Top 10 Houston Rockets of All Time

The Houston Rockets have produced some of the greatest players in NBA history. From dominant centers to explosive scorers and championship leaders, the franchise has been home to Hall of Fame talent for decades. This list focuses strictly on retired players, meaning current players are not eligible, and rankings are based on a player’s impact while wearing a Rockets uniform, not necessarily their entire career elsewhere.

Houston’s history includes championship runs in the mid-1990s, dominant big men in the paint, and some of the most electrifying scorers the league has ever seen. These ten players helped define the identity of Rockets basketball and left lasting legacies in the city of Houston.

10) Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady’s time in Houston may not have produced championships, but he remains one of the most electrifying scorers ever to wear a Rockets uniform. After arriving in Houston in 2004, McGrady immediately became the centerpiece of the franchise alongside dominant center Yao Ming. During his five-plus seasons with the Rockets, McGrady averaged 22.4 points per game, showcasing a scoring ability that few players in the NBA could match during that era.

At his peak, McGrady was one of the league’s most unstoppable offensive forces. Standing 6’8” with elite ball-handling ability, he could create his own shot from anywhere on the floor. His combination of size, athleticism, and smooth shooting mechanics made him nearly impossible for defenders to contain.

McGrady also delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in NBA history during his Rockets tenure. In a December 2004 game against the San Antonio Spurs, he famously scored 13 points in 33 seconds, leading Houston to a stunning comeback victory.

Injuries ultimately prevented McGrady and Yao Ming from reaching their full potential as a championship duo, but McGrady’s scoring brilliance and unforgettable highlights make him one of the most memorable players in franchise history.

THROWBACK Tracy McGrady Houston Rockets Highlights ᴴᴰ

9) Kenny Smith

Kenny “The Jet” Smith played a crucial role in the Houston Rockets’ back-to-back championship teams during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. While he is widely known today for his work on television, Smith was an extremely reliable and intelligent point guard during his playing days.

Over six seasons in Houston, Smith averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 assists per game, but his biggest strength was his efficiency and leadership on the floor. Smith was an outstanding perimeter shooter, hitting over 40 percent from three-point range during his Rockets career. That level of shooting efficiency was especially impressive during an era when three-point shooting was far less emphasized than it is today.

Smith’s ability to space the floor was vital to Houston’s championship offense, which revolved around Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon. Opposing defenses were forced to double-team Olajuwon in the post, and Smith frequently made teams pay by knocking down open shots from the perimeter.

One of his most memorable moments came during the 1995 NBA Finals, when he scored seven three-pointers in Game 1, tying an NBA Finals record at the time.

Smith’s leadership, clutch shooting, and championship pedigree firmly secure his place among the greatest Rockets players ever.

1995 Finals: Kenny Smith Drains Seven 3-Pointers

8) Otis Thorpe

Otis Thorpe was one of the most underrated players in Houston Rockets history, serving as a dominant interior presence throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Thorpe played more than six seasons with the Rockets and became one of the most efficient and consistent power forwards in the league during that time.

Thorpe averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in Houston while shooting an outstanding 56 percent from the field. His scoring efficiency was remarkable for a power forward, as he consistently finished plays around the rim and dominated opposing defenders in the paint.

Thorpe’s strength, toughness, and rebounding ability made him an ideal frontcourt partner for Hakeem Olajuwon during the early stages of Houston’s championship era. He played a critical role during the 1993-94 season, helping the Rockets build the foundation for their first NBA championship.

In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Thorpe brought physical defense and veteran leadership to the Rockets lineup. His willingness to do the dirty work in the paint often allowed Olajuwon to flourish offensively.

Although Thorpe was eventually traded during the 1994-95 season, his contributions helped Houston establish itself as a championship contender and remain an important part of the franchise’s history.

Otis Thorpe: Career Mixtape

7) Ralph Sampson

Ralph Sampson entered the NBA with enormous expectations after one of the most decorated college careers in basketball history at the University of Virginia. Standing 7’4” with remarkable athletic ability, Sampson was considered a generational prospect when the Houston Rockets selected him with the first overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft.

During his time in Houston, Sampson averaged 18.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant big men. When the Rockets drafted Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984, the two formed the famous “Twin Towers” frontcourt that created major matchup problems for opponents.

The duo led Houston to the 1986 NBA Finals, highlighted by Sampson’s unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. That shot remains one of the most iconic moments in Rockets history.

Unfortunately, injuries prevented Sampson from sustaining the level of dominance many expected. Knee and back problems began to limit his mobility and ultimately shortened his career.

Even so, Sampson’s early years with the Rockets were spectacular, and his role in leading Houston to its first NBA Finals appearance secures his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Ralph Sampson Career Retrospective

6) Calvin Murphy

Calvin Murphy remains one of the most beloved players in Houston Rockets history. Standing just 5’9”, Murphy defied expectations throughout his career and became one of the most skilled and fearless guards in the NBA.

Murphy spent his entire 13-year career with the Rockets, making him one of the most loyal and recognizable players in franchise history. Over that span, he averaged 17.9 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 48.2 percent from the field, an excellent mark for a guard of his era.

Murphy was known for his quickness, ball-handling ability, and deadly mid-range shooting. Despite his size disadvantage, he was fearless attacking the basket and consistently delivered clutch performances.

One of Murphy’s greatest strengths was his free-throw shooting. He finished his career shooting nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line, which was among the best marks in NBA history at the time.

Murphy’s longevity, scoring ability, and loyalty to the franchise eventually earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Rockets history.

Calvin Murphy Documentary – Houston’s Pocket Rocket

5) Rudy Tomjanovich

Rudy Tomjanovich is one of the most important figures in Houston Rockets history because of his impact both as a player and as a coach.

As a player, Tomjanovich spent 11 seasons with the Rockets, earning multiple All-Star selections and averaging over 17 points per game during his career. He was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and toughness on the court.

Tomjanovich’s career as a player was tragically altered after a brutal on-court punch during a 1977 game, which caused severe facial injuries. Despite the setback, he remained a respected leader within the organization.

After retiring as a player, Tomjanovich eventually returned to the Rockets as head coach and led the franchise to its greatest success. Under his leadership, Houston won back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, guided by superstar Hakeem Olajuwon.

His famous quote during that championship run—“Never underestimate the heart of a champion”—became one of the most memorable lines in NBA history.

Tomjanovich’s combined contributions as both a player and coach make him one of the most influential figures the Rockets have ever had.

4) Clyde Drexler

Although Clyde Drexler is most often associated with the Portland Trail Blazers, his time with the Houston Rockets helped deliver one of the most memorable championship runs in NBA history.

Drexler joined the Rockets during the 1994-95 season, reuniting with his former University of Houston teammate Hakeem Olajuwon. The addition of Drexler gave Houston another elite scorer and playmaker, forming one of the most dangerous duos in the NBA.

During his time in Houston, Drexler averaged 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around ability to impact every aspect of the game.

His versatility made him the perfect complement to Olajuwon. Drexler could score, rebound, defend, and facilitate offense, making him one of the most complete players of his generation.

The Rockets entered the 1995 playoffs as the sixth seed, but with Drexler’s leadership and Olajuwon’s dominance, the team defeated several elite opponents on their way to winning the NBA championship.

Drexler’s arrival proved to be the final piece of the puzzle that pushed Houston to its second consecutive title.

Clyde Drexler: Houston Rockets Reel

3) Elvin Hayes

Elvin Hayes played a pivotal role in the early history of the Houston Rockets franchise. Selected first overall in the 1968 NBA Draft, Hayes immediately established himself as one of the league’s most dominant forwards.

During his seven seasons with the Rockets, Hayes averaged an incredible 20.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate both offensively and defensively.

One of Hayes’ most impressive traits was his durability. Over the course of his Rockets career, he missed only two games, demonstrating an incredible level of toughness and consistency.

Hayes was also known for his ability to score from multiple areas of the floor. His mid-range jumper and post scoring made him one of the most difficult players in the league to defend.

Although Hayes later achieved championship success with the Washington Bullets, his years in Houston helped establish the Rockets as a competitive franchise during their early era.

Elvin Hayes Night | Houston Rockets

2) Moses Malone

Moses Malone remains one of the most dominant centers to ever wear a Houston Rockets uniform. Known for his relentless rebounding and physical dominance in the paint, Malone quickly established himself as one of the best big men in the NBA.

During his six seasons with the Rockets, Malone averaged 23.7 points and an astonishing 15 rebounds per game, numbers that highlight his incredible presence on the court.

Malone’s rebounding ability was legendary. His strength, positioning, and relentless effort allowed him to dominate the boards night after night.

One of his greatest achievements came during the 1980-81 season, when he led the Rockets to the NBA Finals, an impressive accomplishment considering Houston entered the playoffs with a losing regular season record.

Malone later went on to win multiple MVP awards and capture a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers, but his time in Houston firmly established him as one of the most dominant centers in basketball history.

1) Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon is unquestionably the greatest player in Houston Rockets history and one of the greatest centers the NBA has ever seen.

Drafted first overall in 1984, Olajuwon spent the majority of his legendary career in Houston and became the face of the franchise for nearly two decades.

Olajuwon’s combination of footwork, athleticism, and defensive ability was unmatched. His signature move, the “Dream Shake,” remains one of the most unstoppable post moves in NBA history.

Over his career in Houston, Olajuwon averaged 25.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, dominating both ends of the court.

His greatest achievements came during the 1994 and 1995 seasons, when he led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships and won Finals MVP both times.

Olajuwon’s leadership, skill, and impact on the city of Houston make him the most important player in franchise history and one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen.

Hakeem Olajuwon’s ULTIMATE “Dream Shake” Mix