The Houston Rockets announced on Tuesday that Robert Reid, a former guard/forward who helped the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances, has passed away at the age of 68. In addition to his time with the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trailblazers, and Philadelphia 76ers, Reid played in the NBA for 13 seasons, from 1977 to 1991. (Image credit: Otto Greule Jr. via Getty Images) Getty Photographs
Mentz Zach, Cleveland.com
The Houston Rockets announced on Tuesday that former guard/forward Robert Reid has passed away at the age of 68.
Following a fight with cancer, Reid passed away at home on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Houston Rockets released a statement stating, “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.” Robert was an important part of the Rockets family, and he will be missed terribly. We send our deepest thoughts and condolences to his wife Diana, his kids Robert Jr., Keva, Crystal, Jana, and everyone who loved him.
From 1977 to 1991, Reid participated in 13 NBA seasons, spending ten of those with the Rockets, who selected him in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8, 205-pound Reid spent his first five seasons in Houston, where he led the Rockets to their first-ever trip to the NBA Finals in 1980–81. Unfortunately, they were defeated 4-2, in six games, by Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.
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The San Antonio native retired for religious reasons and did not participate in the 1982–1983 NBA season. After making a comeback the next season, he continued to play for the Rockets for five more seasons, from 1983 to 1988. In the 1985–86 campaign, he helped lead the team to another Finals appearance, but this time they were defeated in six games by the Celtics.
Reid played with the Charlotte Hornets for one and a half seasons after spending ten seasons in Houston. He also had spells with the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers. Following his 1990–91 NBA season with the 76ers, he announced his retirement from the league.
Throughout his career, Reid appeared in 919 games, including 366 starts, and averaged 27.3 minutes, 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Reid now holds the eighth position in both points (8,823) and rebounds (3,706), ninth place in blocks (364), tenth place in assists (2,253), and fifth place in steals (881) in the Rockets club history.
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