The Houston Rockets, since their establishment for the 1967-68 NBA season, have seen a remarkable 52 different jersey numbers worn by nearly 500 players throughout the team’s history. Among these numbers, the team has chosen to retire seven jerseys to pay tribute to some of the franchise’s greatest contributors.
In a series dedicated to celebrating these iconic jersey numbers, today we shine the spotlight on the No. 7 jersey, worn by forward Toby Kimball. A standout player who concluded his college career at UConn, Kimball was selected as the 29th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1965 NBA draft.
The Framingham, Massachusetts native began his professional journey with the Celtics before joining the then San Diego Rockets in the 1967 NBA expansion draft. His tenure with the Rockets spanned until 1971, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
While wearing the No. 7 jersey for the Rockets, Kimball solidified his place in the team’s history by averaging 7.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. The rich history of players donning various jersey numbers continues to be a point of pride for the organization, reflecting the legacy and evolution of the team over the decades.
Houston fans are excited to see how the franchise continues to honor its history while looking forward to future achievements.