Houston Rockets: The top 30 Rockets players of all time
By T.A. Mock
15. Vernon Maxwell, SG, 1990 – 1995
Maxwell was better in Houston than he was anywhere else. His five great seasons as a Rocket were capped off with two consecutive championships in 1994 and 1995. He teamed up with Kenny Smith to form one of the best backcourt duos in the league and in team history. He averaged over 14 points and dished out over 4 assists while locking it down on defense.
14. Steve Francis, PG, 1999 – 2004, 2008
Francis is one of the most explosive and athletic guys to ever put on a Houston Rockets uniform. However, he also is one of the most disappointing to do so as well. He locked down Rookie of the Year honors and averaged over 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a game.
Those incredible numbers push him above championship winners but, a lack of a championship of his own and off the court issues keep him here. He was also the key piece to the Tracy McGrady trade.
13. Charles Barkley, PF, 1996 – 2000
Barkley is a Hall of Famer but, it’s hard to place him higher on this list. Based on his entire career he should be higher but, his time with the Rockets was slightly disappointing. His career was coming to an end but, he still it up the stat sheet. He averaged over 16 points and 12 rebounds a game during his four years in Houston.
Unfortunately, he never added any hardware to Houston’s trophy case. He remains one of the best players to never win a championship. His character and performance still drive him up this list.
12. Otis Thorpe, PF, 1988 – 1995
Thorpe is one of, if not the, most efficient scorer in team history. He averaged over 56% from the field, with the pinnacle almost crossing 60%. He averaged nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds a game. Thorpe was integral in the team netting their first championship.
Thorpe was also the centerpiece that netted the team Clyde Drexler during the 1994-95 season. His career was never the same after that trade though, he was never able to reach the same production.
11. Kenny Smith, PG 1990 – 1996
“The Jet” might just be the fastest guy to ever put on a Rockets uniform, the man could blaze up and down the court. His first year with the team was ridiculous, he put up nearly 18 points, over 7 assists, all while shooting 52%.
He is also one of the best marksmen in team history, he shot 41% from three with the Rockets. Smith was the offensive general on both championship teams. He helped make those offenses great, which is why he’s at this spot on this list.