The Houston Rockets, formerly known as the San Diego Rockets, are a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team is based in Houston, Texas and is owned by Tilman Fertitta. The Rockets play their home games at the Toyota Center, which has a seating capacity of over 18,000.
The Houston Rockets were established in 1967 as an expansion team based in San Diego, California. They initially played as the San Diego Rockets during the 1967-68 season. In 1971, the team relocated to Houston and became the Houston Rockets. Throughout their history, the Rockets have made 34 playoff appearances, reaching the conference finals eight times and the NBA Finals four times. They have won two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
The Houston Rockets have been home to several iconic players throughout their history. Some of these players include Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming, Moses Malone, James Harden, Tracy McGrady, and Rudy Tomjanovich.
Hakeem Olajuwon is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He played for the Rockets from 1984 to 2001 and led them to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
Yao Ming was a dominant center for the Rockets from 2002 to 2011. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and is one of the most popular basketball players in China.
James Harden joined the Rockets in 2012 and became one of the league's most prolific scorers. He won the NBA MVP award in 2018 and led the Rockets to multiple deep playoff runs.
Tracy McGrady played for the Rockets from 2004 to 2010 and was known for his scoring ability and athleticism. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star during his tenure with the team.
Rudy Tomjanovich, both as a player and coach, had a significant impact on the Rockets' success. He played for the team from 1970 to 1981 and later coached them to their two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
The Houston Rockets are commonly referred to as the "Rockets" in English. The team's official name, as used by the NBA, is "Houston Rockets." The name "Rockets" represents speed, agility, and power, reflecting the team's playing style.
The Houston Rockets have a rich history in the NBA, with notable players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming, James Harden, Tracy McGrady, and Rudy Tomjanovich leaving their mark on the franchise. The team is known for its fast-paced style of play and has achieved success with two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. The Houston Rockets continue to be a prominent force in professional basketball.
| Year | NBA Championships |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Won |
| 1995 | Won |
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