Former NBA swingman Robert Reid dies at 68

Noted for his solid defense and versatility, the 13-year NBA veteran helped the Rockets reach the Finals in 1980-81 and 1985-86.

Robert Reid averaged 11.4 points in 919 NBA games from 1978 to 1991.

Robert Reid, a 13-year NBA veteran and key figure on a pair of Houston squads that reached the Finals in the 1980s, has died, the Rockets announced Tuesday via statement. He was 68.

The Rockets selected Reid 40th overall in the 1977 Draft out of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Excluding a brief retirement for religious reasons during the 1982-83 season, Reid spent the first 10 campaigns of his career in Houston, starting for the 1980-81 team that lost to Boston in the Finals and coming off the bench in 1985-86 as the Rockets suffered another defeat to the Celtics.

Reid enjoyed his best season for that ’80-81 squad, setting career highs in scoring (15.9 points per game), rebounds (7.1) and steals (2.0) while playing alongside future Hall of Famers Moses Malone and Calvin Murphy.

He went on to play for expansion Charlotte during its inaugural season in 1988-89, averaging 14.7 points per game, before finishing out his career with Portland and Philadelphia.

Reid played a total of 919 NBA games through 1991, averaging 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals while being noted for his solid defense and versatility.