Remembering Cedric Maxwell: The Legacy of No. 18 for the Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have seen a wide array of jersey numbers throughout their history, with a total of 52 different numbers worn by nearly 500 players since the team's inception in the 1967-68 season. To celebrate the legacy of those who wore these numbers, Rockets Wire is exploring the rich history of jersey numbers and the athletes associated with them, culminating in a tribute to some of the franchise's greatest players.

Among those honored is Cedric Maxwell, who donned the No. 18 jersey during his time with the Rockets in the late 1980s. A standout forward, Maxwell first made his mark in college at UNC Charlotte before being selected 12th overall in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. The native of Kinston, North Carolina, spent the first eight years of his professional career with the Celtics, before having stints with the Los Angeles Clippers.

In 1987, Maxwell joined the Rockets, where he showcased his skills for the final two seasons of his NBA journey. During his tenure with Houston, he consistently wore jersey No. 18 and averaged 5.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His contributions to the team, though modest in numbers, were part of a larger narrative of the franchise's evolution.

As the Rockets continue to honor their past, Maxwell remains a notable figure in the team's history, alongside other legends whose jerseys have been retired, marking a significant chapter in Houston's basketball legacy.