Image Source: X – Rockets
[Saba Sports News] The Houston Rockets revealed on Tuesday that their former player, Robert Reid, has passed away at the age of 68. A tribute photo of Reid was shared on X by the Rockets, honoring his legacy with the team.
Drafted 40th overall in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Rockets, Reid, a St. Mary’s graduate, dedicated a decade of his career to the team. Over those years, he maintained averages of 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 46.7% from the field.
The 1980-81 season marked Reid’s peak performance, as the 6’8″ swingman played in all 82 games for a Rockets team that reached the NBA Finals. He was the third-highest scorer on the team, averaging 15.9 points per game, trailing behind legends Moses Malone (27.8 ppg) and Calvin Murphy (16.7 ppg).
In a notable career pause, Reid took a break from professional basketball during the 1982-83 season for religious reasons but made a comeback the next year, continuing to play for another five seasons with the Rockets.
Magic Johnson, a Los Angeles Lakers icon who joined the NBA a few years after Reid, expressed sorrow over the loss of his former adversary and friend.
Before retiring in 1991, Reid also played briefly for the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers.