Robert Reid, a former NBA player best known for his 10 seasons with the Houston Rockets, has died. He was 68 years old.
Reid played in college at St. Mary’s University before being selected by the Rockets in the second round of the 1977 NBA draft.
“It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid,” owner Tilman J. Fertitta said in a statement released on Tuesday. “I have had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years, and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered.”
“I will never forget watching the Rockets teams he was a part of in the 80s compete in the Finals, and the love he had for the game,” Fertitta said in a statement issued by the team. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Diana, and all those who held him dear. Robert’s absence will be deeply felt, and he will be fondly remembered.”
Fox 26 Houston, which initially reported Reid’s passing, said Reid passed away peacefully at his Houston home on Monday, Feb. 19, after a battle with cancer. Regarding his career, Fox 26 writes:
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 205 pounds, Reid rose to prominence as a versatile forward/guard during a 13-year career in the league. Known for his athleticism and defensive abilities, he played a significant role in the Rockets’ lineup during the early 1980s, contributing to the team’s success in multiple playoff appearances.
In 1982, Reid decided to retire from professional basketball despite being at the peak of his career. He prioritized his personal beliefs and returned to church, leaving behind a lucrative contract and the fame associated with being a professional athlete. He eventually returned to the league after missing the sport.
After retirement, Reid remained active in his community and dedicated himself to charitable causes.
R.I.P. to @HoustonRockets legend Robert Reid. https://t.co/qw6SGkzubj https://t.co/UqVB4rj7Qd
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) February 20, 2024
Reid’s first retirement didn’t last long. He returned to the Rockets ahead of the 1983-84 season.
Reid was a consistent rotation player for the Rockets — and a double-figure scorer, on average — during the 1980-81 and 1985-86 seasons, which resulted in the first two Western Conference championships and NBA Finals berths in franchise history.
Over 10 seasons with the Rockets, Reid averaged 11.6 points (46.7% FG), 4.9 rebounds and 3 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. He retired as a player after the NBA’s 1990-91 season.
Read on for further reaction from the team and its followers, as well as highlights from Reid’s distinguished NBA career.
Rockets statement on Robert Reid
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 team to its first two NBA Finals appearances in 1980-81 and 1985-86.
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.
Robert Reid, Game 1 of 1981 NBA Finals
Robert Reid, Game 6 of 1981 NBA Finals
Robert Reid interview on his Houston career
Social media reaction to Robert Reid’s death
Robert Reid was one of my favorite @HoustonRockets growing up as a kid. Then he joined me a game analyst on UH hoops radio in my first year calling games in 1996-1997. RIP Bobbie Jo pic.twitter.com/uPA4J23OZR
— Matt Thomas (@SportsMT) February 20, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Rockets legend Robert Reid.
The 6-foot-8 forward was incredibly versatile on both ends of the floor and was a charismatic leader on Rockets teams that went to the Finals in 1981 and 1986. He hit the unheralded three-point shot to tie… pic.twitter.com/xwWGGhfHLb
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) February 20, 2024
It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid. I have had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years, and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered. https://t.co/vHK4HKB24Z
— Tilman Fertitta (@TilmanJFertitta) February 20, 2024
Sad news this morning as I just received a text that Houston Rockets legend Robert Reid has passed away at the age of 68.
Robert was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I called him the Black Magnum P.I. He was my coach in the CBA with the Yakima Sun Kings. #RIP pic.twitter.com/mZKDqWyX8K
— Eldridge Recasner (@erecasner) February 20, 2024
4th in Rockets games
5th in Rockets minutes
7th in Rockets FGM
8th in Rockets rebounds
10th in Rockets assists
5th in Rockets steals
9th in Rockets blocks
8th in Rockets pointsRest in peace to Robert Reid🙏 pic.twitter.com/zxIhYBHbki
— NBANFLPosts (@NBANFLPosts) February 20, 2024
We had 10 man rosters in the CBA so whenever a player got hurt we couldn’t scrimmage 5on5. Robert Reid just retired from his playing days in 1992 would practice with us as the head coach, funniest thing is Robert would call his own number on plays. 2 DOWN was a post up for him😂 https://t.co/bSTciBqSKj pic.twitter.com/F8TscYuZ8g
— Eldridge Recasner (@erecasner) February 20, 2024
RIP to Robert Reid was a beloved athlete in Houston in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. He also hit one of the biggest shots of the 1986 Rockets' playoff run, although it was overshadowed by Ralph Sampson's buzzer-beater. https://t.co/PjcWMHxqIY via @houstonchron
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) February 20, 2024
R.I.P. Robert Reid. Larry always said you were one of the toughest. You will be missed.
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) February 20, 2024
