Calvin Murphy
A Hall of Famer who set NBA free-throw records and spent his entire 13-year career with the Rockets.
Calvin Jerome Murphy (born May 9, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA as a guard for the San Diego/Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1983. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m), Murphy was long considered the shortest NBA player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame until Muggsy Bogues (5'3") was inducted in 2024, and he was also the shortest to play in an NBA All-Star Game until Spud Webb (5'7") played in the 1986 All-Star Game. He is currently a member of the Houston Rockets' Space City Home Network broadcast team.
- Height
- 5'9"
- Draft Year
- 1970
- Primary Team
- Houston Rockets
- Position
- Guard
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 1993
- Jersey Number
- 23
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Before basketball, Murphy was a world-class baton twirler. He says he was 'bullied into it' as his mother and all six of her sisters were twirlers. As an 8th grader in 1963, he won a national championship in baton twirling. His reputation earned him invitations to perform at major sporting events and the 1964 New York World's Fair. In 1977, at the height of his basketball career in Houston, Murphy won the Texas State Baton Twirling Championship. At Niagara University, he scored 2,548 points in 77 games (33.1 points per game), including a 68-point outing against Syracuse University. He was one of 'The Three M's' along with Pete Maravich and Rick Mount. Murphy was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
In Their Own Story
On March 18, 1978, Murphy set a career high with 57 points scored during a 106–104 loss to the New Jersey Nets. Two years later, during the 1980-81 season, he set an NBA record for highest free throw percentage in a single season, making 206 of 215 (95.8%). That postseason, on April 17, 1981, Murphy led the Rockets to a decisive Western Conference Semifinals Game 7 win over the San Antonio Spurs with 42 points, a postseason career high. The Rockets advanced to the 1981 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. Murphy retired in 1983 to make way for younger players. He held the Rockets' all-time scoring record until it was broken in 1994 by Hakeem Olajuwon.
Reader's Guide
Calvin Murphy played his entire professional career with the San Diego/Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1983. A diminutive guard at 5 feet 9 inches, he was known for his quickness and defensive ability. He was drafted as the first pick in the second round (18th overall) of the 1970 NBA draft. In his first season, averaging 15.8 points and 4 assists per game, Murphy was named to the NBA All-Rookie team. He earned his only All-Star selection in 1979. Murphy was one of the best free-throw shooters in league history, setting NBA records for most consecutive free throws made and for the highest free throw percentage in a single season (1980–1981), though both records have since been broken. Despite being among the shortest players in the league, Murphy was considered an 'enforcer' due to his physical playing style. His jersey #23 was retired by the Houston Rockets.
Did You Know?
- Murphy won a national championship in baton twirling as an 8th grader in 1963.
- In 1977, at the height of his NBA career, Murphy won the Texas State Baton Twirling Championship.
- Murphy scored 68 points in a single college game against Syracuse University at Niagara's Gallagher Center.
- He was acquitted in December 2004 of charges of sexually abusing five of his daughters.
- Murphy's half-brother, Bobby Miller, played college basketball for the Niagara Purple Eagles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Calvin Murphy?
Calvin Murphy was a professional basketball guard who spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Houston Rockets between 1970 and 1983. Standing at only 5 feet 9 inches, he became one of the shortest players to ever compete in the league.
What position did Calvin Murphy play and what was his specialty?
Murphy specialized as a scoring guard known for setting multiple free-throw records during his time in Houston. His small stature allowed him to move quickly and handle the ball effectively against larger opponents.
What happened after Calvin Murphy retired from basketball?
Following his retirement, Murphy received the highest honor available by entering the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He eventually returned to the franchise as a broadcaster for their Space City Home Network television team.
Why is Calvin Murphy considered a legendary Rockets player?
His importance lies in breaking barriers as the shortest player ever selected for an NBA All-Star Game and enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He demonstrated that height was not a limitation for achieving elite status in professional basketball.
What jersey number did Calvin Murphy wear during his career?
Murphy wore jersey number 23 throughout his entire thirteen-year tenure with the franchise. This specific uniform number is permanently associated with his identity as a Rocket legend.