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Team Profile
Houston Rockets: Five things you need to know
Texas-based franchise Houston Rockets won two NBA championships in the 1990s
- Legacy of greatness under Hakeem Olajuwon
- Pioneers of "small ball" analytics-driven approach
- Shaped by superstar eras from Moses Malone to James Harden
The Houston Rockets are one of three NBA franchises based in the state of Texas. With almost 60 years under their belt, the Rockets have found innovative ways to ascend to NBA glory in some of the league's most competitive eras. Harbouring two championships in the cabinet, Houston earned the name “Clutch City” for their continued success against higher seeded teams.
The Houston Rockets are now in the latter stages of a rebuild, with a strong young core led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson finishing as the second seed in the West.
2024-25 NBA Season Summary
- Record: 52-30
- Finish: 2nd Seed (Lost in first round)
- All-Star Selections: Alperen Sengun
In the 2024-25 season, the Houston Rockets took the western conference by storm, jumping nine positions and finishing as the second seed. Their magical season was ended early by an experienced Golden State Warriors side whose Game Seven experience proved the difference. Nevertheless, the Rockets season was immensely successful, their first-class defence and their number one ranked rebounding outfit encapsulate the team's young, gritty and physical mindset.
Re-signing
- Steven Adams agrees to 3-year extension
- Aaron Holiday agrees to new deal
- Jeff Green agrees to new deal
- Jabari Smith Jr. agrees to 5-year extension
- Jae’Sean Tate agrees to new deal
- Fred VanVleet agrees to 2-year extension
Ins
- Clint Capela agrees to 3-year deal
- Kevin Durant joins via 7-team trade
- Dorian Finney-Smith agrees to 4-year deal
- Josh Okogie agrees to 1-year deal
- JD Davison agrees to 1-year deal
Outs
- Dillon Brooks departs via 7-team trade with Suns
- Jalen Green departs via 7-team trade with Suns
- Jock Landale waived, signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Cam Whitmore departs via trade with Wizards
The Houston Rockets have been the league's most active team this offseason, with 15 players total arriving and departing the franchise. The team has lost some key depth at the guard positions with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks departing via trade. The Rockets will be looking to improve on their 28th-place ranking in assists per game in order to add another dynamic to a strong attacking outfit.
The acquisition of Kevin Durant was Houston announcing to the rest of the league that they're ready to challenge for the NBA title. As an NBA Champion, proven leader and one of the league's greatest bucket getters, Kevin Durant could be the missing piece to a side both physically and defensively ready to match it with the leading sides in the NBA.
Aside from acquiring Kevin Durant, the Rockets have strengthened their bench unit and added veteran experience, elements that were missing in last year’s playoff charge. By re-signing the likes of Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr, the Rockets have invested in proven pieces who have played an important role in shaping the culture the team has built in recent years.
In coach Ime Udoka’s third season, Houston will be a gritty and frustrating team to match up against come playoff time. With so much quality across the roster and the team's immense balance of veteran leadership with young hunger, the Rockets are on track for another big season.
2025-26 Predicted Lineup
- Point Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Shooting Guard: Amen Thompson
- Small Forward: Kevin Durant
- Power Forward: Jabari Smith Jr
- Centre: Alperen Sengun
Australians who have played for the Houston Rockets
Jock Landale: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Landale signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Rockets in July 2023. Known for his strong presence in the paint and rebounding abilities, he has been a valuable addition to Houston's frontcourt. Jock was waived by the franchise after the 2024/25 season.
Jack McVeigh: Hailing from Cabarita Beach, New South Wales, McVeigh agreed to a two-way contract with the Rockets in July 2024. Prior to joining Houston, he played for the Tasmania JackJumpers in Australia's NBL, where he averaged 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. McVeigh is known for his sharpshooting and versatility on the wing.
History of the Houston Rockets
The Rockets joined the NBA as part of an expansion into the West Coast, calling San Diego home for half a decade. The Rockets made the move to Houston in 1971, after the Texas Sports Investments company bought the team. Known as the Houston Rockets, the side became the first NBA team in Texas.
The first real period of success for the Rockets was initiated by the franchise's acquisition of legendary centre Moses Malone in 1976. Throughout the late 70s to early 80s Malone guided the team to multiple Eastern Conference Finals and led the team to the NBA finals despite having a losing record. Although they ultimately fell to the Celtics, Malone’s dominance earned him his second MVP with the Rockets in 1982, before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
In back-to-back years, the Rockets would draft iconic duo, Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon who earned the name “Twin Towers” when they became the first pair of seven-footers to feature in a starting lineup. In the duo’s second season, the Rockets booked their second trip to the NBA Finals, unfortunately losing to the Larry Bird led Boston Celtics in 1986. After a seven-year hiatus from the NBA Finals the Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 with Hakeem “the dream” Olajuwon dominating the league winning two MVP’s, two Finals MVP’s and a Defensive Player of the Year Award.
The Rockets’ history since their championship triumphs has been marked by remarkable individual seasons, teams and hall of fame players. The 2000s was spearheaded by the work of powerhouse centre Yao Ming, who was later accompanied by all timer Tracey McGrady. The duo enjoyed some success, but both players were plagued with injuries throughout this era ending the Rockets hopes of contending in the West.
The arrival of James Harden ignited the franchise into playoff contention once again, with his impenetrable offensive game becoming the catalyst for the side’s surge in success. Under the guidance of coach Mike D’Antoni, the Rockets became the most exciting offensive side to watch in the league. With an up-tempo system, James Harden thrived winning NBA MVP and leading the side to the Western Conference Finals. Experimenting with the likes of Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, the franchise would never reach NBA glory in this time, opting to rebuild when key players departed.
In the 2020s the Rockets successfully started and completed a rebuild of the roster. In this time the Rockets acquired a young core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr who have elevated the side to a top two seed in the West. Now with the addition of Kevin Durant, the franchise is on track for a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Identity
The Rockets have long embraced innovation, from the "Twin Towers" era of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson to pioneering the use of advanced analytics under GM Daryl Morey. They are known for pushing boundaries and finding new ways to gain competitive advantages. Houston's style has evolved over the years. In the 1990s, they were built around Olajuwon's dominant post play. More recently, they embraced an extreme "small ball" approach focused on three-point shooting and isolation play for James Harden.
The team is always willing to experiment with unconventional strategies. The Rockets have cultivated a culture of excellence and adaptation. They've shown a willingness to make bold moves to acquire superstars and build contending teams. The franchise prides itself on being at the forefront of basketball innovation.
Five Fast Facts:
- The Rockets have had three 7-foot centres win MVP awards: Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Yao Ming.
- In 1986, Houston became the first team to feature two 7-footers (Olajuwon and Sampson) in their starting lineup.
- The 1994-95 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team (6th) to win an NBA championship.
- James Harden's 36.1 points per game in 2018-19 is the highest scoring average for any player not named Wilt Chamberlain or Michael Jordan.
- The Rockets set the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game with 27 in 2019.
Club Timeline
- 1967: Franchise founded as San Diego Rockets
- 1971: Team relocates to Houston
- 1981: Led by Moses Malone, Rockets reach first NBA Finals
- 1984: Draft Hakeem Olajuwon first overall
- 1994: Win first NBA championship
- 1995: Repeat as NBA champions
- 2002: Select Yao Ming first overall in NBA draft
- 2012: Acquire James Harden in trade with Oklahoma City
- 2018: Set franchise record with 65 wins
- 2021: James Harden era ends as team begins rebuild
- 2025: Acquire Kevin Durant in seven-team trade
The Houston Rockets have established themselves as innovators across their six decades of existence. From their “Twin Towers” era to their up-tempo offensive system in the 2010s, the Rockets experimental and unorthodox approach to basketball makes them one of the most entertaining franchises in the NBA. Heading into the 25/26 season, the Rockets offseason moves have rounded out a successful rebuild and is set the stage for an instant surge at the Western Conference Finals title.
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