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HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets took it back to their origins with the release of their latest hardwood classics during the 2022-23 campaign. Houston paid homage to the San Diego Rockets by wearing the hardwood classics jerseys as part of the 55th-anniversary celebration of the franchise.

After debuting the jerseys in a loss against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 18, the Rockets wore the classic uniforms six times. They posted a record of 3-3 while picking up wins against the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. 

The Rockets throwback classic featured a white jersey with green, gold and yellow text and trim.

Before moving to Houston in 1971, the Rockets played their first four seasons as a franchise in San Diego. Basketball Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes established himself as the Rockets' original franchise player, where he averaged 28.2 points and 16.9 rebounds from 1969 to 1971. 

He led the Rockets to a 37-45 record during his first season. Hayes received the first of his 12 consecutive All-Star nods as a rookie after averaging 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds through 82 games.

Houston retired Hayes' No. 44 on the first night the Rockets sported the classic uniforms. Other prominent players who represented the Rockets in San Diego are Calvin Murphy, Pat Riley and Rudy Tomjanovich.


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