Former Rockets guard/forward Robert Reid died this week after a battle with cancer. He was 68.
Reid passed away in the comforts of his Houston home.
“The Fertitta Family and the Houston Rockets are deeply saddened by the passing of former player, Robert Reid, whose contributions were instrumental in guiding the Houston Rockets to their first two NBA Finals appearances in 1980-81 and 1985-86,” the Rockets said in a statement. “As a valued member of the Rockets family, Robert will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies are extended to his wife, Diana, his children Robert Jr., Keva, Crystal, Jana, and all those who cherished him.”
The Fertitta Family and the Houston Rockets are deeply saddened by the passing of former player, Robert Reid, whose contributions were instrumental in guiding the Houston Rockets to their first two NBA Finals appearances in 1980-81 and 1985-86. pic.twitter.com/6fc5dyLqDA
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 20, 2024
Reid spent 13 seasons playing in the NBA from 1977 to 1991, with 10 of those seasons coming in a Rockets uniform. The Rockets drafted the 6-foot-8 Reid in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft out of St. Mary’s University. Reid was an athletic swingman who regularly took on the toughest defensive assignments during his time with the Rockets.
Reid, who played two separate five-year stints with the Rockets, helped the franchise to a pair of NBA Finals where the Rockets lost both times to Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics during the 1980-81 and 1985-86 seasons.
In between those NBA Finals appearances, Reid stunned many by retiring from basketball during the 1982-83 season for religious reasons. Reid wanted to return to church, which for him meant giving up a lucrative playing career. But he returned to basketball after missing it for a year.
The San Antonio native then spent time with the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trailblazers and Philadelphia 76ers before retiring following the 1990-91 season.
For his career, Reid averaged 27.3 minutes, 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game in 919 games played, including 366 starts.
Reid still ranks fourth in Rockets franchise history in games played (762), fifth in steals (881), eighth in both points (8,823) and rebounds (3,706), ninth in blocks (364) and 10th in assists (2,253).
