BREAKING NEWS: Excitements Hits Toyota Centre stadium as former Houston rocket legend Clyde Drexler returns to his former team as a senior coaching….see more

In a momentous announcement that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the Houston Rockets have confirmed that NBA Hall of Famer and former Rockets legend Clyde “The Glide” Drexler is returning to the franchise in a prominent role. Effective immediately, Drexler will join the Rockets’ coaching staff as a Senior Coaching Advisor, marking a stunning homecoming for one of the most revered figures in Houston sports history.

The announcement was made Monday morning at a press conference held at the Toyota Center, where Rockets management, players, and a sea of fans welcomed Drexler with open arms. Dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit with a Rockets pin gleaming on his lapel, Drexler stood at the podium, smiling broadly as cheers erupted across the packed stadium.

“It’s great to be back,” Drexler said to the raucous crowd. “Houston is home. The Rockets are family. And I’m here to help bring another championship to this city.”

### A Hero Returns

Drexler, 63, last played for the Houston Rockets in the 1997-98 season. He was a pivotal member of the team’s historic **1995 NBA Championship** run, forming a dynamic duo with fellow Hall of Famer **Hakeem Olajuwon**. His return to the organization, this time in a coaching capacity, has ignited a wave of nostalgia — and fresh hope — among Rockets fans, who have long yearned for a return to the franchise’s glory days.

Team owner **Tilman Fertitta** described Drexler’s appointment as a “transformational move,” emphasizing the impact of his legacy, leadership, and basketball IQ.

“This isn’t just about bringing in a legend for the sake of name recognition,” Fertitta said. “Clyde has a deep understanding of the game, he knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and he brings a perspective that few others can. This move aligns with our long-term vision of building a championship-caliber culture from the inside out.”

### Coaching Role and Vision

As a **Senior Coaching Advisor**, Drexler will work closely with Head Coach **Ime Udoka**, providing strategic input, player development support, and mentorship — particularly for the team’s young core, including standout players like **Jalen Green**, **Amen Thompson**, and **Alperen Şengün**.

Udoka, who welcomed Drexler with a firm handshake and a warm smile during the press event, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

“Clyde’s presence alone lifts the energy in the room,” Udoka said. “But more than that, he’s a tactician. He understands both the old-school fundamentals and the modern pace-and-space game. Our guys are going to benefit immensely from his insight.”

Drexler himself highlighted player mentorship as a key focus of his role.

“I’ve been watching these guys,” he said. “They’ve got talent, they’ve got hunger. My job is to help refine their approach — mentally, physically, and professionally. I’m not here to take over, I’m here to lift up.”

### Fan Reaction: “It Feels Like 1995 Again!”

Within minutes of the announcement, #ClydeIsBack trended nationally on social media platforms, and the Rockets’ official website reportedly crashed under the weight of traffic. Local sports radio stations were inundated with calls, many from long-time fans recalling Drexler’s on-court heroics and the euphoria of the 1995 championship run.

“It feels like 1995 again,” said longtime season ticket holder **Ron Alvarez**, who attended Monday’s press conference. “You can feel the energy shift. Clyde coming back is like reuniting with a part of our identity.”

Outside the Toyota Center, a growing crowd of fans gathered, some wearing vintage Drexler #22 jerseys, others waving Rockets flags. Local vendors quickly sold out of throwback merchandise, and memorabilia stores across Houston reported record foot traffic.

“I was a kid when Clyde played,” said 26-year-old fan **Tamika Grant**, clutching a newly purchased Drexler bobblehead. “But my dad used to tell me stories about him. This just feels right. Like destiny.”

### Locker Room Buzz

Inside the Rockets locker room, the response to Drexler’s return was just as enthusiastic. Star guard **Jalen Green** called the appointment “inspiring,” noting that the chance to work with a Hall of Famer is “every young player’s dream.”

“I’ve watched his highlights, but now I get to pick his brain in real life,” Green said. “That’s priceless.”

Veteran forward **Dillon Brooks**, known for his fiery competitiveness, said he’s eager to learn about Drexler’s defensive instincts and approach to clutch situations.

“He’s done it all. Played in big games, won big games,” Brooks said. “You can’t fake that kind of experience. We’re lucky to have him.”

### Drexler’s Basketball Legacy

A ten-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Clyde Drexler remains one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. Born and raised in Houston, he starred at the University of Houston as part of the legendary “Phi Slama Jama” team before embarking on a storied NBA career that spanned 15 seasons — most notably with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets.

Known for his graceful drives, explosive dunks, and all-around excellence, Drexler was inducted into the **Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame** in 2004. Since retiring from professional basketball, he has remained active in sports broadcasting, business, and charitable work — but until now, he had largely stayed out of NBA coaching circles.

“I’ve always been close to the game,” Drexler said. “But the timing just felt right now. The Rockets are building something special, and I want to be a part of that.”

### Looking Ahead

With Drexler now on board, the Rockets’ trajectory seems more exciting than it has in years. After multiple rebuilding seasons, the franchise appears poised for a turnaround, fueled by young talent, a strong coaching staff, and now, the wisdom of a living legend.

General Manager **Rafael Stone** hinted that Drexler’s arrival could be the first of several strategic moves aimed at bolstering the team’s infrastructure.

“We’re not just aiming for the playoffs — we’re aiming for banners,” Stone said. “Having Clyde here helps us build a championship mentality.”

Drexler echoed that sentiment in his closing remarks.

“This team isn’t just trying to compete — it’s trying to win,” he said. “I’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again.”