Little Known Facts About the Houston Rockets

The Rockets are known for their history of star centers and championships, but their story holds even more fascinating details.

Let’s blast off!

1. San Diego Beginnings: The Rockets weren’t always a Texas team. They began life in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets before relocating in 1971.
2. Elvin Hayes: The Big E: Hayes was a Hall of Fame power forward who starred for the Rockets. He was a rebounding machine and a tough competitor.
3. Moses Malone: Chairman of the Boards: Malone was an unstoppable rebounder and scorer, leading the Rockets to the 1981 NBA Finals.
4. The Twin Towers: Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon formed this dominant duo in the 1980s, but they couldn’t quite win a title together.
5. Hakeem the Dream: Olajuwon is the greatest Rocket ever. His post moves, including the “Dream Shake”, were near impossible to guard.
6. The Clutch City Era: The Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. They earned the “Clutch City” nickname for their late-game heroics.
7. Short Shorts and Tall Man: Yao Ming was a towering center from China who revitalized the franchise in the 2000s, despite injury woes.
8. T-Mac’s Scoring Spree: Tracy McGrady had a short but memorable run with the Rockets, known for his scoring explosions and playoff disappointments.
9. The Beard Arrives: James Harden turned Houston into a contender with his scoring and playmaking, earning the MVP award in 2018.
10. Moreyball: GM Daryl Morey embraced data and analytics. He emphasized threes and layups, changing how NBA teams build rosters.
11. Clutch the Bear: Clutch is the Rockets’ furry mascot, keeping the crowd energized with his space-themed antics.
12. The Red Rowdies: Rockets fans are some of the most dedicated in the NBA, creating a lively atmosphere in the Toyota Center.
13. Community First: The Rockets are active supporters of the Houston community, focusing on education, health initiatives, and outreach programs.
14. Lucky Number 34: Olajuwon made the number 34 legendary, and it holds a special place in the hearts of Rockets fans.
15. Rebuilding for the Future: The Rockets are currently rebuilding, but with their history, another championship era may not be far away!