Friday’s episode of the Locked on Rockets podcast features an exclusive interview with broadcasting icon Bill Worrell. After working nearly 40 years as Houston’s play-by-play broadcaster for television game broadcasts, Worrell recently announced his decision to step down.
Worrell will remain as a special contributor to AT&T SportsNet Southwest broadcasts next season before fully retiring. That will allow him to work a full 40 years with the hometown NBA franchise.
With Jackson Gatlin leading the way as host and interviewer, topics discussed on Friday’s podcast with Worrell include:
- The origins of his legendary announcing career
- The NBA’s evolution in playing style over the years
- Who he views as the best NBA player of all-time
- His broadcast partners over nearly 40 years as an announcer
- His first impressions of Hakeem Olajuwon, as well as the birth of the “Dream Shake” nickname for Olajuwon’s primary move
- Personal stories from his friendships with Hall of Famers Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich
- Why he supports the NBA’s growing social justice movement
- Why he believes Stephen Silas can win a championship in Houston
The complete podcast can be listened to below, as well as via major distributors including Apple, Google, and Spotify.
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Bill Worrell's first impression of Hakeem Olajuwon?
"He had no offensive moves whatsoever. I went out and watched him and said 'this guy's not gonna amount to a hill of beans' ..and then he just started developing like gangbusters." https://t.co/sjFq2kLgob
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) May 28, 2021