Robert Reed, a star player for the Houston Rockets in the 1970s and 1980s, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

lead spent 13 years In the NBA, 10 of them are on the Rockets.

“My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rockets legend Robert Reed,” franchise owner Tilman Fertitta said in a statement on Tuesday's X-Post.

“I had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered. I will never forget watching his team compete in the Finals and his love for the game. My deepest condolences to his wife Diana and everyone who cared about him. His absence will be deeply felt and he will be fondly remembered.”

My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rockets legend Robert Reed. I had the privilege of knowing Robert and his for over 40 years and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered. https://t.co/vHK4HKB24Z

— Tilman Fertitta (@TilmanJFertitta) February 20, 2024

Reid appeared in the NBA Finals twice with the Houston Rockets, once in 1981 and once in 1986. However, both teams lost to the Boston Celtics.

One of the biggest things Reid is known for is that he briefly retired in 1982, before his sixth season in the NBA, to invest in his Pentecostal faith.

Reed returned to Houston in 1983 and averaged 14.0 points per game, nearly a career high. (Related: Indonesian soccer player Septin Raharja dies after being struck by lightning during a match)

Reed also played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets.