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The history, stories, rivalries, and cultural impact of basketball around the world.
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. When his playing days end, the case for #13 hanging in the Toyota Center rafters will be one of the strongest in Rockets history.
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.
The Dream Shake, back-to-back titles, and the only MVP + DPOY + Finals MVP season ever. Why the Rockets retired Hakeem Olajuwon's #34 — basketball's most graceful giant.
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.
The Glove. The only point guard ever named Defensive Player of the Year, the heartbeat of Seattle's golden era, and the snarling two-way force who took Jordan's 72-win Bulls to the brink. Why the franchise retired Gary Payton's #20.
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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