The history, stories, rivalries, and cultural impact of basketball around the world.
136 articles published
Rudy Tomjanovich gave the Houston Rockets 34 years — 11 as a player, 11 as a scout and assistant, and 12 as head coach. He survived a punch that nearly killed him, rebuilt his career, and then led Houston to back-to-back championships. No number in franchise history represents more.
Moses Malone went straight from high school to the ABA and became the greatest offensive rebounder in basketball history. His four seasons in Houston established him as a franchise cornerstone and one of the most dominant big men the game has ever seen.
Calvin Murphy stood 5'9" and was the smallest player in the NBA for much of his career — and one of the toughest, fastest, and most skilled guards the league has ever seen. He spent his entire 13-year career with Houston and remains one of the most beloved Rockets of all time.
Clyde Drexler returned home to Houston at the peak of his career and helped the Rockets win the 1995 NBA championship. A Hall of Famer who grew up in Houston and starred at the University of Houston, Clyde the Glide gave the city its greatest homecoming story.
James Harden spent eight seasons as the face of the Houston Rockets, winning an MVP, eight All-Star selections, and transforming the franchise into a perennial contender. His #13 in the rafters honors the greatest scorer the Rockets have had since Hakeem Olajuwon.
Yao Ming transformed the Houston Rockets into a global phenomenon. Standing 7'6" and playing with unprecedented skill for a center of his size, Yao became one of the most beloved players in NBA history before injuries cut his career tragically short.
Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest player in Houston Rockets history. A two-time NBA champion, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Hall of Famer, The Dream defined an era of basketball unlike anyone before or since.
Malik Sealy's #2 is retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves as a memorial to the beloved guard who died in a car accident in May 2000, thirty years old and entering the prime of his career.
Shawn Kemp made six All-Star teams as the most explosive player in Sonics history, leading Seattle to the 1996 NBA Finals. The OKC Thunder honor his #40 as part of the franchise's Sonics heritage.
Gary Payton defined Seattle SuperSonics basketball for thirteen seasons, winning Defensive Player of the Year and taking the Sonics to the 1996 Finals. The OKC Thunder honor his #20 as Sonics heritage.
Johnny Moore led the NBA in assists in 1982 and earned two All-Star selections as San Antonio's first elite playmaker, setting the standard for the passing culture that defined the Spurs.
James Silas was San Antonio's first superstar, earning the nickname Captain Late for his clutch performances during the ABA era and early NBA years that set the tone for what would follow.
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