Houston Rockets NBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Legacy of greatness under Hakeem Olajuwon
• Pioneers of "small ball" analytics-driven approach
• Shaped by superstar eras from Moses Malone to James Harden

The Houston Rockets are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, known for their innovative approaches and superstar players who have left an indelible mark on the game.

Key Details

Location: Houston, Texas
Year Founded: 1967 (as San Diego Rockets, moved to Houston in 1971)
Home Arena: Toyota Center  
Championships: 2 (1994, 1995)
Major Rivals: San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors

Australians who have played for the Houston Rockets

Jock Landale: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Landale signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Rockets in July 2023. Known for his strong presence in the paint and rebounding abilities, he has been a valuable addition to Houston's front court.

Jack McVeigh: Hailing from Cabarita Beach, New South Wales, McVeigh agreed to a two-way contract with the Rockets in July 2024. Prior to joining Houston, he played for the Tasmania JackJumpers in Australia's NBL, where he averaged 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. McVeigh is known for his sharpshooting and versatility on the wing.

Identity

The Rockets have long embraced innovation, from the "Twin Towers" era of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson to pioneering the use of advanced analytics under GM Daryl Morey. They are known for pushing boundaries and finding new ways to gain competitive advantages. Houston's style has evolved over the years. In the 1990s, they were built around Olajuwon's dominant post play. More recently, they embraced an extreme "small ball" approach focused on three-point shooting and isolation play for James Harden. The team is always willing to experiment with unconventional strategies. The Rockets have cultivated a culture of excellence and adaptation. They've shown a willingness to make bold moves to acquire superstars and build contending teams. The franchise prides itself on being at the forefront of basketball innovation.

Greatest Eras

• Hakeem Olajuwon Era (1984-2001): Led by "The Dream," the Rockets won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.
• Moses Malone Era (1976-1982): Malone won two MVP awards and led Houston to the 1981 NBA Finals.
• James Harden Era (2012-2021): Harden changed the game offensively and won the 2018 MVP award.

Famous Teams

• 1993-1995 "Clutch City" Championship Teams
• 1986 Twin Towers Finals Team (Olajuwon and Sampson)
• 2018 65-Win Team (NBA-best record)

Key Figures

• Hakeem Olajuwon: Greatest player in franchise history, two-time champion and MVP
• James Harden: Revolutionised scoring, won MVP in 2018
• Rudy Tomjanovich: Played 11 seasons for Houston, coached both championship teams

Five Fast Facts:

1. The Rockets have had three 7-foot centres win MVP awards: Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Yao Ming.
2. In 1986, Houston became the first team to feature two 7-footers (Olajuwon and Sampson) in their starting lineup.
3. The 1994-95 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team (6th) to win an NBA championship.
4. James Harden's 36.1 points per game in 2018-19 is the highest scoring average for any player not named Wilt Chamberlain or Michael Jordan.
5. The Rockets set the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game with 27 in 2019.

Club Timeline

1967: Franchise founded as San Diego Rockets

1971: Team relocates to Houston

1981: Led by Moses Malone, Rockets reach first NBA Finals

1984: Draft Hakeem Olajuwon first overall

1994: Win first NBA championship

1995: Repeat as NBA champions

2002: Select Yao Ming first overall in NBA draft

2012: Acquire James Harden in trade with Oklahoma City

2018: Set franchise record with 65 wins

2021: James Harden era ends as team begins rebuild

Key Statistics

All-Time Record: 2329-2154 (.520 winning percentage)
Championship History: 2 NBA Championships (1994, 1995)
Hall of Fame Players: 9 (including Olajuwon, Malone, Drexler)
Retired Numbers: 7 (11, 22, 23, 24, 34, 44, 45)
Notable Records: Most three-pointers in a game (27)

Today

The Rockets are in a rebuilding phase after the James Harden era ended in 2021. They've accumulated young talent through the draft, including Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. The team is focused on player development and establishing a new identity.

Houston made a splash in 2023 free agency by signing guard Fred VanVleet and forward Dillon Brooks to bolster their young core. New head coach Ime Udoka was brought in to instill a defensive mentality and help accelerate the team's rebuild. While not yet contenders, the Rockets are laying the foundation for their next competitive era.