Colleagues honor Worrell: 'Thank you for your kind words on the telecast'

Colleagues of the Houston Rockets' former longtime play-by-play announcer Bill Worrell, honored during a recent game with the Dallas Mavericks, provided tributes on social media.

The Rocket's current play-by-play announcer, Craig Ackerman, said in a Twitter post the same day that he was honored that Worrell was recognized on his watch.

"What a tremendous honor it was to be a part of very special night tonight as we honored Bill Worrell," Ackerman said in his Jan. 7 Twitter post. "Thank you, Bill, for your kind words on the telecast and for years of mentorship and friendship. Congratulations on an amazing career!"

"Locked On Rockets" Podcast Host Jackson Gatlin, who interviewed Worrell in May of last year, spoke directly to Worrell in his own Twitter post the same day.

"Bill Worrell: 'The fans in Houston are the best fans in the NBA. I've gone through three generations of Houston Rockets fans, and I love each and every one of you,'" Gatlin said.

The tweets came shortly after Worrell was honored by the Rockets and Houston City Council for "Bill Worrell Day" during halftime. The honors included an official proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on behalf of the city council and other special activities throughout the home game, according to USA Today's coverage.

In addition to former players and coaches, special guests during the event included Worrell's broadcast colleagues Elvin Hayes, Rudy Tomjanovich, Hakeem Olajuwon and Matt Bullard.

The arena’s television booth is now permanently called the "Bill Worrell Broadcast Booth."

The first 3,000 fans attending the game received a Bill Worrell pin.

Worrell began his television career in 1970 following graduation from the University of Houston. He retired as the Rockets television play-by-play broadcaster after the Rocket's final 2020-21 home game in May, marking his 40th season covering the team. Worrell remains as an AT&T SportsNet special contributor.