Exploring the Legacy of McCoy McLemore and the No. 18 Jersey in Rockets History

Since their inception in the 1967-68 season, the Houston Rockets have seen a multitude of players wear an impressive 52 different jersey numbers, alongside one unique number reserved for assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson. Throughout the franchise's history, nearly 500 athletes have donned these jerseys, each contributing to the team's rich narrative.

In a series dedicated to honoring these players, Rockets Wire is delving into the history of each jersey number, highlighting those who wore them over the years. Among many notable figures, today we focus on McCoy McLemore, who wore the No. 18 jersey during the 1971-72 season. McLemore, a product of Drake University, was selected 25th overall in the 1964 NBA Draft by the San Francisco Warriors, now known as the Golden State Warriors.

The Houston native began his professional journey with the Warriors, playing two seasons before being picked up by the Chicago Bulls in the 1966 expansion draft. His career also included stints with the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. McLemore eventually joined the Rockets, where he played his final NBA season in 1971.

Throughout his time with the Rockets, McLemore exclusively wore the No. 18 jersey, averaging 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. His contributions, albeit modest in terms of statistics, are part of the fabric of the team's storied history.

As the Rockets continue to celebrate their past, the legacy of players like McCoy McLemore remains an integral part of the franchise's identity.