Vernon Maxwell has been seeking to have a renewed relationship with the Houston Rockets and their owner, Tilman Fertitta, for the last couple of years now. He wants to be involved in some capacity with the franchise he helped win two NBA titles in the 1990s.
Mad Max reiterated his desire to be part of the Rockets organization and be shown more appreciation and respect by the owners in a recent episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, highlighting that politics within the franchise has made it hard for him to rebuild his ties with the Rockets.
"Hey man, this you know, what it always has been, it's been political for a long time, man. It's gonna stay political, man. And, um, n****s like me and like [retired NFL star] Marshall Lynch, and they want to try to tell you how to [act], you know, but that's all," the now-60 years old Maxwell shared .
"So, yeah. That's what it is, man, all this political s**t, man. But, um, Houston Rockets , damn it, y'all need to do the right thing. Get me in that Hall of Fame at the Houston Rockets." he added.
Maxwell played six seasons with the Rockets from 1990 to 1995 and was a key part of their development into an eventual NBA champion team. He brought a lot of intensity as a perimeter defender and was known for his clutch shooting. His unpredictable and volatile personality was an issue from time to time, but the team generally handled it well and used it to its advantage.
In 1994, the Rockets finally broke through, winning their first-ever NBA title. A starter at shooting guard, playing alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Horry, Otis Thorpe and Kenny Smith, Maxwell had his imprint on their championship run.
From their West-leading 58-24 campaign in the regular season, where he averaged 13.6 points, 5.1 assists and 1.7 steals, to the playoffs, he capped his solid showing by hitting the dagger three-pointer in Game 7 of the NBA Finals over the New York Knicks to seal the title, Maxwell was there every step of the way.
The following season, he continued in his role until the Rockets acquired Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler midway through a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers . The move did not sit well with Maxwell, who was relegated to a role off the bench behind Drexler.
It all came to a head after Game 1 of their 1995 Western Conference first-round series against the Utah Jazz , where they lost, and Maxwell decided to leave the team. The Rockets went on to win their second straight NBA championship, with Maxwell still getting his ring.
He was waived by the Rockets following the season and bounced around the league before retiring in 2001. Maxwell still had a good relationship with former Rockets owner Leslie Alexander after his playing days. Still, when the team was sold to Fertitta in 2017, Max admits he had hardly any relationship with the organization.
While he is open to any role he is given, Maxwell has expressed interest in being part of the Rockets' broadcasting team, believing he has the basketball knowledge and confidence to tap into and share with the audience.
He is aware, though, that his penchant for using brash words is a concern, but that he is willing to clean up his act.
"[They] don't understand, whatever platform you put me on now, goddamn it. Now, I know how to talk on that platform. Now, if you put me on ESPN, I know I ain't got to curse. I can't, I ain't going to curse, god damn it," he said.
Whether Maxwell gets his wish to be more involved with the Rockets in some capacity is still to be seen. But given what he did in Clutch City back in the day, some consideration could be given to bringing him back to the franchise in some capacity.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
