Leslie Alexander
From Hoopedia
Leslie Alexander assumed ownership of the Houston Rockets on July 30, 1993, and — over the last 13 years — has devoted his efforts to making his teams champions both on the basketball court and in the community. Alexander’s dedication to winning has resulted in two NBA championships with the Rockets and four WNBA titles with the Houston Comets, giving Houston its first professional sports championships. Off the court, the Rockets franchise has set the standard for community involvement.
“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 Rockets, that was my dream. I hoped to make a difference for the people of Houston, both emotionally and financially.”
Since 1993, Alexander has dedicated himself to building the Rockets in every area. His vision to construct a downtown arena took shape in Nov. 2000, as Harris County voters approved a referendum to build a new home for the Rockets and Comets. Groundbreaking for the arena took place on July 31, 2001. Alexander’s tireless efforts became a reality in Sept. 2003 with the opening of Toyota Center — Houston’s state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility. Alexander, who has held the longest ownership tenure in franchise history, continues to strive for peak success both on and off the court.
Alexander’s desire to bring Houston another championship has resulted in a series of active offseasons over the past four years. Alexander worked with General Manager Carroll Dawson to recruit Jeff Van Gundy as the Rockets head coach in 2003, and the trio has worked to overhaul the team roster over the past three seasons. Alexander also named Daryl Morey as the team’s Assistant General Manager on Apr. 3, 2006. Morey will serve in that capacity under Dawson through the 2006-07 season before assuming the role of General Manager.
“I want to do the most we can every year to win the championship,” Alexander said. “We are in a new era in Rockets basketball with the opening of Toyota Center and the addition of players who I expect to get us back in the business of winning championships.”
An active participant in all phases of the team’s operations, Alexander has continually proven his commitment to success. Since his arrival, he has engineered numerous bold moves designed to make the Rockets a perennial contender:
• In 1995, Alexander orchestrated a deal with Portland to acquire Houston native Clyde Drexler. The trade helped to deliver Houston’s second consecutive title just four months later. • In 1996, Alexander signed Hakeem Olajuwon to a long-term contract extension and obtained NBA All-Star Charles Barkley from Phoenix. • In 1999, Alexander acquired the draft rights to Steve Francis from Vancouver. • In 2002, the Rockets made history with the top pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by selecting Yao Ming, making him the first-ever player from an international league to be drafted first overall. • In 2003, Alexander hired Van Gundy, who led the Rockets to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. • In 2004, Alexander approved a seven-player trade with Orlando that included two-time NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady and Juwan Howard. • In 2005, Alexander signed Yao to a multi-year contract extension. • In 2006, Alexander endorsed the acquisition of Shane Battier from Memphis and added free agent Bonzi Wells.
When the NBA Board of Governors decided to create the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Alexander saw an opportunity to bring a new and exciting brand of professional basketball to the fans of Houston. Alexander eagerly applied for the right to operate one of the league’s eight charter franchises. The Comets set the standard in the WNBA by capturing the first four league titles.
While Alexander’s teams have been most successful on the basketball court, unique to the Houston organization is its off-the-court commitment to the community. Building a better quality of life for oustonians is a driving force for Alexander and his organization.
In 1995, Alexander established the Clutch City Foundation with the goal of providing help, hope and inspiration to those who might otherwise be forgotten. The Clutch City Foundation funds and operates comprehensive programs benefiting thousands of children each year. Over 11 years of active community involvement has resulted in nearly $7 million in donations to local charities, allowing the Rockets to impact tens of thousands of Houstonians each year.
“It’s so important to me that the Rockets find a way to thank the fans for their overwhelming support,” Alexander said. “One way we try to do that is by reaching out to young people through our community programs and fundraising initiatives.”
Alexander and the Rockets were honored in 1997 with the Pro Team Community Award, given by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. The award recognizes one professional team each year that exemplifies community service and acts as a catalyst for community pride and spirit.
In 1998, Alexander’s organization was awarded the Leadership Houston “Leadership in Action” Award for outstanding community service to education, one year after winning the same award for outstanding community service to youth.
When flooding from Tropical Storm Allison devastated the Houston area in June 2001, the Rockets and Comets helped to raise over $230,000 for flood relief by auctioning off hundreds of memorabilia items, including authentic rings from each of the organization’s six championships. In addition to donating all of the memorabilia for the auction, as well as the funds raised, Alexander, the NBA and WNBA gave $150,000 to the flood relief effort.
Since 2002, Alexander has donated to Goodfellows several of the largest single contributions in that program’s history, as well as hosting an annual holiday party. The Houston Chronicle project, Goodfellows, provides holiday gifts to needy children.
In Sept. 2005, just days after Hurricane Katrina ravaged many parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, Alexander immediately stepped in to assist the thousands of displaced residents who took shelter in Houston by organizing Houston HopeFest. The unprecedented three-day relief effort held at Toyota Center consisted of a day-long donation drive, followed by two days of providing basic humanitarian assistance, which included job skills training and placement services, housing assistance, as well as medical and counseling services.
Through the Clutch City Foundation, and one of its premier fundraising events like the Rockets annual Tux & Tennies Charity Gala, Alexander and his organization will continue to make a difference in the lives of Houstonians for years to come.
