The Rockets responded quickly to the ClutchFans story about Jeff Hagedorn and Calvin Murphy not coming back with the team, issuing a release about their new broadcast team for 2005.
Alongside Bill Worrell this season will be two very popular former Rockets. Legend Clyde Drexler will do Rocket home games and playoff contests while Matt Bullard will do the road games.
As reported earlier, neither Hagedorn nor Murphy will be back with the team.
"We greatly appreciate the contributions Calvin has made as a Rockets player, broadcaster and employee," said senior Rocket VP Tad Brown. "We truly wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
Bullard's stock rose in Rocket camp thanks to his showing on ESPN's show "Dream Job", where he finished second to Dee Brown.
On the other hand, Drexler is a huge surprise. While a superstar and hometown hero in Houston, Clyde has gotten a rap of being "unreliable" since retiring. There were reports that stated Drexler skipped out on many practices at UH while he was a head coach there.
"We're excited to have one of the game's all-time great players join the Rockets broadcast team," said FSN Houston Senior Vice President/General Manager Jon Heidtke. "Clyde brings a wealth of knowledge and NBA experience to his new role. He's a Houston sports icon who will be able to make an instant connection with Rockets fans on the telecasts."
"Matt did a tremendous job last year filling in on occasion and we're delighted to have him on board for the whole season. Having two former Rockets players paired with a veteran pro like Bill Worrell gives the Rockets one of the most solid announcing teams in the NBA."
