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How did Robert Reid die? Former Houston Rockets star dead at 68

Robert Reid once thought that playing professional basketball was a sin

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Former Houston Rockets player Robert Reid, who led the franchise to its first two NBA Finals appearances, died on February 19, according to the team. He was 68. According to the Houston Chronicle, Robert died at home on Monday after a battle with cancer. Tilman Fertitta, Houston's owner, led the honors to the great guard.

"It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid," Tilman said on X.

"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," Tilman continued.

Robert is survived by his wife, Diana, and children Robert Kr., Keva, Crystal, and Jana.

Who is Robert Reid?

Robert was born on August 30, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia, but eventually relocated to Texas, where he attended Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz. He continued his basketball career at St. Mary's University before being selected by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft.

Standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Robert made his NBA debut on October 21, 1977, and rose to fame as a dynamic forward/guard over the course of his 13-year career. Known for his quickness and defensive talents, he was a key member of the Rockets' lineup in the early 1980s, contributing to the team's success in several playoff appearances.

When did Robert Reid play for the NBA?

Robert's NBA career was highlighted by his contributions to the Rockets' first two NBA Finals appearances, in 1981 and 1986. He played his first ten NBA seasons with the Houston Rockets before concluding with the Hornets, Trail Blazers, and 76ers. Robert did not play basketball during the 1981–82 season due to religious considerations. He was selected in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draftby the Houston Rockets. Robert is in the top ten in Rockets history for games played, steals, points, rebounds, blocks, and assists.

Why did Robert Reid take temporary retirement?

Robert famously retired in 1982, shortly before his sixth NBA season, after the Rockets traded Moses Malone, to devote more time to his Pentecostal beliefs. He had also left the squad the previous year to resolve "the conflicts between his basketball career and his religious beliefs," according to the New York Times.

"You have loved ones who are not interested in money and fame, they’re just concerned about your soul," Robert told the LA Times about his choice to take the year off in 1985. "I decided to quit. I was through with professional basketball. It just wasn’t important to me. I made my decision and I felt good." Robert returned to the Rockets in 1983 and averaged 14.0 points per game, the second-best of his career at the time.

After retiring, Robert stayed involved in his community and volunteered for philanthropic causes. While he may have walked away from the NBA spotlight, his influence on the game and reputation as a player dedicated to his values live on. In recent years, Robert has held basketball clinics for young athletes in numerous nations, including India.