{
  "id": 15095152,
  "title": "Houston Rockets jersey history No. 34 - John Johnson (1975-77)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/houston-rockets-jersey-history-no-34-john-johnson-1975-77",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T02:00:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-rockets-jersey-history-no-020024789.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Houston Rockets have had a diverse history with jersey numbers, utilizing 52 different digits since their inception in the 1967-68 season. The team has seen around 500 players wear these numbers across its existence. To commemorate all these players, Rockets Wire is providing a comprehensive account of jersey numbers and their respective wearers, from the team's founding to the present day. Seven of these jerseys have been retired in recognition of the great players who wore them.\n\nJohn Johnson is the third of these seven players to wear the No. 34 jersey. Prior to playing for the Rockets, Johnson had a successful college career at Iowa. He was selected as the seventh pick in the 1970 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Johnson played the first three seasons of his professional career with Cleveland. He also had a stint with the Portland Trail Blazers before joining the Rockets in 1975.\n\nJohnson's stay with the Rockets lasted until 1977 when he was dealt to the Boston Celtics. During his tenure with the Rockets, Johnson suited up for a total of 143 games, donning only jerseys Nos. 34 and 27. His contributions on the court were noteworthy, averaging 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. These statistics are sourced from Basketball Reference.",
  "summary": "During his time suiting up for the Rockets, Johnson wore only jersey Nos. 34 and 27 and put up 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.",
  "key_points": [
    "Houston Rockets have used 52 jersey numbers since 1967-68 season.",
    "No. 34 jersey retired for John Johnson, third player to wear it.",
    "Johnson averaged 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game in 143 games."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Documenting individual jersey histories serves to preserve the legacy of the diverse group of players who have shaped the franchise since its founding in the late sixties.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}