The Houston Rockets are a franchise with a rich history of superstar players, championship success, and innovative basketball strategies. Founded in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets, the team relocated to Houston in 1971, where it has remained a strong presence in the NBA. Over the years, the Rockets have built a legacy of excellence, highlighted by two NBA championships and multiple deep playoff runs.
The team found its first major success in the 1980s behind Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon. Alongside Ralph Sampson, Olajuwon led the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986, though they fell to the Boston Celtics. The franchiseβs greatest moments came in the mid-1990s when Olajuwon led Houston to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. With dominant performances and clutch play, he cemented his status as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
After the championship era, the Rockets remained competitive with stars like Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady in the early 2000s, but injuries prevented them from making deep playoff runs. The team returned to title contention in the 2010s, led by James Harden. Under coach Mike DβAntoni, the Rockets became known for their three-point-heavy offense and innovative playstyle. They made multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2018, but were unable to break through against the Golden State Warriors.
Following Hardenβs departure in 2021, the Rockets entered a rebuilding phase, focusing on young talent like Jalen Green, Alperen ΕengΓΌn, and Jabari Smith Jr. With a strong developmental system and a promising core, Houston aims to return to contention in the near future. The franchiseβs history of star power and championship aspirations ensures it remains a key team in the NBA landscape.