The Houston Rockets have a long history of players wearing 52 different jersey numbers, and guard Phil Bond briefly wore No. 30 during the 1977-78 season. This look back at the franchise's numerical legacy comes as the current Rockets team navigates a recent form of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games, following a 78-98 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
Who was Phil Bond?
Phil Bond was a guard selected by the Houston Rockets in the 1977 NBA Draft. He played his college basketball at the University of Louisville. His professional career with the Rockets was short, spanning only the 1977-78 campaign.
During that single season, Bond appeared in 28 games for Houston. He averaged 2.4 points, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages were 36.4% from the field and 66.7% from the free-throw line. These numbers reflect the role of a depth player during that era of the franchise.
What is the significance of jersey No. 30 for the Rockets?
Number 30 is not among the seven jerseys retired by the Houston Rockets. It remains an active number in the team's inventory. Bond's tenure is the primary chapter in its story for this franchise.
The Rockets' jersey history project, as reported by Justin Quinn of Rockets Wire, aims to honor every player who has worn the team's colors. Since their founding in 1967, nearly 500 players have suited up for Houston. Tracking these numbers connects past role players to today's stars.
Fans interested in the current roster wearing these numbers can check the team's official [squad](/squad) page for details.
How does this history connect to the modern Rockets?
Understanding franchise history provides context for the present. The Rockets' current form shows a team in flux, with a recent record of LWWLL. That 78-98 loss to the Lakers highlights areas needing improvement as they build for the future.
Just as Bond was part of a specific team era, today's players are writing their own chapters. The organization's commitment to documenting its past, from stars to short-term players, shows a respect for its entire legacy. This history is a resource for fans and a reminder of the many contributors to an NBA franchise's story.
You can follow the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What other numbers hold major history for Houston?
The Rockets have retired seven numbers to honor their all-time greats. These include Hakeem Olajuwon's No. 34, Clyde Drexler's No. 22, and Yao Ming's No. 11, among others. Each retired jersey represents a peak era in the team's competitive history.
In contrast, numbers like No. 30 have stories defined by lesser-known players like Phil Bond. These jerseys represent the countless athletes who filled out rosters and contributed in practice and limited minutes. Together, the retired and active numbers weave the full fabric of the Houston Rockets' NBA journey since 1967.
