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Sam Cassell Thinks Rockets Would Have Beaten Bulls Even If Michael Jordan Didn't Retire In 1993

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated Aug 15, 2024 12:32 PM ET

Sam Cassell recently made waves on the "Knuckleheads" podcast when he confidently stated that his Houston Rockets would have beaten the Chicago Bulls even if Michael Jordan hadn't retired in 1993. Cassell, who played a pivotal role in the Rockets' back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, firmly believes that the presence of Hakeem Olajuwon would have been too much for the Bulls to handle, even with Jordan on the court.

"I think so, man. We was good. I can believe what I want to believe now. They had Michael Jordan that no one could stop. Right. But we had the African that no one could stop. But that African was a great defender too. All that going to the rim dunking, he was there.

"Now Pip my man, so me and Pip always talk about this. Pip always talk about this. Pip's like, boy, we gonna kick your a**... Because back then the game was a half-court game back then. We're not running around, shooting threes... It was an inside, outside game. So I think we had the best inside player in the league." (0:20)

He acknowledged Jordan's greatness but emphasized that Olajuwon, whom he referred to as "that African that no one could stop," was equally unstoppable. Olajuwon, known for his incredible footwork, defensive prowess, and versatility, dominated the league during Jordan's absence, earning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP honors in the 1993-94 season.

Cassell pointed out that the Bulls, despite their dominance in the 90s, lacked a player who could effectively guard Olajuwon. The Rockets, with their inside-outside game plan centered around Hakeem, were built for the half-court style of play that defined the NBA during that era.

Cassell also shared that he and Scottie Pippen, Jordan's longtime teammate, often debated who would have come out on top if the Rockets and Bulls had met in the Finals during Jordan's first retirement.

While it's impossible to know what would have happened if Jordan hadn't retired, Cassell's confidence is backed by the Rockets' impressive regular-season record against the Bulls during the early 90s. With a 20-12 career record against Chicago, and a 13-10 record specifically against Jordan, Olajuwon and the Rockets had proven they could compete with the Bulls.

The 1993-94 Rockets were more than just a one-man show. With players like Otis Thorpe, Vernon Maxwell, Kenny Smith, and Mario Elie, along with a young Cassell, the Rockets had the depth and experience to challenge any team, including the Bulls. While we'll never see this matchup play out, Cassell's belief in his team's abilities is a testament to the greatness of that Rockets squad and the indomitable presence of Hakeem Olajuwon.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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