Rod Strickland: Is Kyrie Irving’s Godfather the MOST UNDERRATED passer of ALL TIME? | FPP

Rod Strickland was a New York legend who put together three great seasons for the DePaul Blue Demons where he led the team to a couple of upsets in the NCAA tournament as a freshman. After three years at DePaul he would declare for the NBA draft where he be drafted to his hometown New York Knicks. But from draft day this was a strange move as they already had a great New York point Guard in Mark Jackson, and during his short stint in New York, Strickland would never get a fair shot to compete for the starting spot that he had showed he was deserving of. In his second year he would be traded to the San Antonio Spurs who were led by David Robinson, and in San Antonio he would finally get to start and showed just how great he was as he find himself high on the league’s assist leaders list during his Spurs years. Unfortunately, a bitter contract holdout would cut his time in San Antonio short and he would go on to the Portland Trailblazers on the tail end of the Clyde Drexler era. Strickland would again work his way into a starting role and cement himself as a true playoff performer as he consistently upped his play in the postseason. But again after overstaying his welcome by clashing with coach PJ Carlesimo, he would be traded to the Washington Bullets where he would team with Chris Webber and Juwan Howard, and in 1998, after the Bullets had rebranded to the Washington Wizards, Strickland would lead the league in assists with 10.5 per game. But Soon after, the Wizards would trade away Webber for Mitch Richmond and would spend the next few years declining, before Strickland forced himself out of that situation. He would spend the last few years of his career bouncing around the league with the Portland Trailblazers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets until he played his final game in 2005. But during his 17 year career he was one of the most underrated point guards in the league with an incredible ability to finish around the rim, embarrass defenders with handles and consistently be one of the best passers in the league. But unfortunately, his attitude issues and lack of playoff success, as well as playing in an era with great and more successful point guards, result in him being left out of the conversations for top point guards and best passers in NBA history, and even though he was never elite, he was right up at the top with many of the greats of his era for most of his career; and that’s the career we’re going to look at on today’s episode of Forgotten Player Profiles, featuring Rod Strickland.
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[@theetruth8626]

Rod Strickland is what Ewing needed to beat Jordan and Pippen

[@zeroturn7091]

Nah, he was cold but didn’t stretch the floor.

[@theetruth8626]

@@zeroturn7091 he didn't need to Ewing just need him to play his game not stretch no floor

[@theetruth8626]

@@zeroturn7091 remember they had Mark Jackson who stretch the floor what was that result

[@darnellwilliams8783]

​@@theetruth8626facts but Ewing did have Undrafted all star John Starks then he had underrated Scorer Allan Houston

[@peace_of_mind_00]

Still same results most likely. Those 90s Bulls are arguably the greatest teams of all time. For the Knicks to beat the Bull, they would've needed Ewing, Strickland, & either allan houston, or Sprewell.

[@flipperpurify6273]

Forever immortalized on TRIUMPH by Raekwon!!!! “Guaranteed made ‘‘em jump like Rod Strickland “🙌🏾

[@boris_toejoe]

WORD UP!!!

[@LightStreak567]

As a Wu-Tang fan who gave up watching basketball after Jordan retired in 1998, that's how I learned who Rod Strickland is!

[@southbeachtalent]

Silly me I thought I'd show up here and be the first to comment this. Well done my man!

[@OakTownBizz-zm8rx]

All time

[@Lefty216]

First thing I've said everytime I heard his name for the last 20+ years.

[@Peakfreud]

He was better than Mark Jackson in my opinion... He was just so far ahead of his time, he was a down hill player. The Knicks and much of the NBA played 1/2 court grind then . Rod in the open court was magical.

[@jimmymorris9278]

If he was it wasn't by much

[@Peakfreud]

Stat wise he's the better player, eye test wise as a life long knick fan I tried to like him. The Ugly set Shot, mediocre performance against top tier guards. MJ loved seeing him on the court he's 50 & 20 against him. Love him as a Broadcaster, coach and over all stand up dude.

[@cavaleer]

If only he'd had the shot to go with all the playmaking and vision.

[@alansnow1129]

Kevin Johnson was better then both Strickland and Mark Jackson

[@Peakfreud]

@@jimmymorris9278 Definitely not much, I guess it depends on which style offense, Knicks really weren't a running team. I remember watching a game and Ewing And Robert Parish were "Sprinting" and I use the term loosely, up the court, and it looked like they were moon walking while everyone else was doing the running man lol The both had left their knees in the early 90's

[@kobebryant6484]

Ghost and Rae said...“Made em Jump like Rod Strickland “....he definitely was mentioned during da 90s...I loved that Bullets vs Bulls series..he went off...👌

[@UFOsAreRealArea51]

I wondered what Kevin Johnson would make Raekwon and Ghostface do then....😅😂...Kevin Johnson gave Rod Strickland the business EVERYTIME!!!💯😎😁😆🫡🫡🫡🤣😭😭🤭🤭🫢😁

[@g.a.m.e.1800]

Dino Radja...He is a forgotten gem from the 90s in Europe and the Celtics. You do fantastic work here!

[@GHOST91141]

Dino was a baller for sure

[@jimmymorris9278]

He sucked

[@MrOctober44]

I usually don't like players demanding trades, but I can't blame Rod at all with the Knicks. You have a point guard who just won rookie of the year. At least if Jackson was a vet or another young player he'd have a chance to win the starting job. This was a no win scenario for Rod. What were the Knicks thinking?!

[@EDmazeing10]

Any major sports draft is about taking the (BAP) Best Available Player.

[@manyogurt4645]

The Knicks front office has been idiots most of the time.

[@MrBeastjebuz]

@@EDmazeing10 A Raiders fan would say this 😂

[@DRV404]

The Kyrie Irving, before Kyrie Irving. Keep loving these videos, and the player selection has been on point. Really been my one of my favorite channels recently tbh🔥

[@Peakfreud]

Being drafted by the Knicks definitely stunted his growth. A lot of players had issues with P.J Carlisemo

[@johndavis9321]

Yup to your second point that was the word when he was coaching was that carlisemo was pretty hard on his players

[@pjny21]

Carlisemo is awful. Just a terrible coach.

[@christophertifre2018]

Weak draft to be honest.they picked best player available

[@Peakfreud]

@@christophertifre2018 I remember that trade, Im a knicks Fan. We ended up getting Charles Smith who ended up getting blocked 4 or 5 x on one possession in the ECF against the bulls knicks could have went up 3-2. I watched that game as kid with some friends it was heart breaking. Knicks Fans Hated Charles Smith After that game.

[@apex_prowler95]

"Lightning" Rod. He was elite. Knicks should have kept Rod over Mark, who I loved.

[@lucashenderson2775]

Guaranteed made em jump like Rod Strickland. IYKYK

[@j.edwardthompson8203]

I wanna say Rae or Ghost

[@lucashenderson2775]

@@j.edwardthompson8203 Yup. Chef.

[@j.edwardthompson8203]

@@lucashenderson2775 💯

[@d3adyoutubeaccount]

Triumph huh?

[@bman7452]

Rumor has it, Strickland had those hands in the locker room too. Lumped up a couple dudes 😂

[@kincamell]

"Max mostly, undivided then slide in sickening Guaranteed made 'em jump like Rod Strickland " - Raekwon

[@abcdlilbit11]

You do some awesome work!! Please keep it up. I hope this channel grows so you can keep ‘em coming!!

[@jayeast2462]

Gotta do Latrell sprewell he is slept on for sure

[@Teddy42O]

Sprewell wanted to play longer but he was blackballed by David Stern he wanted an example out of him after he said " I can't feed my family on 14 million

[@773BarberGee]

My favorite player of the 90's, a magician with the ball. Super underrated

[@DJBroNeal]

The DMV always gave love to Rod! Too smooth! Awesome video 🎉

[@sodaholics_]

Love the videos! Have to make a video on Clarence Weatherspoon he had a strong start to his career and I don’t think anyone talks about him anymore

[@Clapstain]

Rod Strickland isnt forgotten. He was a point god.

[@Dantana773]

Salute to Rod Strickland I have been a fan of his Game Since his Depaul Blue Demon Days. Very Underrated Player had a crazy handle and could make plays for others side note he rarely got his shot blocked going to the basket ( his layup package was sick). Some view him in a negative light I don't tho nobody is perfect & again when the media dislikes or Management / coaches cant control a player the narrative is always going to be in a bad light. He assisted Tracy Murray to a 50 point game. I seen a interview where J.r Rider said the trailblazers were hating on Strickland. keep the dope content comming

[@tamarbo71]

These are the best videos hands down please keep them coming

[@zeke3388]

The most underrated PG ever in the NBA

[@Peakfreud]

Hands Down

[@basilmedina9573]

Never underrated but......had a perceived ATTITUDE issue & like Mark Aguirre, not well REGARDED!

[@chrissoulsinger]

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE!!! Yes!!! My favorite point guard of all time!!! Rod F’n Strickland!

[@Dnobagav49]

As a kid growing up in da Bronx, this dude was the truth... I remember being frustrated by the news that he was leaving my beloved Knicks to join San Antonio... broke my heart. I think we could have won with Strick as our one during the 93-94 season.

[@johndavis9321]

Nah not with how hakeem thoroughly out played Ewing in those finals

[@Dnobagav49]

@@johndavis9321 Your argument falls flat... nobody on the Knicks really played well except Ewing... didn't matter if Hakeem outplayed him, if Starks and Oakley showed up this would be a moot point.

[@johndavis9321]

@@Dnobagav49 except Ewing? Bro Ewing's ppg dropped a whole 7 points compared to the regular season and he was outscored and out locked by hakeem Ewing as a big man didn't even shoot 40% for the series talkin bout nobody played except Ewing stop cappin fam

[@williamjohnson7127]

Lol that’s funny, I know exactly what you mean. As a kid growing up in San Antonio, it broke my heart when I heard he was leaving the spurs to go to Portland. I was furious. He was my favorite player.

[@basilmedina9573]

U 4got that Harper had a great game but didn't finish!

[@Anthony-ru7sk]

Def the most detailed rod strictland video on KZbin. You’re killing it with these vids.

[@Teddy42O]

Do Al Jefferson next!! he was a scoring machine 22 & 13 constantly 🔥🔥

[@KZA518]

Shit he even went off with Charlotte kinda later in his career that first year he left Utah and averaged like 21 and 9 or 10

[@kanagawa85]

One of best player coming out of HS

[@zeroturn7091]

It’s crazy how his and Monta’s game translated into the NBA when the 601 isn’t known for strong competition.

[@GHOST91141]

Big AL

[@faceman7966]

I love Rod Stricklands game

[@PietraSCR]

Best retro bball channel on yt, hands down! Archives are unmatched, where u get it all from?! 😅delivery is also impeccable! Just came across this channel and the only thing I regret is that I've done it so late. Fantastic job

[@the_quiet_dude]

Fun fact: Rod Strickland signed with Žalgiris to play in euroleague for 2005-2006 season, but his contract was terminated due to him not arriving

[@alexandrefaure4576]

Love this channel I saw Cliff Robinson he's a good candidate for the next one. Congratulations

[@Zamppa86]

Strickland sure had game. The only downside it had was the lack of outside shot but he sure had handles and skill to finish around the rim alongside with his awesome court vision and playmaking! It was criminal that he never was an all star. Not even the season he was the assist leader.

[@UFOsAreRealArea51]

Kevin Johnson gave him problems. Kevin Johnson was a whole another level. 💯😎😁

[@mongoslade277]

​@@UFOsAreRealArea51Gary Payton gave Kevin Johnson problems. Gary Payton was on a whole nother level

[@Kalmar917]

He used to come by the Run N Shoot and got to ball with him and against him. He had yo-yo handles.

[@lonnellgrigsby1367]

Another Great video Rod Strickland was one of my Favorites growing up in Michigan his College Games were Broadcast on my Cable television W.G.N so when he got to the league in my eyes he could do know wrong. Your the Breakdown King keep them coming Big Time 😂

[@TheTerrance1983]

Please do Kevin Johnson (Suns) PG , and Derek Harper thanks great channel

[@yungholsch343]

Love your content dude, this channel is gonna blow up sooner or later. Highly look forward to all your uploads

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

I appreciate that!

[@PBCkiller23]

I love the Nostalgia feeling that I get watching this channel Rod Strickland in Kenny Anderson were my 2 favorite point guards I definitely played like in this is why I call kyrie my son cause he got all the moves I learned from hot Rod lol

[@bosskey7212]

Rod was so much fun to watch play especially in person. His downhill in your face style was way ahead of the era he played in which was dominated by Centers and slower half court offensive systems. Larry Brown coached him when he got to San Antonio and he and David Robinson fit in well with each other as David was more of a fast pace athletic center who could run and gun with the best of them. Rod not only could make some amazing passes but he was cold af when he got into the lane and could make crazy shots for a small guy. AI and Isiah Thomas would be good comparisons to him although Rod wasn't quite the scorer they were. One of my favorite players ever

[@alectapia1518]

I like the season by season breakdowns and throwback odes to basketball cards. Beautiful visuals

[@AlexanderTB6]

You are great, thank you for this knowledge man.

[@Hopstephoops]

Great video, love your content

[@bjnt92281]

An all time underrated. One of my favorite point guard to watch.

[@tiredoffools8929]

Great Job!.. Love me some Rod Strickland! Underrated Indeed!

[@maartenvz]

Wow what an amazing channel, brings back so many memories :) It would be awesome if you could make a video on Rik Smits, he was just a tier below the elite big men of the 90s but had some great playoff battles with them

[@g.a.m.e.1800]

Good point! Smits was respected by all the elite big men. He'd be an MVP candidate today

[@rellyrob7062]

As soon as he posts, I’ve gotta click on it 🤷🏾‍♂️🤣

[@A2B773]

You stay consistent hit after hit

[@williamjohnson7127]

Thanks for this video. Rod Strickland is my favorite basketball player of all time. I fell in love with basketball because of him.

[@CstWstFllwer]

dude was shermed out at Truman high where as a junior he lead the team to the 1984 Class A State Championship and hit the game winning reverse layup with a second left in overtime. That is astounding work and he won MVP :) 1:42

[@jasonic-ks2tm]

Although very short lived i loved the derrick Coleman &kenny Anderson duo

[@eburonson]

We want Drazen!

[@malachideleon-gil3720]

1:51 ain’t no way he not baked🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@grantwilson3219]

Great work bro

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

Pitino really wasn’t that guy in hindsight

[@TheDramakazie]

Great content! Clarence Weatherspoon next!

[@warrenspeaks]

Outstanding content.

[@michaelbenn4912]

Rod Strickland was simple🔥!!

[@Mr.Memphis10]

Growing up Rod Strickland was my favorite PG.

[@isiahbraun8704]

Like that u giving the pseudo legends day love

[@teflon5611]

Good shit 👌🏿

[@alectapia1518]

@15:31 Rod Strickland's best and most famous highlight ever

[@philliprhinehardt6268]

Nice breakdown on Rod Strickland.

[@GrwnASman]

Been rocking with Rod since DePaul! Great PG

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you

[@eburonson]

Our nickname for Strickland was "Gangland". So much damn talent! Just another knucklehead who coulda/shoulda been more! Excellent content, thank you so much!

[@chadkusiar4919]

Superb job. Loved Hot Rod.

[@shakirahmad5946]

Great video! Even more underrated and a similar player is Sam Cassell! Love to see him in a video

[@mongoslade277]

He made the Sam Cassell video already. It's a real good one

[@dy120481]

Always thought young D Rose played kind of like Rod Strickland with hops.

[@renanbautista6222]

Been a big fan since his Depaul Days.

[@RandomStuffFreak]

could u pls do a video on Tracy Murray? Idk much about him but i feel like he was quite good

[@user-ps3ve2iq4j]

G keep em coming naw fr u doing a great job

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

Appreciate it 💯

[@marqueswilliams345]

You should do Alex English

[@maxwelltoste-ingram3066]

Good point.

[@jasonlandy3491]

One of me and my Uncle Rob’s favorite players

[@seanmayfield7224]

Rod was my favorite when he was with DePaul could do it all Excellent Pro too

[@lgsg2825]

Seems like strick was a solid back up point. And it's nun wrong with that. Be the bench the team relies on

[@zeroturn7091]

He was definitely starter material.

[@lgsg2825]

@@zeroturn7091 I won't disagree but when on his better teams his mental was never suited to be the leader off a bench

[@terryjones662]

Best player never to be an All-Star...💯💯💯

[@AlexanderTB6]

Could you make a video on Rony Seikaly?

[@MultiChaim]

i really love and enjoy this vids ! thanks for the great content man ! you defenetivly should do Abdul Rauf, Tim Hardaway, Jim Jackson and well... there are just to many forgotten legends i guess )) also maybe, when you talk about playoffs and career highlight, you should show the excact games at that moment... but hey.. keep crushing bro... gl for the future !! g´d bless ))

[@melvinmartin8574]

He was elite in my opinion! Nobody running point could guard him period

[@targetegrat]

I still remember Rod Strickland getting snobbed for the all star team. I was mad. I wasn't a Wizards fan but it was clear he was one of the top PGs in the league.

[@luisvaldes1568]

Damn the Bullets had Webber, Howard, and Wallace at the same time and still had a losing record.

[@CasterShellz]

Only thing that held him back was his ego, his conflicts with coaches, and his off the court issues.

[@serpserpserp]

Do Kevin Martin. The one drafted by the Kings in 04-05. He was kinda D-Book/Klay Thomson before they were around!

[@perrygibson8419]

Didn't know this, like them both even more...

[@711marvel]

Top #5 Journey men of all time, Dammn! didn't know it was possible!

[@jarmainegrant217]

Yes he is One of the Best Ever...and in my opinion a good person...

[@rodharper6112]

Strick was that dude

[@cariocabassa]

Dat man was about business!!!

[@tanchengkeat5482]

One of the best non all star player

[@richardyoon4209]

In 1990, I was hoping that the Knicks would have traded Mark Jackson who was out of shape and his game seriously dropped at the time. Not only was it bad idea to trade Strickland but Knicks traded him for an old Maurice Cheeks when Knicks could have strengthen in other areas.

[@PASS_DE_BLUNT]

He must have smoked some good gas before he took that high school photo

[@movinsloppy]

😭😭😭 my exact thoughts mf was lookin at tomorrow

[@PASS_DE_BLUNT]

@@movinsloppy his other eye was looking at yesterday 😂😂

[@Syzzle89]

You should do Andre Miller, MO Williams, Vashon Leonard, Keon Clark

[@MarkFranklin-ws5jf]

Andre Miller oh yeah!!

[@tylerriley2587]

Can you do a video about Shareef Abdur Rahim

[@UFOsAreRealArea51]

Patrick Ewing was too slow down the court. The half court offfense was set up for his style of play being the franchise player.

[@MistaP13]

Can you do one for Sean Elliott?

[@michaelallen8112]

Rod Strickland was elite PG he didn't have the media fandom like the others

[@MarkFranklin-ws5jf]

Where are Rods all-star invites? Can't believe it. 18/5/9 steal 1.8 he was robbed

[@deelew25]

He WAS an elite point guard. IYKYK

[@michaellee258]

Rod, Isaiah and Iverson is how I play my game

[@djg2002]

That’s what I’m talking about… I commented I wanted to see a video from him not that long ago!

[@VickHushpuppy215]

Never an Elite PG??? wtf are you talking about dude he was the Prototype my dude I know you’re too young to actually watched em play & gotta go off highlights & stats but Rod was DEFINITELY ELITE saying at any given time you couldn’t put 9 other PGs ahead of him always one of the Top Guys when healthy

[@unchboy]

My DePaul alumni!

[@9thwonderboy]

Rod Strickland and God Shamgod have THE BEST HANDLES OF ALL TIME.

[@zeroturn7091]

The difference is Strickland rarely got ripped or blocked.