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In sports the difference between a team or player being a champion can be as small as one misstep or dropped pass. Franchises, players, and referees have altered both their own and the histories of others by one bad decision or bad call. What would Mike Tyson's boxing legacy be like if he hadn't gone to prison for rape? What would Len Bias have done for the Celtics if he didn't die just a day after the 1986 NBA Draft? What if Drew Bledsoe never got hurt?
In light of these questions, we've created a list of the most polarizing stories that could have been and run through how we think it would have went down based on what we know now. These "What Ifs" have come from draft decisions, bad calls from the refs, substance abuse and the injury bug with players, and even a couple premature retirements. Enjoy, The Biggest "What Ifs" in Sports History.
What if Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden never used drugs?
Back to back Rookie of the Year studs for the New York Mets, fierce hitter Darryl Strawberry and phenom pitcher Doc Gooden both might have had HOF careers had they not suffered from substance abuse problems. The two both managed to have some success in the league including some phenomenal early years, despite these issues. But they just didn't pan out as many projected them to despite the All-Star appearances and World Series wins they each boast.
What could've been: Doc Gooden was so good his first two seasons that we wouldn't have a problem arguing that he'd be the best pitcher ever had the drugs not gotten in his way. Gooden had the stuff scouts dream of so we think a few more All-Star appearances, Cy Youngs, and multiple World Series titles were in his future. As for Strawberry, he definetly would've been one of the greatest hitters of all time. His swing was as sweet as Ken Griffey Jr., and he was clutch to boot. The New York Mets would've had a dynasty on their hands. Ironic that both guys won rings with the Yankees after their time in Queens was done.
What if Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fought?
Anybody who's anybody knows about these two guys dodging each other like the plague. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao were the two most exciting draws in the boxing world for a solid three or four year stretch and despite the similar weight class and lack of true obstacles in front of them, they never managed to meet up in the ring. At this point, it's an afterthought to most fans and boxing enthusiasts because Pacquiao has taken a few losses and Mayweather has gotten even older and is less likely to be willing to give Manny a shot. We would still pay to watch them fight, but whatever, who cares at this point?
What could've been: Had these two men squared up back when everybody cared and they both were superior fighters, we'd have to go with Mayweather. No disrespect to Manny, but Floyd just always seem to come in with a solid gameplan and be able to counteract whatever his opponent throws at him. Mayweather's boxing and defensive ability are just too strong for us to say otherwise, though we would expect a potential scare on account of Manny's power.
What if Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway stayed healthy?
Injury bugs have hampered the careers of many great athletes despite the many advancements we have in modern medicine. Guys like Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway are great examples of potential stars who were a step slower due to injury. Before the injury bug hit him, Grant Hill was a budding NBA star with the Pistons who was on his way to being a complete all-around player with elite athleticism. Penny was similarly becoming one of the best players of his era before the knee injuries. He still managed to become a household name thanks to Nike's brilliant "Lil Penny" marketing campaign. Both fell from grace, but still managed to have long careers.
What could've been: If these guys were somehow able to remain healthy and avoid the injury bug, both would have major says in what happened in the Eastern Conference. A healthy Penny would've made it easier for the Magic to land another big name after Shaq skip town. And Grant Hill, would've eventually got out of the first round before he was a member of the Suns. He also would've been a triple-double machine like Jason Kidd.
What if the Red Sox never comeback from 3-0 against the Yankees?
No team had ever come back from an 0-3 defecit in the ALCS before the Red Sox did it to the their arch rival Yankees back in '04. Not a soul thought they could pull it off against the stacked Yankees. Everybody except for the Red Sox. Thy managed to pull of the impossible and took that momentum into a World Series, finally ridding themselves of the Curse of the Bambino.
What could've been: "The Curse of the Bambino" would've been alive and well. They'd definitely have another shot at a title, but they probably would've choked again. Sports are mental as much as they are physical. Everything seemed to go wrong for the Red Sox in the 86-year period. Beating the Yankees was necessary in order for them to excorcise their demons.
What if the Pistons drafted Carmelo, Wade, or Chris Bosh instead of Darko Milicic?
In the 2003 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons were faced with a tough decision with the second overall pick. They could've went with the small forward Syracuse star fresh off a NCAA title win in Carmelo Anthony, Marquette guard Dwyane Wade, or Georgia Tech power forward Chris Bosh. Instead, Joe Dumars and co. chose foreign lesser known center in Darko Milicic. We all know how that story played out as Darko is barely making an impact in the NBA while Melo, Wade, and Bosh are all top-tier players, two of which have multiple championship rings.
What could've been: We all know the Pistons went to the Finals and won the year they drafted Darko, so the immediate thought would be "Pistons Dynasty!" had they nabbed one of three stars mentioned. We can confidently say that they would've beaten the Spurs the next year in the Finals netting them two straight chips. They would have had a legitimate shot at a dynasty and remained relevant today had they made the right choice. Just imagine Melo, Wade, or Bosh coming off the bench for those Pistons teams?
What if the Malice at the Palace never happened?
There's not really a ton you can say about this one. When you watch the clip above it's pretty much everything David Stern doesn't want happening. In this early season game, the man formely known as Ron Artest got into an altercation with Pistons big man Ben Wallace. As Artest was laying down on the scorer's table a beer was thrown on him and all hell broke loose. As a result of the melee, nine players were suspended for a total of 146 games. Not only was the Pacers season ruined, but the team itself was blown up because of it. At that point, Indiana was a beast in the East with title hopes. They had won 61 games the year before.
What could've been: Had the brawl not ensued, we'd fully expect Indiana to get a shot at the title. After that year, however, with the same nucleus intact, Indiana could've made several deep playoff runs with their team and a lack of long standing East powerhouses. Metta World Peace would've still been Ron Artest and he would go down as one of the best defensive players ever with multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. And more importantly, the NBA wouldn't be as soft as it is now.
What if Shaq and Kobe stayed together?
We all know the beef between Shaq and Kobe. The media blew it up and it became the story of the NBA for a while after Shaq's exile from the Lakers due to what many reported as an ultimatum from Kobe. They butted heads despite being incredibly successful and created one of the best 1-2 punches in league history. You can't do a diss freestyle and not REALLY mean it.
What could've been: If the Big Fella and Kobe managed to somehow work out their differences and coexist, we'd be talking Jordan's Bulls territory. The outside and inside game combo would've been hard to stop. Outside of the Spurs, there wasn't really any other truely formidable team to contend with them. As a result, Shaq and Kobe would've had the same amount of rings.
What if Wayne Gretzky stayed in Edmonton?
Imagine if Michael Jordan or Tom Brady were traded, in their primes, after winning a championship, to say the Clippers or Browns? That's what happened with Wayne Gretzky back in '88. His owner originally put the best hockey player ever on the trade block because he couldn't afford him. Losing money in other businesses, Oilers owner Peter Plockington shipped Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings or a bunch of pieces. Despite still playing really well individually, Gretzky never had team success with his new squad.
What could've been: Had Gretzky stayed its pretty much a consensus that he would've won more titles and MVPs. With a better team around him, Gretzky and his sidekick Mark Messier would've been the greatest tandem in hockey history with about 10 Stanley Cups to their names—the Edmonton Oilers were that good. Unfortuantely, that would've meant that the New York Rangers would've never took home the Cup in 1994 because Messier would've still been in Canada.
What if Babe Ruth never left Boston?
Back in 1919, the Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold Babe Ruth to the rival Yankees in a move that stunned fans and single-handedly changed both teams for years to come. For the Yankees, they got one of the best hitters ever, while the Red Sox received the "Curse of the Bambino" which didn't allow them to win another World Series for 86 years.
What could've been: Babe Ruth was an icon with the Yankees, so we have no reason to believe he wouldn't have put up the same gaudy numbers with the Red Sox. This wouldn't necessarily guarantee any titles, but we'd be hard pressed to believe they couldn't grab a couple as their rival Yankees would be without Ruth. "The Curse of the Bambino" would also not exist, therefore, making the Boston/New York rivalry obsolete.
What if the Blazers drafted Michael Jordan instead of Sam Bowie?
The Trail Blazers lucked out and got the second overall pick in the 1984 Draft. Already with Clyde Drexler on the roster, Portland had the choice of either Sam Bowie or Michael Jordan. They decided to go with Bowie and the rest is history. Bowie was injury prone and Michael turned out to be the greatest player to ever pick up a basketball.
What could've been: It's hard to say the Blazers would've won six titles and had the same success MJ brought the Bulls, but we think they would've been better off with Clyde and Mike feeding off each other. Those two would've been a great foundation to start a team with. The Bulls would've still been looking for their first title while Portland would've had a couple rings in the '90s.
What if the 2007 Patriots went undefeated?
The 2007 Patriots were something to marvel at as they dismantled team by team in their undefeated regular season run of 16-0. Once in the playoffs, they made quick work of their opponents as they made their way to the Super Bowl. However, they suffered what might be the biggest upset in Super Bowl history as the Wild Card Giants pulled off a late stunner and defeated the Patriots 17-14.
What could've been: Had the Pats gone undefeated and finished off the Giants in '07 we'd all be looking at both teams very differently in a historical sense. Firstly, the '72 Dolphins feat would seem less impressive and pale in comparison to most fans because of the level of competition in today's game. The Giants and Eli Manning wouldn't be looked at as not as battle-tested nor clutch, and they probably wouldn't have had the confidence to win their second title in 2011. The Patriots and Belichick would debunk the stigma about them not being able to win a title without cheating, while Randy Moss' career would've been solidified with a ring and being a part of the greatest offense ever.
What if Barry Bonds never used PEDs?
He still had the chance to be the all-time homerun king, but without steroids there's now way he would've destroyed the record the way he did. Many dislike Bonds for his demeanor, while others harbor ill will because they believe that without a shadow of a doubt (based on circumstantial evidence like his head being the size of the moon), Bonds used performance enhancing drugs. Now he had never tested positive or admitted PED use, but many look to the physique and productivity changes he made as he grew older as signs he was using some form of enchancement. Along with his involvement with BALCO.
What could've been: Barry Bonds was never your average athlete, even as a smaller guy coming into the league he was a great player. He had already won multiple MVPs and was a sure-fire Hall of Famer. If it weren't for Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa's 1998 home run chase, Bonds would've never resorted to using PEDs. Once Ken Griffey Jr started getting injured, Barry was the best all-around player in baseball.
What if Mike Tyson didn't go to prison for three years?
Mike Tyson was one of the baddest boxers ever and up to his point of imprisonment for rape charges, he had one loss on his record. Tyson entered the ring with a ferocity that was and still is unmatched. The youngest to ever be named heavyweight champion of the world, Tyson lost three years of his prime due to a rape charge. Once he came home, Tyson lost a part of his soul and was never the same fighter. Jail tends to do that to people.
What could've been: The heavyweight division died when Mike went to jail. Guys like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis didn't have the same star power Tyson had. He was a polarizing figure that made headlines. Being behind bars made him even more of a crazy person. Tyson would've fought Holyfield and Lewis while in his prime, and probably could've inspired a new generation to become heavyweight champions.
What if Drew Bledsoe never got hurt?
The 2000s Patriot's dynasty be linked back to one play during the 2001-2002 season. Drew Bledsoe got injured during a basic roll out, giving young buck Tom Brady a chance at quarterback. He took it and never looked back, nabbing win after win en route to multiple Super Bowls and MVPs.
What could've been: There's something telling us that Bledsoe probably wouldn't have kept the starting job for too much longer regardless of injury with his track record. Drew probably would've finished the season for the Pats and led them to some success but no Super Bowl, leaving that open to Oakland, Saint Louis, or Pittsburgh. The legend of Tom Brady would've started a little later. You can't hold back greatness for too long.
What if Chris Webber didn't call timeout?
The Fab Five changed college basketball forever when they made their two-year run with Michigan. They were led by Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, and Juwan Howard. In 1992, they became the first team to reach the NCAA Championship game wth a freshman starting five. They lost to Duke by 20, but proved they weren't a fluke when they reached the final game the very next season. In the 1993 Championship against North Carolina, Webber rebounds a miss with 11 seconds left, down two points and calls a timeout. However, Michigan was out of timeouts and the Wolverines were charged a technical foul plus loss of possesion. The play ended the Fab Five's run and tortured Chris for years to come.
What could've been: This stigma that stuck with him wouldn't had been there. There's no guarantee that Michigan would've won, but at least they would've had the chance. Maybe C-Webb would've stayed one more year in order to that National title instead of bolting for the NBA without looking back.
What if Maradona got called for "The Hand of God?"
Soccer fans across the world know the significance of the famous "Hand of God" play from Diego Maradona in the quarterfinals Argentina vs. England match from the 1986 World Cup. In what is clearly a handball, Maradona jumps for a header and doesn't seem to reach it with his head so he uses his off hand to knock the ball past the goalkeeper. This goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in a match that Argentina would go on to win, 2-1.
What could've been: Had Maradona's "Hand of God" goal been called correctly his second goal dubbed the "Goal of the Century" would have been the only one scored by Argentina thus leaving the game tied after 90 minutes. We all know that in sudden death, it's anyone's game.
What if Michael Jordan didn't retire in 1993 and 1998?
Tons of people wondered why Michael Jordan stepped away from the game in October of 1993 post his first three peat. At that point MJ was only 30 and clearly at the top of his game. Some even hinted that it wasn't a retirement by choice and that it was David Stern forcing Jordan to sit out a year because of his gambling problem. At any rate, after a year and some change away from the game MJ returned, and after one failed season, he went on another three peat with the Bulls dominating like we hadn't seen before. After the second three peat Jordan retired again as he was going to leave out on top, only to come back three years later with the Wizards.
What could've been: MJ supporters and haters could agree that the Bulls winning eight titles altogether had MJ stayed in the league from 1984 through 2003. WE're talking about a legend that won six titles, five regular season MVP awards, was named to 14 All-Star teams, and won a Defensive Player of the Year award. Regardless Jordan goes down as the GOAT, but had those retirements not happened he may have distanced himself even more in the conversation.
What if Bo Jackson never got hurt?
Bo Jackson was one of the most electrifying athletes to ever make it to pro sports as he tore it up on both the football field and baseball diamond pre hip injuries. Bo had that rare combo of strength, size, and blazing speed that allowed him do things fans marveled over. The only athlete to make a Pro-Bowl and an MLB All Star team, Jackson was somebody nobody had really seen before in a marketable cross training icon. After only four seasons in the NFL however, Jackson suffered a hip injury that essentially ended his NFL career and severely hindered his baseball career. His trademark speed was gone, and Jackson slowly disappeared into the "what could have been?" pile.
What could've been: Juggling an NFL and MLB career is definitely tough, but had he not gotten the hip injury we think Jackson could have made multiple Pro Bowls and All-Star teams in both sports. It's one thing to be able to play two sports on a pro level, but Bo just didn't play both sports, he was damn good at both. He could have gone down as one of of the most elusive backs to ever lace them up and been a member of the 30/30 club for multiple seasons. We'd even go as far as saying that if Bo chose to focus on football or baseball he could have gone down as one of the All-Time greats in either.
What if the referees never altered the 2002 Western Conference Semifinals?
The Lakers vs. Kings rivalry of the early 2000s was a great one that gave us plenty of drama to marinate on in the postseason. We threw this specific one on our list of greatest sports mysteries because to this date we don't know with complete certainty whether or not the fix was in. The clip above shows some of the questionable calls that everybody's favorite ref Tim Donaghy corroborated when he said Game 6 was rigged by two refs to ensure a game 7. In the next game the Lakers took the game and the series en route to their three-peat. The Kings lost the series and were never really the same as injuries, old age, and free agency losses led them to become the bottom feeder franchise they are today.
What could've been: Had the Kings won Game 6 and made it to the 2002 Finals, a good case could be made for them becoming champions. The Lakers easily swept the Nets in the Finals that season so we would put our money on the Kings being able to prevail as well. After a title, the team's roster most likely wouldn't have lasted much longer than they actually did, but the loss for the Lakers might have prompted an earlier Kobe/Shaq break up which could have changed the landscape in the league altogether. A Sac-Town championship also likely propels Chris Webber to defintive HOF status unlike the iffy status he's at currently.
What if Barry Sanders didn't retire so early?
Just watch the clip above and tell us you aren't blown away by what Barry Sanders was able to do. Widely recognized as the most elusive back to ever play in the NFL, he put up ridiculous stats and managed to make dudes look stupid for 10 solid years before hanging 'em up for good. It came as a surprise considering Sanders seemingly had plenty left in the tank netting 2,000+ yards two years before and nearly 1,500 in his final season. Fans across the country reveled in pain when they got the news as Barry changed the game for backs to come for good.
What could've been: Sanders would have gone down as the best RB in history by all accounts if he played another two-to-three years at the level he displayed in his first 10 seasons. He retired less than 1,500 yards shy of Walter Payton's then-all-time rushing record of 16,726 yards. The current all-time rushing leader, Emmit Smith, ran for 18,355 yards in his 15-season career. Sanders finished with 15,269 in just 10 season. Another two-to-three healthy season and the record would've likely been his. If somehow he was able to land on a contender as well, he might have gotten his chance at a ring too.
What if the Blazers drafted Kevin Durant instead of Greg Oden?
The 2007 draft boasted two perceived prized possessions for NBA franchises in Ohio State's center Greg Oden and Texas' forward Kevin Durant. Going into the 2007 Draft analysts projected both to be able to progress to the NBA level and have their games translate. Oden came with great low post defence and solid size and KD came with an incredible combo of guard skills with a forward body. Most felt that Oden would be a solid defensive player coming in and develop on offensive game with time where Kevin Durant already was a scorer but would have to find a position to suit him and bulk up.
The Trail Blazers won the lottery while the Supersonics landed the second overall. After some debate, the Blazers went with size and selected Greg Oden as the Supersonics selected Durant shortly thereafter. Due to a plethora of injuries Oden has only played in 82 games since being drafted and was eventually let go by the Blazers, while Kevin Durant has developed into a superstar in the league winning the scoring title for the past three seasons.
What could've been: The easy answer, they'd be a perennial playoff team with the best scorer in the NBA and a solid low post running mate in Lamarcus Aldridge. No telling what the rest of their team would look like today, but a few years of a threesome of Kevin Durant, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy would have made the West pretty interesting. Regardless of just how good they'd be, the biggest difference would be the lack of a setback Oden put on the franchise that they're just now healing from. KD could have been their solidified number one option and potentially lured other good players to come to Portland which leads us into believing they'd be a title contender today.
What if Michael Vick never gets caught for dog fighting?
Michael Vick helped usher in this new era of mobile quarterbacks with his blazing speed and rocket arm out of Virgina Tech. The Falcons drafted him first overall back in 2001 and he led the team to some playoff success in his time there including a NFC championship appearance in 2004. For a significant stretch of his time with Atlanta though, Vick was running an illegal dog fighting ring at one of his houses. He plead guilty to federal charges where he went to jail for 21 months. After his jail term, Vick returned to the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles where he has brief sparks of his oldself at moments but has failed to lead his team playoff victory.
What could've been: Had Vick's dog fighting ring never been found, his public personal would be drastically different, he'd be tens of millions of dollars richer, and he wouldn't be a convicted felon. It's not likely that the Falcons would've become a legitiment contender. Vick has has admitted that he didn't put forth maximum effort in Atlanta so it's fair to say that his numbers would've declined.
What if LeBron never did "The Decision?"
For all of the dumb reasons LeBron and the Heat are hated on, "The Decision" is undeniably one of actual good ones. The King decided he'd have his own national ESPN special to announce the team he'd be playing for. Except he didn't realize he'd be cutting the hearts out of all Cleveland Cavalier fans in front of millions by announcing that he'd be taking his talents to South Beach. The backlash afterward and pep rally shortly thereafter was horrendous as Cleveland fans could be seen cursing his name and burning his jersey. The vast majority of basketball fans were completely turned off by the methods for announcing what team he'd be joining. He instantly became the villian of the NBA and the most-hated athlete alive to seemingly everybody not in Miami. After stellar play from 2011 onward, Bron has revived his image where today his skills and success on the court have shaped public opionion to be much more favorable.
What could've been: Had LeBron never done "The Decision" we think it'd be fair to say he wouldn't have become public enemy No. 1 in the sports world. Granted Cleveland fans would still be mad at him for jolting from his hometown team, the backlash wouldn't be on the level it was if he handled the situation like a normal free agent signing. You can also argue that he wouldn't have taken on the villian persona in his first year in South Beach, which in turn might have led to better, more relaxed play in the Finals.
What if the Tuck Rule was not?
Now there are bad calls that may play small roles in a games eventual outcome, and there are calls like this one that not only decide the game but also alter our view of the rules altogeher. Late in the fourth quarter of the second round of the playoff game between the Raiders and Patriots with the Raiders up 13-10, Charles Woodson's sack fumble on a young Tom Brady was just that, a fumble. Yet somehow the referees overturned their original call of a fumble and instead decided it was an incomplete pass giving Patriots the ball and helping them eventually tie the game to force OT where they eventually prevailed. The first title of the Belichick/Brady era came two games later. The Raiders ended up firing coach Jon Gruden and hiring Bill Calahan who had playoff success but never got the Super Bowl win the team's talent warranted.
What could've been: The Raiders definitely had their franchise affected a ton by the play, as in our opinion an AFC championship appearance would make them hard pressed to release Gruden and allow him to go the Bucs. Would they win it all that year? Highly plausible considering the Steelers and Rams still fell to the Pats. We're more likely to suggest that a longer tenure for Gruden and at least one ring for the black and silver with him running the show. As for the Patriots, no title that year probably still meant Brady would take over Bledsoe's job the following year. The Patriots probably still walk away with the other two Super Bowl wins (spygate FTW!) and Tom Brady might have used the early playoff loss as motivation to be even better in the post season.
What if Len Bias didn't die after the 1986 NBA Draft?
One of the most tragic and unexpected deaths in pro sports history. Former Maryland Terrapin All-American basketball phenom Len Bias died from a cocaine overdose just a day after being drafted second overall by the reigning champion Boston Celtics. We came to the consensus that Bias was the best baller to never play in the league and if you checked out his 30 for 30 you can see just how much of a difference maker he was. Many of the games wisest projected Bias to be a larger verision of Michael Jordan with the tools to be an all time great and help the aging Celtics remain relevant. Without his addition the Celtics had some playoff success (lost to the L.A. Lakers in the 1987 Finals) but didn't hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy until 2008.
What could've been: It'd be foolish to say the Celtics would have won the next three titles post getting Bias, but considering the Celts made it to the Finals the next year without him it's clear to us a title was within reach. Due to a trade that sent Gerald Henderson to the SuperSonics, Boston nabbed Seattle's first round pick in the 1986 Draft. That pick ended up being Bian who would give the team the young legs they desperately needed. We think the Celtics could have added at least one more title to their already league leading 17 if Bias panned out as many expected him to. Would he have been on Jordans level? Probably not. Bias could however helped to make the Celtics a much more relevant team in the East as Bird progressed into retirement.