On Wednesday, the Houston Rockets unveiled their new Hardwood Classic uniforms for the 2022-23 season. These green-and-gold uniforms will be worn to honor the team’s inaugural 1967-68 season in San Diego.
The Rockets played San Diego until 1971. Hall of Famers Elvin Hayes and Calvin Murphy wore the green-and-gold uniforms when they played.
Of course, the top half of the uniforms might remind some fans of the Seattle SuperSonics’ jerseys from long ago. Though, the green and white colors are the only similarity.
Our Hardwood Classic uniforms represent the beginning of a journey to greatness.
🎙 @TobeNwigwe pic.twitter.com/VoOXlCQURQ
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022
Speaking of Hayes, the Rockets will also retire his No. 44 jersey on Nov. 18 against the Indiana Pacers. The Big E wore the No. 11 jersey with Houston as well. However, the team already retired Yao Ming’s No. 11 jersey.
Through 1,303 career games, Hayes averaged 21 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks per game. With the San Diego Rockets, the center won an NBA scoring title as a rookie, averaging 28.4 points per game.
Rockets unveil Hardwood Classic uniforms for 2022-23 season
In 572 games and seven seasons played with the Rockets, Hayes averaged 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Plus, he shot 44.5% from the field with his team.
Additionally, Hayes will become the seventh player in NBA history to have his number retired by two different franchises. He joins Oscar Robertson, Earl Monroe, Julius Erving, Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Cemented in Rockets history.
The moment Elvin Hayes heard from @TilmanJFertitta that his jersey will hang in the rafters of the Toyota Center. pic.twitter.com/5B2kfXjLHQ
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022
Greatness in every thread. pic.twitter.com/H9tpzrqwgP
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022
Since space travel and aeronautics are linked to San Diego and Houston, the Rockets wanted to pay homage to both American cities for the 2022-23 season.
On the team’s main website, narrator Tobe Nwigwe mentioned in the Rockets uniform reveal video: “Space exploration teaches us to boldly move forward, a common thread between both cities. As we move forward to the next generation of Rockets basketball, we bring back a classic to reflect where we came from.”
At the top of the NBA game-worn jerseys, Credit Karma and Nike will be featured on them.
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