Table of Contents
Houston Rockets
Rocket Launch
The team was originally established as the San Diego Rockets in 1967 before moving to Houston in 1971.1)
Why "Rockets"?
The “Rockets” name was inspired by San Diego’s aerospace industry; it conveniently fit Houston, home to NASA.2)
Home of NASA
Houston's nickname “Space City” made the Rockets a perfect thematic match when the team relocated.3)
Early Struggles
The team had a rough start, finishing their inaugural 1967–68 season with just 15 wins.4)
The First Pick
In 1968, the Rockets drafted future Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes with the No. 1 overall pick.5)
Elvin's Epic Rookie Year
Elvin Hayes led the league in scoring his rookie season with 28.4 PPG.6)
First Playoff Series Win
Their first playoff series win came in 1975 against the New York Knicks.7)
Moses the MVP
Moses Malone won two MVP awards (1979, 1982) while playing for the Rockets.8)
1981 NBA Finals Run
As a 40–42 team, the Rockets reached the 1981 NBA Finals—a rare feat for a sub-.500 team.9)
Twin Towers Era
The 1980s Rockets featured the “Twin Towers” — Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.10)
Drafting Hakeem
In 1984, the Rockets drafted Hakeem Olajuwon with the No. 1 pick—passing on Michael Jordan.11)
Clutch City is Born
The term “Clutch City” was born after the Rockets came back from multiple playoff deficits in 1994.12)
Back-to-Back Champions
The Rockets won NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, the only titles in franchise history so far.13)
Hakeem's Dominance
Hakeem Olajuwon is the only player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (1994).14)
Clyde Drexler Reunion
Hakeem reunited with former University of Houston teammate Clyde Drexler in 1995, helping secure the second title.15)