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Daryl Morey thanks Rockets organization and fans in full-page newspaper ad

Daryl Morey, longtime general manager of the Houston Rockets, announced on Thursday that he’s stepping down from his position and leaving the team. But he couldn’t leave without saying thank you to the Rockets organization and all the fans who have stood by the team.

How better to do that than in a full-page newspaper ad?

Dear Rockets fans,

Thank you for an amazing 14 years. Your love, support and energy has meant the world to me.

My family and I came to Houston as yankees, nervous about how the city would welcome us and honored that Leslie Alexander had trusted me to run a legendary franchise. I came into an organization with Hall of Fame players Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady already in place and a championship legacy built by Houston legends like Hakeem Olajuwan and Clyde Drexler. Walking into work on the first day was exciting, daunting, and inspiring.

Soon enough, the nervousness washed away and we came to feel like adopted Texans. What followed was the most amazing 14 years of my life.

Morey went on to thank many of the fellow Rockets executives and coaches he’d worked with over the years, including a number of people who have gone on to become GMs or executives on other teams. Then he thanked owner Tilman Fertitta and his family for their support and trust before recalling some of his favorite memories as GM.

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 17:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Houston Rockets celebrates with General Manager Daryl Morey after they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 113 to 100 during Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals at the Toyota Center for the 2015 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2015 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Daryl Morey thanked the Rockets organization and all their fans on Sunday with a full-page newspaper ad. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Morey couldn’t end his letter without talking about James Harden, the superstar that Morey and the Rockets needed. Morey said he could have dedicated an entire page to Harden, but he kept it to just one paragraph.

James Harden changed my life.

An entire page could be dedicated just to James. He not only transformed my life but he also revolutionized the game of basketball — and continues to do so — like almost no one has before. The game is played differently because of James, and on every playground in the world, the next generation of talent is studying and imitating his game. I can’t believe I won’t be able to have another strategy session with James.

Morey and Harden weren’t able to win a championship together, and that will probably weigh on Morey’s mind for at least a few years (if not longer). But as he said in his farewell letter, his time with the Rockets was much more than just a quest for a championship.

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