Founded in 1967 in San Diego before moving to Houston in 1971, the Rockets are clearly one of the NBA’s flagship franchises. With 2,286 wins and 2,074 losses, the team’s .529 winning clip entering the 2021-22 season ranks eighth among the league’s 30 active clubs, and they are one of only 11 teams with multiple championships (1994, 1995).
As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Houston well represented by more than 10 former players on the historic NBA 75 list. The NBA 75 is the league’s official 75th anniversary team, honoring the 75 greatest players in league history as selected by a panel of media and current and former players, coaches, general managers and team executives. (Because of a tie in voting, there were ultimately 76 players named.)
As far as representation by the Rockets, some are all-time franchise legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, James Harden, Moses Malone, and Clyde Drexler. Others are those who simply passed through for a season, such as Russell Westbrook, Scottie Pippen, and Carmelo Anthony.
In alphabetical order, here’s a rundown of players on the NBA 75 list who played with the Rockets at some point over their distinguished playing careers. Big names with Houston ties who did not make the list included Dwight Howard, Tracy McGrady, and Dikembe Mutombo.
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The complete NBA 75th Anniversary Team ⬇️ #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/v8Tz5ixaab
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 21, 2021
Editor’s note: Detailed information on the Houston careers of many of these players is available in our newly released all-time Rockets roster.