In a nod to the franchise’s beginning in San Diego, the Houston Rockets are going with a green and gold color scheme for their 2022-23 Hardwood Classic edition uniforms. The Rockets began as an expansion team in San Diego in the 1967-68 season and played there until 1971, when the team moved on to Houston and, soon thereafter, adopted its familiar red-based color scheme.
Per a video on the team’s website, paying homage to San Diego-era stars like Hall of Famers Elvin Hayes, Calvin Murphy and others provided some of the inspiration to return to the classic look.
“Space exploration teaches us to boldly move forward, a common thread between both cities. As we move forward to the next generation of Rockets basketball, we bring back a classic to reflect where we came from,” said narrator Tobe Nwigwe in a video on the Rockets’ team website.
Our Hardwood Classic uniforms represent the beginning of a journey to greatness.
🎙 @TobeNwigwe pic.twitter.com/VoOXlCQURQ
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022
History propels us forward. pic.twitter.com/IiheLJKemO
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 31, 2022