WINNING ERA

The Rockets have been among the NBA’s best under Leslie Alexander.

When Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets on July 30, 1993, he bought a team that featured a promising core.

The Rockets won big and immediately into Alexander’s reign — with NBA championships in his first two seasons — and they’ve been among the NBA’s elite teams during his stewardship. Alexander announced Monday his intention to sell the team, and will net a handsome return on his $85 million purchase price.

During his 23 seasons as Rockets owner, Houston’s .569 winning percentage ranks fifth in the 30-team league (it was at 28 teams when Alexander bought in). Only the Spurs (.692), Sonics/Thunder (.582), Jazz (.582) and Lakers (.574) have better winning percentages over that span.

On a regional note, Alexander’s Rockets were the first Texasbased NBA team to win a franchise.

While the Rockets haven’t won a championship in 22 years, it’s not for lack of effort or resources devoted by Alexander. During his time as owner, he green-lit trades that brought in stars such as Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, James Harden and recently Chris Paul.

Alexander also hasn’t hesitated to spend in free agency, as he showed with Dwight Howard during the summer of 2013.

“Leslie Alexander is a true competitor who always searched for the right move to make his teams better,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Under his ownership, he created a culture of excellence with strong management that attracted Hall of Famers, All-Stars and coaching giants and brought two NBA championships and four WNBA titles to Houston. Wellrespected around the league, he has been an active and influential owner whose vision helped to grow the game globally, especially in China. ”