Good shooter. Averaged 19 ppg over 5 yrs & was all-star. Traded to CHA in 92 & became good complementary player there & SEA (12 ppg) but defended & really helped. Retired in 01 at age-34.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

From the 1992 Rotisserie Book, Jack McCallum covers Larry Bird while also drafting him in fantasy hoops. Some gems: -Bird: Lohaus doesn't play enough to get stats -Jack asks Bird why he isn't more shooting 3s -Bird asks if TOs count -Bird's day-to-day injury hurts Jack's squad

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Brad Lohaus. Iowa C was drafted 45th by BOS in 87. After 2 yrs on bench, traded a bit before settling in MIL from 90-94, peaking at 9 ppg. Also played w/NY, MIA & SA thru 98 as vet bench dude. A proto stretch big who shot 3s.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Hollander POTD Mitchell Wiggins. Florida St G was drafted 23rd by CHI in 83. Talented scorer but let go by CHI after 1 yr (thx to MJ) to HOU. Was a good bench scorer before drug ban in 87. Returned in 89 + had his best year (15.5 ppg). Played abroad from 92 to 03. RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

More from Elliott Kalb's 2004 , "Who's Better, Who's Best," experts pick between Frazier & Isiah: -Isiah: we were different but both savvy -Vecsey: "I can't choose. I love them both" -Loughery & Arcihbald: Clyde did more things -Guokas: Clyde was smooth & Isiah a bulldog

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

From the 95-96 SI NBA Preview, McCallum & Don Casey on 1-5 scale (1= PG, 2= SG etc): -Oak: a faceup 4 -Drexler: "a bastard in a good way, more like a 2.5" -Barkley: "he's a 3 & a 4 at the same time & most of what he does a 5 used to do" -Bird: "he was pretty much just a forward"

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Johnny Dawkins. Duke PG was drafted by SA+was solid (16 ppg 7 apg). Traded to PHI for Mo Cheeks in 89. Was pretty good his 1st yr (89-90) but blew out his knee in early 90-91+was not same after. Out of NBA at age-31 in 95. Now UCF head coach.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Hollander POTD Steve Kerr. Arizona shooter started w/PHO in 88. After 1 yr stuck as bench shooter w/CLE thru 92. Looked like career was sputtering til he paired w/MJ. Later won rings w/SA too. Now an all time coaching great with GS.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

From Elliott Kalb's 2004 book, "Who's Better, Who's Best," experts pick between Havlicek v Pippen: -Dunleavy & Guokas don't really answer -PJ, Thorn & Ryan give definitive opinions

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Hollinger POTD Drew Gooden. Kansas F was drafted 4th by MEM in 2002. Was solid as a rookie but traded to ORL midway thru 2002-03. Bounced around thereafter. Best run was w/CLE from 2004-07 (peak 14.4 ppg, 9 rpg in 2004-05). Good scorer but not a true PF on D. Retired in 2016.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD John Roche. NYC G went to South Carolina. Signed w/ABA in 71 & was solid starter for Nets (14 ppg, 4.5 apg in 72-73). Bounced to KY, UTA & LAL before being waived in 76. Went to law school in 76 but did comeback w/DEN from 79-82. Still practicing as an atty now.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Hollander POTD Lucius Allen. Speedy UCLA G was drafted 3rd in 69 by SEA. After 1 yr, traded to MIL where he peaked at 19 ppg, 5.6 apg & was key cog on title team. Traded to LAL in 74 where he played well for 3 yrs before trade to KC. Retired in 79 at age 31 and coached afterward.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

In "Wait Till Next Year," Knick fan William Goldman's beefs w/Hubie Brown circa 1987: -Hubie was a control freak who didn't want any improvisation (see Rory Sparrow) -Boring offense, worked w/King not w/Chris McNealy -In truth, Hubie was difficult but he had bad injury luck in NY

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Bonus Hollander COTD Hubie Brown. NJ hoops lifer won title in ABA w/KY in 75. After ABA, coached ATL + NY from 76-86, where he won but was a "Billy Martin-type who doesn't make many friends in the front office." Fired in 86 & was great TV analyst, save stint in MEM from 02-05.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Hollander POTD Scottie Pippen. Central Arkansas SF was drafted 5th in 87 by SEA & traded to CHI. Started a bit raw but steadily developed into a star. Had some odd moments but was indispensable 2nd star for MJ on 6 titles. Great defender/passer, HOFer & top 75 guy.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Bob Pettit and his NBA endorsement, circa 1958 ($11.45 for ball in 1958 equals $132.72 in 2026 cash):

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

More stories in honor of Bob Pettit, from George Vecsey's "Pro Basketball Champions," a funny story about how Red Holzman tried to toughen up a young Pettit....

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

From "Tall Tales," some love for Bob Pettit: -Pettit: switch from C to PF was huge -Good jumper shooter who lived at FT line -Lenny Wilkens: "Bob's hands were like vises...you couldn't knock the ball loose...He wasn't graceful but he was smart & would be damn good today." RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Randy Woods. Philly guard played at LaSalle w/Lionel Simmons was drafted 16th by LAC in 92. Struggled w/transition from SG to PG as pro & didn't play much but lasted thru 96. Played in CBA & abroad thru 2000.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Hollander POTD Bob McAdoo. UNC F/C was drafted 2nd by BUF in 72. Thrived as jump shooting big, scoring 30+ ppg 3 straight yrs & winning MVP. Traded to NY in salary dispute & the rest of the 70s were bad for him. Rebuilt value & rep as key reserve for 80s Lakers. HOFer.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

More from Larry Platt's "Keepin' It Real," David Stern's battle to keep the NBA "corporate" back in 97 is juxtaposed w/some funny stories: -Vernon Maxwell discusses religion and hoops w/the devout Avery Johnson -Gary Payton going head-to-head w/a fan who charged the floor

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Larry Krystkowiak. Montana PF was drafted 28th in 86. Played rookie year for SA & then was traded to MIL where he was useful banger. Peaked at 13 ppg 7 rpg in 88-89. Thereafter was injured a ton but played w/CHI, ORL & LA thru 97. Later coached MIL in 07-08.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Hollander POTD Eric Montross. Big C from UNC was drafted 9th by BOS in 94. Was solid as a rook (10 ppg 7.3 rpg). Offense totally stagnated after leaving BOS in 96. Spent next 6 yrs as backup banger for DET, TOR, DAL, PHI, & NJ. Retired in 02 at age 30 after injuries. RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Hollinger POTD Cezary Trybanski. Polish C was signed by MEM in 2002. Really struggled in NBA (-3 PER in 22 games from 2002-04). Per bio, "if my life depended on beating an NBA played 1-on-1, no doubt who I'd choose." Did better in the G-League &played back in Europe thru 2016.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Luther Wright. Seton Hall big left school early and was considered too raw. UTA drafted him 18th in 93. Struggled to adjust due to issues and only played 10 career games before he was bought out. A lot has been written about his saga.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hollander POTD Larry Stewart. Coppin St F was undrafted but made WAS in 1991. Hustler averaged 10 ppg his 1st 2 seasons. Injured in a scary home invasion in 94 & fell out of NBA after 1995 except 96-97 w/SEA. Played abroad from 1997-08. Head coach of his alma mater since 2023.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

From Athlon's Top 50 mag in 1998, a quick interview w/Jerry West: -Doesn't like set positions & wants hybrid guards -career highs: 1960 gold medal, getting drafted -greatest rival: Oscar -doesn't like over dribbling of the 90s -didn't believe anyone could guard him

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Fun 2018 James Edwards III interview of Mahorn, where Rick talks some hoops history: -88-89 DET would've adjusted to beat 16-17 GS -88-89 DET would beat 03-04 DET -LBJ > MJ -Bird's trash talk was funny -80s ATL actually talked a lot too www.nytimes.com/athletic/349...

nytimes.com

Rick Mahorn Q&A: How the Bad Boys would fare vs. '18 Warriors, '04 Pistons; LeBron vs. Jordan; Palace brawl scares

Nearly 30 years after serving as the muscle on one of basketball’s toughest teams in its toughest era, Rick Mahorn’s presence is still felt in basketball circles. The 19-year NBA veteran, ...

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Rick Mahorn. Hampton PF was 35th pick in 80 by WAS. Paired w/Ruland as Beef Bros. Traded to DET in 85 + was key w/his D + well-timed elbows. Help transform DET's D to title level. Per bio a nice guy off court but "on the court I ain't responsible for me."

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Hollander POTD Artis Gilmore. Jacksonville C signed w/KY of ABA in 71. Was force for KY, putting up 22 ppg, 17 rpg thru 76. CHI picked him up in merger & he was stuck on a bad team. Traded to SA, where he had a nice run in early 80s. Lasted thru 88. Took way too long to make HOF.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Hollinger POTD Ricky Davis. Iowa SG was drafted 21st in 98 by CHA. Great scorer & leaper peaked at 20.6 ppg in 02-03 w/CLE but had a rep as tough to coach. Played w/many teams thru 2010. Also known for crazy dunk on Nash & trying to hack rules to get a triple double.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

From Ken Shouler's 1996 NBA Top 50 book, Artis Gilmore: -Gminski: One of the strongest bigs ever -Guokas: He gave Moses problems -Bob Ryan: Gilmore, nice guy but not intense -Here, ranked 16th best C ever but was underrated cuz his peak was in ABA & his CHI teams struggled

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Greg Minor. Louisville SG/SF was drafted 25th in 94 by BOS. Not a great shooter but was a great leaper. Peaked at 10 ppg in 95-96 but career was cut short by a hip injury and was out of NBA by 99. Has coached since retiring.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Hollander POTD Sidney Moncrief. Arkansas SG was drafted 5th by MIL in 79. Came off bench as rook but, per this bio, "potential [is] unlimited." Was 5x All-Star, 4th in 82-83 MVP voting, & DPOY before knee issues curbed him by 86. Retired in 91. Didn't make HOF til 2019.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

From Elliott Kalb's 2004 book, "Who's Better, Who's Best," experts pick their GOATs: -Most pick MJ (including Marv, Walton & Isiah) -Ryan & Loughery take Russ (Ryan: Magic > MJ) -Stephen A & others took Wilt -Koppett & Snapper took Oscar -Kalb docked MJ for his retirements

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Junior Bridgeman. Louisville SG/SF was drafted 8th by MIL in 75. A good all-around player, who had few weaknesses. Averaged 15 ppg for MIL from 77-84 before finishing out career in 87. Had a wildly successful post-NBA biz career. RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Hollander POTD Sidney Wicks. UCLA F was drafted 2nd by POR in 71. Scored 24.5 ppg as rook & was scoring 22+ ppg 1st 4 yrs. Alas he declined thereafter (ppg went down ever yr of career). Traded to BOS in 76 & was not loved. Finished up w/SD in 81. Talented player, weird career.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

From Peter May's "The Last Banner," about the 85-86 Celtics, his picks for the best teams ever: 5) 70-71 MIL 4) 66-67 PHI 3) 71-72 LA 2) 86-87 LA 1) 85-86 BOS (The book was written in 96 but dismissed the Bulls as a product of a watered down NBA)

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Toni Kukoc. Croat SF was star in Europe coveted by CHI. Drafted 29th in 90, didn't come to US til 93. Wasn't star in but was key role player on 3 titles. Also hit big shots. Peaked at 19 ppg 7 rpg 5 apg in 98-99. Had nice run as older player w/MIL thru 06.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Hollander POTD Dennis Johnson. Pepperdine G drafted 29th by SEA in 76. Was key player & was Finals MVP in 79. Traded to PHO in 80 & played well but ticked off management enough to dump him to BOS in 83. Was huge for BOS stabilizing those squads. Retired after 89-90. RIP.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Sad Hollinger POTD Mike Sweetney. Georgetown F was drafted 9th in 03 by NY. Good post up player was effective in limited time from 2003-05. Traded to CHI where depression & weight issues KOed him from NBA by 07. Played abroad for years & overcame issues. Was coaching. RIP Sweet.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Kermit Washington. PF from American drafted 5th in 73 by LAL. Spent 3 yrs on bench before earning starting role. Strong PF bookended Kareem before nearly killing Rudy T in a fight. Rebuilt his career after & was all-star in 80 but retired by 82 w/injuries.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Hollander POTD Rasheed Wallace. UNC PF was drafted 4th by WAS in 95. As a rook, showed flashes of talent & temper. Traded to POR in 96, became 4x All-Star but also still had temper (was a technical foul machine). Traded to DET in 04 & put them over top for title.

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

From Elliott Kalb's "Who's Better, Who's Best?" Baylor is compared w/Pettit, Barkley & Barry.... -Heinsohn gives his all-time starting 5 -Dr Jack takes a short at Baylor & Barkley on D -Ernie Vandeweghe: Elgin was loved by teammates but Barry wasn't but was more intense

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A little more 70s funk art....Dave Cowens... "He's vicious. He blocks your shot and the he dives on top of you to get the ball." -Anonymous 76ers

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Bonus Hollander POTD Phil Jackson. N Dakota F drafted 17th by NY in 67. Was energy guy off bench. Peaked at 11 ppg 8 rpg in 74-75. Finished up w/NJ before winning many titles in CHI & LA. Per bio: a "legitimate intellectual" but "never a threat to the All-Graceful team."

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HoopsAnalyst @hoopsanalyst.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Hollander COTD Elgin Baylor. Seattle SF was 1st pick by MIN in 58. Immediate star, won ROY. Scored 34+ ppg 3x & was 11x all-star. Coached NO from 77-79. Best year was 77-78 (39-43) w/Pistol, Truck & Goodrich. Per this bio, as of 1978, Hollander had Elgin as better than Dr J.

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