Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here are some of the greatest legends in Houston Rockets history, spanning players, coaches, and contributors who have had a significant impact on the franchise:

Hakeem Olajuwon (“The Dream”)

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1984–2001 (primarily with the Rockets)
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
    • 2× NBA Finals MVP
    • NBA MVP (1994)
    • 12× NBA All-Star
    • All-time leader in blocked shots in NBA history
    • Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (2008)
  • Known as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, Olajuwon led the Rockets to back-to-back championships and was renowned for his “Dream Shake” footwork in the post.

Yao Ming

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 2002–2011
  • Achievements:
    • 8× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)
    • Global ambassador for basketball, elevating the sport’s popularity in China
  • Yao was a dominant force during his peak and an international icon, helping to bridge the NBA’s connection with Asia.

Clyde Drexler

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1995–1998 (with the Rockets)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Champion (1995)
    • 10× NBA All-Star
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
  • Drexler, nicknamed “The Glide,” joined the Rockets during their 1995 championship run and was a key contributor.

Rudy Tomjanovich

  • Role: Player (1970–1981), Coach (1992–2003)
  • Achievements as a Coach:
    • 2× NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
    • Inducted into the Hall of Fame (2020)
    • Famous quote: “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion!”
  • Tomjanovich was not only a great player for the Rockets but also the head coach who guided the team to its two championships.

Moses Malone

  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1976–1982
  • Achievements:
    • NBA MVP (1979)
    • 6× NBA All-Star (with Rockets)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
  • Known for his rebounding dominance, Malone was one of the best big men in NBA history and helped lead the Rockets to the 1981 NBA Finals.

Tracy McGrady (“T-Mac”)

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years Played: 2004–2010
  • Achievements:
    • 7× NBA All-Star (2× with Rockets)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)
    • Led the Rockets on a historic 22-game win streak in 2008
  • McGrady was one of the most talented scorers in NBA history, known for his ability to take over games.

Calvin Murphy

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1970–1983
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1979)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1993)
    • Holds the record for the best free-throw percentage in a season (95%)
  • Murphy was a dynamic and flashy player known for his scoring and leadership.

James Harden (“The Beard”)

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years Played: 2012–2021
  • Achievements:
    • NBA MVP (2018)
    • 8× All-Star (with Rockets)
    • 3× NBA Scoring Champion
    • Holds multiple Rockets franchise records, including most 3-pointers made.
  • Harden revolutionized the Rockets’ offense during his tenure and solidified himself as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history.

Elvin Hayes (“The Big E”)

  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • Years Played: 1968–1972 (with Rockets), 1981–1984 (second stint)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA Scoring Champion (1969)
    • 12× NBA All-Star (4× with Rockets)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1990)
  • Hayes was one of the franchise’s first stars and an elite scorer and rebounder.

Sam Cassell

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1993–1996
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
  • Cassell played a crucial role as a young guard during the Rockets’ championship runs.

Other Notable Legends:

  • Otis Thorpe: Key player in the 1994 championship team.
  • Robert Horry: Known for clutch playoff performances during the Rockets’ title runs.
  • Kenny Smith: “The Jet,” a key contributor during the championships and later a famous NBA analyst.

These legends have defined the Rockets’ legacy, contributing to the franchise’s success on and off the court.