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.
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
