The Houston Rockets' jersey number 30 was first worn by forward Jim Davis during his stint with the team from 1967 to 1971. Davis, a 6-foot-8 player from Muncie, Indiana, put up averages of 5.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while wearing the number. This look back at franchise history comes as the modern Rockets navigate a recent stretch of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games, including a 78-98 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
Who was Jim Davis?
Jim Davis began his professional career after being selected 29th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1964 NBA Draft. He didn't join the NBA immediately, instead playing his first three seasons with the St. Louis Hawks, who later became the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets acquired Davis via a trade in 1971. His time in Houston was brief, as he was dealt to the Detroit Pistons later that same winter. During his NBA career, Davis exclusively wore the number 30 jersey.
How many players have worn number 30 for the Rockets?
Jim Davis was the third of 15 different players to wear jersey number 30 throughout Houston Rockets history. Since the team's founding in 1967, nearly 500 players have worn 52 different jersey numbers for the franchise. Seven of those numbers have been retired to honor the team's greatest players. This series by Rockets Wire aims to document the entire history behind each number and the athletes who wore them.
What were Jim Davis's stats with the Rockets?
In his time with Houston, Davis provided frontcourt depth. His stat line, as recorded by Basketball Reference, shows he contributed 5.2 points and grabbed 3.7 rebounds per game. His role was that of a reliable rotational big man during the early years of the franchise. The Rockets of that era were building their identity, and players like Davis were part of that foundational process.
Where does this fit in current Rockets context?
Looking back at players like Jim Davis connects the team's present to its past. Today's Rockets are focused on building a new competitive core. You can track the progress of the current squad, including their recent form and upcoming games, on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Understanding the legacy of jersey numbers adds depth for fans following the team's long-term journey in the NBA. Each number tells a story, and number 30's story starts with a steady forward from Indiana.
