Robert Reid Cause Of Death, Obituary: What Happened to Houston Rockets Basketball Player?
Robert Reid, who played a key role in leading the Houston Rockets to their first two NBA Finals appearances in 1981 and 1986, passed away on Monday at the age of 68. The Rockets confirmed Reid’s death, revealing that he succumbed to cancer at his home after a courageous battle with the disease.
A versatile and talented player
Reid was a 6-foot-8 guard/forward who spent 10 of his 13 NBA seasons with the Rockets, who selected him in the second round of the 1977 NBA draft out of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He was a versatile and talented player who could score, rebound, defend, and play multiple positions. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his career.
Reid’s best season was 1980-81 when he finished third on the team in scoring (15.9 PPG), second in rebounds (7.1 RPG), and first in steals (2.0 SPG). That Rockets team snuck into the playoffs with a 40-42 record but engineered an underdog run to the NBA Finals that began with a first-round series victory over the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Rockets, who also featured Hall of Famers Moses Malone and Calvin Murphy, then faced Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Reid dropped 27 points in Game 1 to lead all scorers, but the C’s pulled out a 98-95 win. Houston fought hard against the heavily favored C’s but fell in six games.
Robert Keith Reid Cause of Death
| Name | Robert Keith Reid |
|---|---|
| Born | August 30, 1955 |
| Died | February 19, 2024 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| College | St. Mary’s University, Texas |
| NBA draft | 1977 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall |
| NBA career | 1977–1982, 1983–1991 |
| Position | Shooting guard / Small forward |
| Number | 50, 33 |
| Teams | Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers |
| Career statistics | Points: 10,448 (11.4 ppg) |
| Rebounds: 4,168 (4.5 rpg) | |
| Assists: 2,500 (2.7 apg) | |
| Steals: 1,083 (1.4 spg) | |
| Blocks: 589 (0.8 bpg) | |
| Awards and honors | 2× NBA Finals appearance (1981, 1986) |
| Wikipedia | Robert_Reid_(basketball) |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
A brief retirement and a comeback
Reid played one more season before retiring in 1982 to devote more time to his Pentecostal faith. He said he was influenced by his loved ones who were concerned about his soul. “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,” he told the LA Times in 1985.
He returned to the NBA the following year and didn’t show any rust en route to 14.0 PPG in 1983-84. Two seasons later, the Rockets returned to the NBA Finals in part because of Reid, who led all Houston reserves with 12.0 PPG. Reid ended up joining the starting lineup for good by the end of the regular season, playing alongside Hall of Famer Akeem (now Hakeem) Olajuwon.
Death Cause
As for Robert Reid’s death cause, according to multiple sources, he died at his home on Monday, February 19, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2023 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but his condition worsened over time. He was surrounded by his family and friends when he passed away. He is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
A memorable shot and a legacy
Like in 1981, the defending NBA champion Lakers stood in their way of making the championship round. This time around, Houston had to face the 62-win Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. The Rockets stunned the Lakers, though, defeating them in five. Reid did his part with 14.6 PPG, including 23 in a Game 4 win. His best moment occurred in Game 5, though, when he hit a corner three with 15 seconds left to tie the game at 112. After the Lakers came up empty, Rockets center Ralph Sampson hit the game-winner with no time left to send Houston to the championship.
Reid’s shot was one of the most memorable in Rockets history, as it prevented the Lakers from winning the Western Conference in all 10 NBA seasons ending in the 1980s. L.A. won eight, while Houston took the other two. Boston awaited Houston again and beat the Rockets in six again.
Reid played three more seasons in the NBA, with brief stints with the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers, before retiring for good in 1991. He finished his career with 9,296 points, 3,745 rebounds, 2,373 assists, and 1,083 steals in 762 games.
A beloved figure and a role model
Reid was a beloved figure in the Houston community and a role model for many young players. He was known for his positive attitude, his generosity, and his faith. He was involved in various charitable causes and mentored several aspiring athletes. He also worked as a basketball analyst for the Rockets and a high school coach.
The Rockets and the NBA world mourned Reid’s passing and paid tribute to his legacy. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta tweeted: “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.” Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon said:
“He was a great teammate, a great friend, and a great person. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and loved him.” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: “Robert Reid was a talented and versatile player who made significant contributions to the Rockets and the NBA. He was also a respected leader and a positive influence in the communities he served. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
