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Houston Rockets: Why Calvin Murphy’s legacy is relevant in today’s era

By Coty Davis

HOUSTON - JULY 13: Dwight Howard (3R) stands with former Houston Rockets former players (L-R) Clyde Drexler, Ralph Sampson, Calvin Murphy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming and John Lucas during a press conference on July 13, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - JULY 13: Dwight Howard (3R) stands with former Houston Rockets former players (L-R) Clyde Drexler, Ralph Sampson, Calvin Murphy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming and John Lucas during a press conference on July 13, 2013 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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After James Harden nearly broke Calvin Murphy’s franchise record in points, it’s time to take a look back at one of the greatest players that ever played for the Houston Rockets.

This past Sunday, James Harden led the Houston Rockets to a 137-110 victory over the Utah Jazz. While scoring a career-high 56 points, Harden came one point shy of breaking Calvin Murphy‘s franchise record of 57 points, which has stood for 39 years.

From Moses Malone to Harden, the Houston Rockets have seen their share of explosive scorers who have left an everlasting mark on the Bayou City.

However, of all the greatest scorers who have played in Houston, it’s hard to imagine that the Houston

Rockets franchise record for most points in a single game belongs to a 5’9″ point guard from Norwalk, Conn.

One of the greatest players standing under six feet tall, Murphy paved the way for little guys to have an impact on the league with his extraordinary scoring ability and gaudy crossovers long before the likes of Allen Iverson and Isaiah Thomas.

Today, he is known for his flashy suits as a member of the Rockets’ AT&T Sports broadcast, but during the 70s and early 80s, Murphy made his mark as one of the NBA’s elite players of his generation.

Originally drafted in the second round by the San Diego Rockets in 1970, Murphy played his entire career with the Rockets organization from 1970-1983. He is only one of 11 Rockets to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (1993), as well as becoming one of five players to have their number retired by the organization.

Throughout his 13-year career, Murphy immortalized himself into the Rockets history book. While averaging a career 17.4 points per game, Murphy is second in franchise history for most games played as a Rocket (1,002), second in field goals made (7,242), and is the all-time leader in assists dishing out 4,402 dimes throughout his career.

He also became one of the greatest free-throw shooters ever, ending his career with the eighth highest free-throw percentage (81.9 percent) in league history. During the 1980-81 season, he set

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the team record for most consecutive free-throws made (78) from December 27, 1980 – February 28, 1981.

At the time of his retirement, Murphy was the Rockets all-time leader in points (17,494) before Hakeem Olajuwon (26,511) eclipsed him in 1994.

Although his skills were exceptional on offense, Murphy’s was one of the best defenders in Rockets history. He ranks second all-time in steals (1,165) and ninth in defense win share (16.6) for the Rockets according to Basketball Reference.com.

Despite an all-star sub, Murphy’s best season came during the 1977-78 NBA season. He averaged 25.6 points per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field. In a loss to the New Jersey Nets in March of 1978, Murphy scored 57 points, setting the franchise record for most points in a single game.

In a league that has been dominated by giants, very few players at Murphy’s stature have left behind a legacy to be named alongside other greats.

Next: Why Chris Paul could be a one-season rental

Personally, next to Tracy McGrady (my favorite player of all-time) Murphy is my second favorite player in Rockets history.

No disrespect to Moses Malone or Elvin Hayes, but if it wasn’t for the greatness of the Dream, Calvin Murphy would have been hailed as the greatest Rocket of all-time.

However, despite the player, Calvin Murphy will forever be acclaimed as the greatest point guard in the history of the Rockets franchise.

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