Today’s OKC Thunder and Their Historic NBA Counterparts
By David Ramil
#15 – Current Thunder Player – Steve Novak
David’s Historic Counterpart – Matt Bullard
Stats per 36 minutes:
Right away, I broke the pre-1990 rule as Ballard was drafted
in
1990. Still, I felt I had to make an exception for a player that is the same height (6’10”) and nearly the same weight and build as Novak.
Bullard was a backup forward for most of his 11-year NBA career. He spent most of it with the Houston Rockets, even winning a championship during the ‘93-’94 season before playing a season overseas in Greece. He’d resume his NBA career in Atlanta, before re-joining the Rockets and spending one last season with the Charlotte Hornets (now the Pelicans) before retiring. He now serves as an announcer on Rockets telecasts.
Novak’s the better shooter of the two, while Bullard’s a better rebounder and passer but there’s something about the amiable, solid locker-room presences that makes them a near-lock.
Next: #14 - The Seldom-Used Athletic Big