Picked Third Overall and Sat Out: Larry Siegfried's Wild Journey to the Rockets Number 20

Alright, Seattle, buckle up, because we're diving into some old school NBA history today, and honestly, the twists and turns here are wild. Forget what you think you know about career paths, because Larry Siegfried, a guard from way back when, had a journey to the Houston Rockets that you just won't believe. This dude, who rocked jersey number 20 for them, wasn't just some forgotten bench player. His path from college star to Rockets role player is a masterclass in how strange the early NBA could be.

From Ohio State Sensation to Sitting Out

Talk about starting with a bang, then a whisper, then a roar. Larry Siegfried, fresh out of Ohio State, was an absolute beast in college. So much so that the Cincinnati Royals, who we now know as the Sacramento Kings, snatched him up with the third overall pick in the 1961 NBA draft. Third overall! That's insane, right? You'd expect him to hit the court running, but nope. Siegfried actually sat out for two whole years after being drafted. Can you even imagine that happening today? It’s wild. He finally signed with the Boston Celtics in 1963, and that's where he really found his stride, spending seven full seasons there, making a name for himself.

A Quick Stop in Houston's History

So, how did

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this guy, a former top-three pick and a Celtics veteran, end up wearing number 20 for the Rockets? Well, the NBA was a different beast back then. After his run with Boston, Siegfried got dealt to the San Diego Rockets, who, yeah, are now our Houston Rockets. This happened in 1970, with the Portland Trail Blazers acting as the pit stop in between. His time with the Rockets was brief, just one season, until he was traded again in 1971, this time to the Atlanta Hawks. During that single season in Houston, Siegfried exclusively wore the No. 20 jersey, and he put up some solid numbers for his role, averaging 7.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Not bad for a quick detour, right? The Rockets have seen a ton of players come and go, with 52 different jersey numbers gracing almost 500 players since 1967-68, and seven of those jerseys are now hanging high in the rafters. Siegfried's No. 20 was just the second of 18 players who have worn that number in Houston's history. It just goes to show you that every player, every number, no matter how short their stay, adds another layer to a franchise's story. It's these kinds of deep dives into history that remind you how much effort and how many different paths it takes to build a team's legacy. Keep an eye out for more of these historical breakdowns, because every jersey has a story worth telling.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.