When you think of the Houston Rockets' rich history, it's not just about championship banners and retired jerseys—it's also about the players who laid the foundation. Among them is Mike Newlin, a guard whose steady presence and consistent play made him a key figure during the Rockets' early years in the 1970s.

Newlin wore only one number during his time in Houston: No. 14. And fittingly, his stats with the Rockets were as steady as his jersey choice—averaging 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Those numbers weren't just a coincidence; they reflected a player who knew his role and delivered night after night.

Drafted 24th overall out of Utah in 1971, the Portland, Oregon native spent his first eight NBA seasons with the Rockets before being traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1979. During that span, he became a reliable backcourt contributor, helping the team navigate the transition from San Diego to Houston and into a new era of basketball.

Newlin is part of an exclusive club: 11 players have donned the No. 14 jersey in Rockets history, and he's the second to wear it with distinction. While seven Rockets jerseys have been retired to honor legends, numbers like No. 14 remind us that every great franchise is built on the contributions of players who may not always make the highlight reels—but who make the team better every time they step on the court.