7 Best Houston Rockets Players of All Time, Ranked

Hakeem Olajuwon’s unique style mesmerized fans for over 15 years, as he led the Houston Rockets to two championships while being perennial NBA betting favourites to win it all.

Tracy McGrady and James Harden later lit up H-Town for years. Who else blew fans away in Houston? Let’s find out.

7 Best Houston Rockets Players of All Time, Ranked

Who Are the Greatest Houston Rockets Ever?

1. Hakeem Olajuwon

Olajuwon was known for his “Dream Shake.” He would fake in one direction to get the defender moving and pivot back to the other direction for either a turnaround jumper or finish at the rim.

The Hall of Famer led the Rockets to championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP both times.

The one-time MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 12-time All-NBA, and nine-time All-Defensive center has the most points, rebounds, blocks, and steals in franchise history.

2. James Harden

Renowned for his step-back 3-point shot, playmaking skills, and ability to attack the rim, Harden lit it up nightly in H-Town.

The Beard put up 30+ points in 32 consecutive games during the 2018-19 season, which included four 50-point games and a 61-point performance.

The 2018 MVP and seven-time All-NBA guard has the most assists, 3-pointers, second-most points, and third-most steals in franchise history.

3. Moses Malone

Moses Malone was an absolute force to be reckoned with, as he averaged as high as 31.1 points per game and 17.6 rebounds per game, but in separate seasons.

The Hall of Famer earned two MVP awards, four All-NBA and one All-Defensive Team selections during his time in Houston.

Malone has the third-most rebounds, blocks, and sixth-most points in franchise history.

4. Elvin Hayes

Load management was not in Elvin Hayes’ vocabulary, as he missed just two games across his two stints with the franchise.

Hayes averaged as high as 28.7 points and 17.1 rebounds per game, but in separate seasons.

Hayes has the second-most rebounds and fifth-most points in franchise history.

5. Tracy McGrady

Equipped with great ball-handling skills and fluidity, McGrady was a dangerous pull-up shooter and finisher at the rim, making him one of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen.

T-Mac once scored 13 points in the final 35 seconds of the game to rally the Rockets to an 81-80 victory over the Spurs in 2004.

McGrady earned three All-NBA Team selections and was in the MVP race several times during his time in Houston.

6. Yao Ming

One of the tallest players in NBA history, Yao Ming regularly took advantage of his 7-foot-6, 310-pound frame, along with his strength and soft touch around the rim, averaging 19 points on 52.4% shooting.

The five-time All-NBA center has the second-most blocks, sixth-most rebounds, and seventh-most points in franchise history.

7. Clyde Drexler

Clyde Drexler’s tenure in his hometown was short but memorable, as he helped the Rockets win their second consecutive championship upon his arrival in 1995.

Drexler was known for his ability to soar through the air, earning him the fitting nickname of “Clyde the Glide.”