Houston Rockets: The top 30 Rockets players of all time

25. Luis Scola, PF, 2007 – 2012

Scola joined the Houston Rockets in 2007 after a good career in Argentina and Europe. All he did was place third in Rookie of the Year voting. He was also a member of the NBA All-Rookie team as well.

Scola was a pretty great offensive player for the Rockets through the years. He had solid post moves and mid-range jumper. The thing that prevented him from being truly elite on offense was the lack of a three-point shot. Scola was amnestied, not because of poor play but, cap space. This cap space eventually let the team net James Harden.

24. Dikembe Mutombo, C, 2004 – 2009

Honestly, this may be too high for Mutombo. He played for the Rockets in the late twilight of his career. But, what Mutombo brought to this team went far beyond stats. He brought a swagger and confidence that this team needed. The finger wag has become iconic in the city of Houston. He is one of the best defensive players in NBA history. Mutombo was an icon but, his numbers prevent him from rising higher on this list.

23. Shane Battier, SF, 2006 – 2010

Battier was the definition of 3-and-D before it was cool. He shut down players at an extremely high level and knocked down triples at a great rate, 39% as a Rocket. He was never a go-to scorer but, he was always reliable while hovering outside.

Battier was a guy that did everything well. He was a jack of all trades, master of none type of guy. He was one of the most likable players in recent memory. A stand-up guy who also happened to be a phenomenal basketball player.

22. Sam Cassell, PG, 1993 – 1996

Cassell’s best years were not in a Houston Rockets uniform, which is what is preventing him from climbing this list. Cassell was very fortunate to be apart of the only two championships in team history. He played a pivotal sixth man role for those teams who would’ve been worse off without him.

He averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, a one steal with a .430/.331/.834 shooting line. Cassell went on to have a long, storied career in the NBA. If he had played longer with the Rockets he would, undoubtedly, be higher on this list. His two championship rings allow him to be this high.

21. Sleepy Floyd, PG, 1987 – 1993

His iconic nickname came from a little game when he was in the 4th grade. A disgruntled spectator yelled to get him off the court because he was “sleeping.” Sleepy Floyd played six years of his career with the Rockets. He helped build and shape the team right up to the championship years. Floyd was a phenomenal distributor, he averaged over five assists a game to pair with 11.5 points and 2.6 rebounds.

Floyd’s most famous attribute may be that he was what the Rockets got for trading away Ralph Sampson.