Robert Reid was a 13-year NBA veteran best known for his long tenure with the Houston Rockets, with whom he went to two NBA Finals.
- Died: February 19, 2024 (Who else died on February 19?)
- Details of death: Died in Houston of cancer at the age of 68.
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Robert Reid’s legacy
Reid faced skeptics when he joined the Houston Rockets in 1977, but he vowed to prove them wrong in the best way he could: on the court. Drafted after playing at St. Mary’s University, Texas, he joined a Rockets team that was just becoming an annual contender. He had a chance to show how much he could contribute during his best season, 1980-81, during which he was the team’s second leading scorer and helped lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals. They ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in six games.
Reid briefly retired to focus on his faith and did not play in the 1982-83 season. He returned to the sport the next year and was again a big player in the team’s 1985-86 season, helping them take second place in the conference, first place in their division, and once again go to the finals, only to lose to the Celtics in six games again. Reid left the team after the 1988-89 season, spending time with the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers before retiring in 1991.
Reid ended his time in the NBA with over 10,000 career points, 4,100 rebounds, and 2,500 assists. In his later years, he hosted basketball clinics for young players around the world.
Tributes to Robert Reid
Full obituary: ESPN
