Matt Bullard will not return to the Rockets broadcast team

In a major surprise, it was announced yesterday that former Houston Rockets player and longtime announcer Matt Bullard will not be returning to AT&T next season. According to Bullard, this was not his decision, as AT&T elected to not renew his contract. He said:

“They called me just a couple days ago and said that they were not going to be renewing my contract. It was a big surprise to me.”

With Bill Worrell retiring at the end of this past season, that leaves a gaping hole in the Rockets broadcast team. It appears Craig Ackerman will be returning, thank goodness, but who replaces Bull and Bill is yet to be determined.

If you recall, Vernon Maxwell talked to our own Ray Lucas just a few weeks ago and was actively campaigning for a chance at the position, and there just happens to be some openings now, so who knows?

Bullard played nine seasons with the Rockets, averaging 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He was also one of the first stretch fours in the league, as the 6’10” forward shot 38.9 percent from deep in H-town.

He then went on to join the Rockets broadcast team in 2005-2006, where he’s been helping call games for the last 16 years.

Here was Bull’s parting message to Rockets fans on the Locked On Rockets podcast:

“I love you Rockets fans. You’ve been a huge part of my life.. 25 years. I hope to continue as a Houston Rocket in some form or fashion. We’ll see where it all ends up.”

Good luck to Matt. We’ll miss you on AT&T!

Who would you like to see on Rockets broadcast this coming year, TDS? Tell us in the comments.