Why: “Clyde the Glide” concluded his NBA career in Houston and didn’t have quite the same athleticism, relative to his Portland days. To this day, they remain the lone titles in Rockets history.Ĭareer statistics in Houston (3-plus seasons, 1995-1998): 19.0 points (44.5% FG, 33.9% on 3-pointers), 6.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 36.7 minutes Those represent the two championships that Houston won in 19 with Olajuwon as the clear focal point on offense and defense. He’s one of only three MVP winners in franchise history, and most importantly, he has two NBA Finals MVP awards, as well. Why: Does it really need to be explained? “The Dream” is one of the NBA’s greatest players of all-time. He was also the starter for the 1980-81 Rockets, which became the first team in franchise history to reach the NBA Finals.Ĭareer statistics in Houston (17 seasons, 1984-2001): 21.8 points (51.2% FG), 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks in 35.7 minutes Thus, his inclusion in the starting lineup is a no-brainer. Malone was a rebounding force and is one of only three players in Rockets history (alongside Olajuwon and Harden) to have won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Since he was with Houston in the first half of his distinguished career, we’re assuming he’d have enough athleticism to join Olajuwon in a dual-big frontcourt. Why: Malone was agile enough to play at power forward early in his career before filling out his frame and becoming a center. Given Murphy’s lack of size and Harden’s defensive inconsistency early in his Houston career, McGrady’s versatility could be the glue that holds this unit together.Ĭareer statistics in Houston (6 seasons, 1976-82): 24.0 points (51.4% FG), 15.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks in 38.3 minutes Why: When healthy, McGrady was a force who could score and create on offense while taking responsibility for defending elite perimeter players. 3 all-time in points with the Rockets, trailing only Harden and Olajuwon.Ĭareer statistics in Houston (5-plus seasons, 2004-10): 22.7 points (42.0% FG, 32.2% on 3-pointers), 5.6 assists, 5.5 rebounds in 36.7 minutes But given Harden’s playmaking abilities, Murphy’s limitations with size and passing wouldn’t be an issue in this backcourt. Why: Despite being 5-foot-9, Murphy was more scorer than facilitator. Easy call.Ĭareer statistics for Rockets (13 seasons, 1970-83): 17.9 points (48.2% FG), 4.4 assists in 30.5 minutes Why: Harden is one of the best scorers and playmakers in NBA history, and he’s one of only three Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winners (Olajuwon, Malone) in Rockets franchise history. Be sure to check out our other NBA Wire sites for rival comparisons.Ĭareer statistics in Houston (8-plus seasons, 2012-21): 29.6 points (44.3% FG, 36.2% on 3-pointers), 6.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds in 37.0 minutesīasketball Hall of Fame status: Not applicable, active player Similar logic holds true with Russell Westbrook. So he does not get a spot on an all-time Houston list.
In other words, even though Scottie Pippen is a Hall of Famer and an all-time NBA legend, he played just one season with the Rockets and was past his prime. Thus, some greats did not make the cut.Īlso, this roster defers to each player’s specific contributions in Houston. For example, even though the Rockets have a long history of elite centers, a team wouldn’t carry six centers on a 15-man roster. Some ground rules: Since this exercise is to determine an overall roster, this list contains position biases. 529 winning clip by the Rockets ranks eighth among the league’s 30 active franchises, and they are one of only 11 teams with multiple championships (1994, 1995). Founded in 1967 in San Diego before moving to Houston in 1971, the Rockets are clearly one of the league’s flagship clubs. With that in mind, we’re looking back at the greats over that same time period who played for the Rockets. Yao Ming was also a star player for the Rockets.As part of a celebration of its 75th anniversary, the NBA is releasing what it calls the NBA 75 - a list of the greatest players in league history. Hakeem Olajuwon was a star player for the Rockets leading them to their first championship in 1994 and their next in 1995. They began playing in the NBA in 1967 and were originally known as the San Diego Rockets from 1967 to 1971. They play their home games at the Toyota Center. The Houston Rockets are a team in the National Basketball Association in Houston, Texas.
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