What History Has In Store For The Resurgent Milwaukee Bucks
By Adam McGee
Feb 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; NBA former player Elvin Hayes works on a broadcast during the game between the Houston Cougars and the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Hofheinz Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Rockets: 1968-69
Sometimes a top quality draft pick is all it takes. It sounds obvious, but picking up a rare talent can really turn the fortunes of a franchise on their head.
The Rockets joined the NBA in 1967-68 and finished up with the league’s worst record, picking up only 15 wins. The following summer they picked up Elvin Hayes with the first overall pick out of the University of Houston, and suddenly they represented a very different proposition.
Hayes came in and averaged 28.4 points per game as the key cog on a roster that also included Pat Riley and Rick Adelman, and the Rockets finished the season at 37-45 to close out the West’s Playoff picture in fourth place.
The Rockets had little luck in the Playoffs losing 4-2 to the Atlanta Hawks, and from that point onwards it would be five years, and not before the team relocated to Houston before the franchise landed in the post-season again.
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