Houston Rockets: The top 30 Rockets players of all time
By T.A. Mock
8. Ralph Sampson, PF/C, 1983 – 1987
Sampson was one of the longest and lankiest players to ever play the game of basketball. He stood at 7’4″ but, only weighed 215 lbs. Even still, he was incredibly dominant scoring in the paint and on the boards.
He exceeded expectations as a number one overall pick. During his 4+ years, he averaged 18.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game. Sampson was unfortunately traded during his 5th year for Sleepy Floyd. But, his 9 seasons in the NBA earned him Hall of Fame nods. He was one of the best centers in the Rockets history and NBA history.
7. Clyde Drexler, SG, 1994 – 1998
Clyde the Glide was the missing piece on the 1995 championship team. The former member of Phi Slamma Jamma and H-Town native had a long storied career in Portland. The Rockets used Otis Thorpe to bring him home.
During three-plus years in Houston, he averaged 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. What keeps him from climbing higher on this list was the fact that he wasn’t here for very long. But, while he was here he was still incredible. The Rockets retired his #22 and he was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2004.