Vernon Maxwell wants better relationship with Tilman Fertitta, Rockets

Best known in recent years for his online trolling of the Utah Jazz, former Houston Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell says he would like to get more involved with his old team (and on a more serious level).

In recent weeks, he even suggested becoming a team broadcaster in the aftermath of longtime play-by-play voice Bill Worrell choosing to step down from the role after the NBA’s 2020-21 season. Maxwell clearly remains a fan of the Rockets and loudly supports them on social media.

But there is one potential stumbling block when it comes to the former NBA champion becoming involved with the team in any official capacity. When Maxwell played with the Rockets in the early 1990s, including as the starting shooting guard on the franchise’s first championship team (1993-94), the team’s owner was Leslie Alexander.

In July 2017, Alexander sold the Rockets to Tilman Fertitta. Since then, Maxwell says he hasn’t had the same relationship.

“(Fertitta) and I haven’t been able to build a great relationship,” Maxwell told Raymond Lucas Jr. of The Dream Shake. “The previous owners loved me and kept me involved, however, that’s declined since he’s arrived.”

At just 55 years old, there’s still plenty of time for Maxwell to potentially land the type of role he craves with his beloved franchise. Step 1, it appears, is building a connection with the team’s new ownership.

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