LANDOVER -- There's a date at the White House this morning for the Houston Rockets, who will be recognized by President Clinton for winning last year's NBA championship. But there will be no sign of Clyde Drexler at the ceremony.
"I wasn't on that team," Drexler said. "Those guys deserved it. Hopefully, I'll be going this summer."
Drexler wasn't so hopeful when the week began, playing for a struggling Portland Trail Blazers team. His season-long wish for a trade came true Tuesday, when the Rockets shipped Otis Thorpe and the rights to 1993 second-round pick Marcelo Nicola to Portland in exchange for Drexler and Tracy Murray.
Thorpe was averaging 13.3 points and 8.9 rebounds -- a major contribution for a team that ranks next to last in the league in rebounding. But the Rockets, who have the fifth-best record in the Western Conference and are in need of a quick fix, are elated with the acquisition.
"To get value, you have to give up value," Houston center Hakeem Olajuwon said. "This makes it easier for me, much easier. He helps every aspect of our game -- passing, rebounding, running the floor. He does so much."
Olajuwon should know. The two played together at the University of Houston on the team called "Phi Slamma Jamma," which lost in the 1983 NCAA championship game to North Carolina State. Drexler grew up in Houston and always has followed the Rockets.
"Portland asked me where I wanted to go, and I said Houston," Drexler said. "It was nice of them to keep that in consideration. I've been talking about [playing for the Rockets] for 12 years."
Drexler had played in Portland since entering the league in 1984. He played in eight All-Star Games and led the Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals, but he thought before this season that it was time to end the relationship.
"It was just over, it wasn't going to work," Drexler said. "There are no hard feelings. I had a great time there."
Drexler is expected to rejuvenate a team that has been up and down.
"I just want to . . . blend in with the talent here," he said. "Guys play hard here. The system's great. I'm looking forward to getting into first place."
And going for the title, the one goal that has eluded him.
"That's the one driving force," Drexler said. "That's what makes it fun. I came close twice. I have a good chance to get back."