The NBA community is grieving the loss of one of its unsung heroes as Robert Reid, a pivotal figure in the rise of the Houston Rockets during the 1980s, passed away at the age of 68. Reid, a 40th pick from the 1977 draft, dedicated a decade of his life to building the Rockets into a formidable force within the Western Conference, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the league as a whole.
Reid’s tenure with the Rockets was marked by his exceptional defensive prowess, earning him recognition as one of the best defensive players of his era. Despite his relatively low profile compared to some of his contemporaries, Reid’s impact on the court was undeniable, contributing significantly to the Rockets’ success during the 1980s.
Magic Johnson, the legendary point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his profound sadness at Reid’s passing, acknowledging him as a fierce competitor and one of the league’s top defensive talents. Johnson took to Twitter to share his condolences, reminiscing about his battles with Reid on the court and their camaraderie off it. He noted Reid’s hospitality during his visits to Houston and emphasized his qualities as both a player and a person.
The 5x champion shared on Twitter, “I’m deeply saddened by the news that my friend Robert Reid passed away today. Robert was a fierce competitor for the Houston Rockets and one of the best defensive players the league has ever seen!“.
“He was always a good host when I visited Houston, and we shared many meals together over the years. He was a great person, and this is a tough loss for his family.”
I’m deeply saddened by the news that my friend Robert Reid passed away today. Robert was a fierce competitor for the Houston Rockets and one of the best defensive players the league has ever seen! He was always a good host when I visited Houston, and we shared many meals together… pic.twitter.com/EF96jBg0ZX
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 20, 2024
Reid’s influence extended far beyond his defensive prowess, as evidenced by his impressive statistical achievements with the Rockets. Despite not always receiving the recognition he deserved, Reid ranks among the franchise’s top players in several key categories, including steals, points, rebounds, and assists. His consistency and versatility made him a cornerstone of the Rockets’ roster, contributing to their success during his tenure with the team.
One of Reid’s most memorable performances came during the 1986 NBA playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ victory over the Lakers in the conference finals. Despite the Lakers’ status as defending champions, Reid’s stellar defensive play helped the Rockets secure a series win, propelling them to their second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. Reid’s ability to contain Magic Johnson, limiting him to his lowest scoring output of the series, played a crucial role in the Rockets’ triumph.
Although the Rockets ultimately fell short in the NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in both 1981 and 1986, Reid’s contributions did not go unnoticed. His legacy as a key contributor to the Rockets’ success during one of the franchise’s most prosperous periods will endure, ensuring that his impact on the game of basketball is remembered and celebrated for years to come.