Latest news with #CalvinMurphy
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Finally got the go-to man': Calvin Murphy reacts to Houston trading for Kevin Durant
'They finally got a player, the 'go-to man' in those last four minutes,' Rockets legend Calvin Murphy says of Kevin Durant's arrival in Houston. Calvin Murphy is a Hall of Fame legend. When considering the entirety of his journey from an NBA player to the broadcasting realm (now a Space City Home Network analyst), he is currently in his sixth decade as part of the Houston Rockets franchise. So, it takes a lot to get him particularly excited. Houston's recent trade acquisition of All-Star forward Kevin Durant, who will eventually join Murphy in the Hall of Fame, does the trick. 'Having KD here, it don't get no bigger than that,' Murphy said at Wednesday's NBA draft experience event in Houston. 'This is my 57th year with the Rockets. When you can get something into the organization to excite me, you've done something well.' Specifically, Murphy is excited for what Durant — long known as one of the NBA's elite scorers — can do for an offense that struggled last season in half-court situations. The Rockets are already an elite defensive team, so pairing a top-five defense with an offensive upgrade could potentially lift Houston to title contention as soon as next season. 'They finally got a player, the 'go-to man' in those last four minutes,' Murphy told reporters, as captured by Sal Maneen of Fox 26 Houston. 'Somebody that has been there, done that. I'm surprised they were able to get him, but I'm glad they got him.' 'Teams are going to try and slow the Rockets down because of their athleticism, but you can't slow them down now, with KD in the halfcourt,' Murphy added. 'That's the perfect offensive weapon. You've got a halfcourt weapon, and you've got those young legs that want to get up and down the floor and put numbers on the board.' Murphy said he had personally spoken since the trade to Dillon Brooks, who will go to Phoenix as part of the blockbuster trade. Jalen Green is also joining the Suns. Regarding those departures, Murphy said: 'Dillon the Villain' was my man. I hate to see him go, but it's all about business. I had a chance to say goodbye to him. With Jalen, fourth year, I kind of suspected something was going to happen after that (underwhelming) playoff series. But both of them are very talented, and they're going to do well. Of course, even with Durant earning All-Star honors last season, there are some who are skeptical of how his game will age during his upcoming stint with the Rockets. In September, the former NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and two-time champion turns 37 years old. But that's not scaring off Murphy, who overcame his 5-foot-9, 165-pound size to become an all-time great during his playing days. 'They told me I was too short to play in this game, and I lasted and got into the Hall,' Murphy said. 'I don't want to hear negativity. This man is a proven champion. Excuse my language, but to hell with those naysayers.' More: Rockets to host 2025 NBA draft experience at Toyota Center
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Calvin Murphy, Gretchen Sheirr lead Rockets' community service event at Houston Food Bank
Rockets legend Calvin Murphy and Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations, were among the team leaders who took part in Tuesday's charity and service event at the Houston Food Bank. On Tuesday morning, employees from the Houston Rockets and Tito's Handmade Vodka teamed up for a volunteer event at the Houston Food Bank. While there, the volunteers helped pack food and other essential items for families in need. At the event, Tito's also presented a check to the Clutch City Foundation to honor its 'Assists for a Cause' program, which donates a set amount for every Rockets assist during the preceding NBA season. In 2024-25, the total led to a $20,000 check being presented to the Houston Food Bank. Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations with the Rockets, was joined by franchise icons Calvin Murphy and Allen Leavell in accepting the donation from Tito's Handmade Vodka. Murphy and Leavell both rank top-three in franchise history for career assists. 'I think the statistic is that one in four children in Houston are in an area where they don't necessarily know where their next meal is coming from,' Sheirr said. 'So, this donation today will help provide 240,000 meals for the underserved community here in Houston.' For Murphy, the event held personal significance. 'I don't think people really understand the importance of this Food Bank,' said Murphy, who will also take part in the team's 2025 NBA draft fan event on Wednesday. 'I was one of those that grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut,' the Hall of Famer continued. 'My mother and father worked, 24/7. There were times when we just didn't have, and if it wasn't for people volunteering to bring us food — there were seven of us — there could've been days that were real lean.' 'So, getting involved with the Rockets and for the Food Bank is very precious, to me. Coming out and doing my little bit of helping to package stuff for people in need, it's something that's dear to my heart.' Through the Clutch City Foundation, the Rockets and their corporate partners provide support and visibility to vital community organizations, including the Houston Food Bank. 'I've been involved with the Rockets now for 56 years,' Murphy said. 'Coming into this (upcoming) year, 57. The slogan they have of 'Rockets care,' that's not just a slogan. That's in their hearts.' The Houston Food Bank serves 18 counties across southeast Texas and supports approximately one million people who are experiencing food insecurity. In addition, the Houston Food Bank offers programs that help families achieve long-term stability. These include nutritional education, health management, and assistance in accessing state-funded support. More: Rockets to host 2025 NBA draft experience at Toyota Center
