LESLIE ALEXANDER Owner Purchased Team: July 30, 1993 College: New York University '65 6
When Leslie Alexander purchased the <strong>Rockets</strong> on July 30, 1993, he made it clear that he wanted the best franchise in professional sports — both on and off the court. His mission was simple: to win championships for <strong>Houston</strong> and to help <strong>Houston</strong>ians in need. He has succeeded repeatedly on both fronts, but constantly searches for ways to take his mission to a higher level. “I’ve always believed that sports teams are in the unique position to make a real difference in their communities,” Alexander said. “When I bought the <strong>Rockets</strong>, that was my dream. I hoped to make a difference for the people of <strong>Houston</strong>, both emotionally and financially.” Since 1993, Alexander has dedicated himself to building the <strong>Rockets</strong> franchise in every area. His tireless efforts to construct a downtown arena became a reality this year with the opening of Toyota Center. “I want to do the most we can every year to win the championship,” he said. “That’s always our goal, and it has been thrilling to see what we've accomplished over the last ten years.” Alexander has continually proven his commitment to success. He has engineered numerous moves to enable the <strong>Rockets</strong> to improve the team: In 1995, Alexander orchestrated a deal with Portland to bring <strong>Houston</strong> native Clyde Drexler to the <strong>Rockets</strong>. This trade served as a springboard to <strong>Houston</strong>’s second-consecutive championship just four months later. In 1996, Alexander signed Hakeem Olajuwon to a long-term contract extension. In 1996, Alexander acquired <strong>NBA</strong> All-Star Charles Barkley from Phoenix. In 1997, Alexander gave a multi-year contract extension to Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich. In 1999, the <strong>Rockets</strong> traded with Chicago for six-time <strong>NBA</strong> champion Scottie Pippen. In 1999, Alexander acquired Steve Francis, giving <strong>Houston</strong>, at that time, its highest-drafted player since Olajuwon joined the team in 1984. In 2002, Alexander and the <strong>Rockets</strong> made history with the first overall pick of the 2002 <strong>NBA</strong> Draft by selecting Yao Ming, making him the firstever player from an international league to be drafted number one. In <strong>2003</strong>, Alexander hired Jeff Van Gundy as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Van Gundy comes to <strong>Houston</strong> after posting a winning record in each of his seven seasons with New York. Alexander spearheaded the team’s search for a new coach. Among the highly qualified candidates interviewed, Alexander decided that Van Gundy most possessed the personal qualities and coaching experience to develop <strong>Houston</strong>’s talent and lead the <strong>Rockets</strong> to postseason success. 7 While Alexander’s teams have been most successful on the basketball court, unique to the <strong>Rockets</strong> organization is its off-the-court commitment to the community. Building a better quality of life for <strong>Houston</strong>ians is a driving force for Alexander and the <strong>Rockets</strong>. A decade of active community involvement has resulted in more than $5 million in donations to local charities and allowed the <strong>Rockets</strong> to impact tens of thousands of <strong>Houston</strong>ians each year. “It’s so important to me that the <strong>Houston</strong> <strong>Rockets</strong> find a way to thank the fans for their overwhelming devotion to our team. One way we try to do that is by reaching out to young people through our community programs and fundraising initiatives,” Alexander said. In 1995, Alexander established the Clutch City Foundation with the goal of providing help, hope and inspiration to those who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the Clutch City Foundation, the <strong>Rockets</strong> are involved in several community service and charity fundraising programs. The Clutch City Foundation funds and operates comprehensive programs benefiting thousands of children each <strong>Rockets</strong> season. In 1998, the <strong>Rockets</strong> were awarded the “Leadership <strong>Houston</strong>” Leadership in Action award for outstanding community service to education, one year after winning the same award for outstanding community service to youth. Alexander and the <strong>Rockets</strong> received the 1997 Pro Team Community Award, given by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. This award recognizes one professional team each year that exemplifies community service. In accepting the award, Alexander said, “The <strong>Rockets</strong> are honored to represent our great fans in bringing this special recognition to our community. It is our privilege and responsibility to help make a difference in the lives of <strong>Houston</strong>ians in need.” Through the Clutch City Foundation, the <strong>Rockets</strong> organization will continue to make a difference in the lives of <strong>Houston</strong>ians for years to come. When the <strong>NBA</strong> Board of Governors decided to create the Women’s National Basketball Association, Alexander saw an opportunity to bring a new and exciting brand of professional basketball to <strong>Houston</strong>. <strong>Houston</strong> was granted a franchise and Alexander, who knew firsthand of the city’s love for professional basketball, immediately set out to build another champion. As with the <strong>Rockets</strong>, Alexander again had the magic touch. In the first four years of the W<strong>NBA</strong>, the <strong>Houston</strong> Comets claimed four consecutive league championships. OWNER
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