Magic Johnson Pays Homage to Rockets Legend Robert Reid

Hall of Famer Magic Johnson remembers Houston Rockets legend Robert Reid following the news of his death.

HOUSTON — The basketball world is mourning the loss of former Houston Rockets forward Robert Reid. According to the Houston Chronicle, Reid died at his home on Monday following a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

Tributes for Reid have flooded social media since the announcement of his passing Tuesday morning. Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson paid homage to Reid by remembering his late friend.

Houston Rockets forward Robert Reid (33) high fives a fan against the Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Finals at the Summit / MPS-USA TODAY Sports

"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," Johnson said via Twitter. 

"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, our NBA family, and guys like me, his friends. Cookie and I are praying for the entire Reid family, friends, and the NBA family during this difficult time."

The Rockets drafted Reid in the second round (no. 40 pick) of the 1977 NBA Draft. He went on to play 10 seasons for the franchise on two separate occasions. Each time, Reid helped the Rockets reach the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Boston Celtics in 1981 and 1986.

Trips to the Finals resulted from the Rockets defeating Johnson and the Lakers. They sent Los Angeles home in the first round of the 1981 playoffs (2-1). Five years later, Reid and the Rockets defeated the Lakers again during a memorable battle during the 1986 Western Conference Finals (4-1).

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. pic.twitter.com/6fc5dyLqDA

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 20, 2024

Following his decade run with the Rockets, Reid ranks top-10 in franchise history, including eighth in points (8,823), eighth in rebounding (3,706) and ninth in blocks (364).

In addition to the Rockets, Reid finished his career playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers.

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"It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid," Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said in a statement. "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."

"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."