From ’96 ‘Til Infinity…

This piece is an exclusive that originally ran in BUCKETS: Issue Two. Go to bucketsmag.bigcartel.com to visit the online store.— Ed. by Brad Graham The 1995 crop of conscripts, captained by mighty mouse Damon Stoudamire—which also included top choice Joe Smith; Antonio McDyess; UNC duo Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace; draft gem Michael Finley and the infrequently spectacular but still raw and uncut, Kevin Garnett—was an armada of serviceable war vessels, but their collective artillery, as mighty as it would prove to soon be, never quite conquered like the new-age fighter jets that were about to take off during the following summer. June of ‘96 was more than Michael Jordan’s triumphant return to the champagne shower, following his record-setting 72 regular-season victories. It was also a platform for the NBA’s 50th recruitment drive wherein the Philadelphia 76ers, holders of the No. 1 pick, attempted to correct their horrid 18-64 campaign. Echoes from Jordan’s now perfect ret...