Your championships got here between two Michael Jordan three-peats. Do you assume these Rockets groups acquired the credit score they deserved for what they completed? Kenny Smith: You’ll be able to’t erase historical past. I do not know in case you get the credit score you deserve, however you’ll be able to’t erase historical past. All people all the time says, “Nicely, Michael wasn’t there.” No, he wasn’t — he was carrying No. 45 (in 1995). And everyone says, “Oh, he was rusty.” No one mentioned he was rusty when he scored 55 factors that very same yr at Madison Sq. Backyard. He scored 55 factors in opposition to the Knicks, who have been arguably one of the best defensive crew in basketball on the time. No, he was Michael Jordan. (The Bulls) simply weren’t that good of a basketball crew. The crew they misplaced to, the Orlando Magic, we worn out. I by no means have a look at it as incomes respect. You’ll be able to’t erase historical past. And we’re right here to remain. He performed that yr, so there was just one yr he wasn’t there. He performed (in the course of the second title run). He was there, and we simply did not get an opportunity to fulfill them. -via Houston Chronicle / August 14, 2024