The Houston Rockets have been a strong franchise throughout NBA’s history and have won two titles consecutively in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. They have had 34 NBA playoff appearances. The franchise peaked when they won the NBA Championship in consecutive years. That team was led by one of the greatest players in the league, Hakeem Olajawon. There have been more incredible players who performed impressively for the Rockets. Let’s have a look at 10 best players in franchise’s history.
10. Robert Reid
Robert Reid played 10 seasons with the Houston Rockets. His best season was in 1980-81, when he was the second leading scorer for the team that reached the NBA finals. Reid was not a standout player but he still ranks in franchise history in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and win shares. Although, he was never in the spotlight but always did good work for the team.
9. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler played only four seasons with the Houston Rockets but gave good performances. His VORP was 12.5, which is the 10th best in franchise history. Drexler averaged 19 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Furthermore, he helped the team win its second championship. Even though Clyde was past his prime, he still played at an excellent level, always giving his best.
8. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady started his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors and then went to play for the Orlando Magic. He finally joined the Rockets in 2004 along with Reece Goins, Juwan Howard and Tyronn Lue in exchange for Calvin Cato, Steve Francis and Cutino Mobley. Tracy was at his peak and was coming off winning consecutive titles. He averaged 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals over six seasons. His Value Over Replacement Players was also 18.2, which is the fourth highest in franchise history.
7. Rudy Tomjanovich
Rudy Tomjanovich spent his entire NBA career playing for the Houston Rockets. He was part of the franchise for more than a decade. Rudy averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in 768 matches. He still ranks in the top five in franchise history in points, rebounds and win shares. Even though Rudy T was never able to win a championship, his stellar career earned him a place in the NBA Hall of Fame.
6. Elvin Hayes
Elvis Hayes was part of the Rockets when they were still called the San Diego Rockets. He was an incredible player and the scoring champion of the 1968–69 season. “The Big E” averaged 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds per game that season. He played three more seasons with the team and then moved to the Bullets. But Hayes returned to the Rockets to play the final three seasons of his NBA career. He still ranks fifth in franchise point history and second in rebounds.
5. Yao Ming
One of the tallest men to ever play in the league, Yao Ming averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was one of the most talented foreign players, but unfortunately, his career lasted only eight years due to injuries. Yao’s player efficiency rating was 23.0 and a 20.7 value over replacement player rating. Ming was an eight-time All-Star and was named All-NBA five times as well.
4. Calvin Murphy
Calvin Murphy made his NBA debut in 1970. He spent his entire career playing for the Houston Rockets and averaged 17.9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Murphy ranks second in franchise history for assists, third in points, and third in win shares. “Pocket Rocket” was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
3. Moses Malone
Moses Malone spent six seasons with the Houston Rockets, averaging 24 points, 15 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, which is an incredible record. Additionally, Big Mo recorded a 23.6 player efficiency rating and 20.6 VORP. He stands third in franchise history in rebounds and blocks and sixth in points. Malone was an excellent center and a treat on both offense and defense.
2. James Harden
James Harden was an outstanding player for the Houston Rockets. He played nine seasons with the franchise, and won three consecutive scoring titles. During that time span, he averaged 33.7 points per game. Harden ranks second on franchise history points, first in assists, third in steals and seventh in rebounds. In addition, he also ranks first in player efficiency rating and second in VORP.
1. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest and best player in the history of the Houston Rockets franchise. He led the team to two consecutive championship wins, the only two titles in the history of the franchise. He played 17 seasons with them and averaged 22.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. “The Dream” is the all-time leader of the franchise in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, win shares and VORP.
Also Read: Players Who Scored Most Points In A Single NBA Final Game
