SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Home
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History
    • Basketball History
    • College History
    • Football History
    • Hockey History
    • Soccer History
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Sports Team History Products
STH #3 Home Header 1440x650

Houston Rockets Team History

STH Clash of Logos NBA - Banner
Houston Rockets




  • 1971
  • 1993
  • 1994
  • 1995
  • 2003
  • Toyota Center and Houston Cityscape

    Heading to Houston

    Coached by Hall of Fame coach Alex Hannum, the Rockets tallied a 57–97 record in the following two seasons and did not make the playoffs in either season. Because of the low performance and attendance, Breitbard looked to sell the team, and in 1971, Texas Sports Investments, which was led by real estate broker Wayne Duddleston and banker Billy Goldberg, ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Leslie Alexander and James Harden

    New Owner Leslie Alexander

    Alexander bought the Rockets in July 1993 for $85 million. In his first two seasons as the owner (1993 – 1994 and 1994 – 1995), the Rockets won back to back World Championships anchored by Hall of Fame Hakeem Olajuwon. The Rockets have the 2nd highest win percentage in the NBA across Alexander’s reign as the owner (#1 Spurs). In ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing

    NBA Finals Winner 1994

    NBA Finals – 1994 The 1994 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1993 – 1994 National Basketball Association season, featuring the Western Conference’s Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference’s New York Knicks. This matchup was Hakeem Olajuwon’s second NBA Finals series appearance, his other being in 1986, where Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Hakeem and Shaq

    NBA Finals Winner 1995

    NBA Finals – 1995 The 1995 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1994 – 1995 NBA season. The series pitted the Orlando Magic against the Houston Rockets. The pre-series hype and build-up of the Finals were centered on the meeting of the two centers Shaquille O’Neal of the Magic and Hakeem Olajuwon of the Rockets. Going into the ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Toyota Center Houston

    Toyota Center Opens

    Toyota Center is an indoor arena located in downtown Houston, Texas. It is named after the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. The arena is home to the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander first began to request a new arena in 1995 and attempted to release the Rockets from their lease at The Summit, which ran ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Rockets Primary Logo
Rockets Alternate Logo
Rockets Wordmark Logo

History of the Rockets

The Houston Rockets are an iconic NBA franchise with a long and storied history. Founded in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets, the team moved to Houston in 1971 and has been known as the “Rockets” ever since. The team was one of four expansion teams that joined the NBA in 1967, along with fellow Texas-based franchise, the San Antonio Spurs. Over 50 years, the Rockets have established themselves as one of basketball's premier franchises—winning two championships (1994 & 1995) and appearing several times more in post-season play.

In the 1994–95 season, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, who was named MVP for both seasons, they won back-to-back titles against Orlando Magic led by Shaquille O'Neal, becoming only 5th team to win consecutive championships after Boston Celtics(1959–66), Los Angeles Lakers(1982–85). In 2018 James Harden became the first Rocket player to receive an MVP award while also leading his squad into Western Conference Finals, where they lost 4:3 against Golden State Warriors despite being down 3:2 at some point during the series, making it the most successful run since the 1995 title-winning campaign.

Today under General Manager Daryl Morey's leadership, the Rockets continue pursuing another championship. This could soon be possible with stars like Russell Westbrook and James Harden on the roster. They also possess a strong supporting cast around them, which is essential for any deep playoff run, so there is no reason why this goal can't become a reality sooner rather than later if all pieces fall into place correctly!

Rockets Products

WILSON NBA Team Tribute Basketball - Size 7 - 29.5", Houston Rockets
4.7 out of 5 stars(3544)
Available for Amazon Prime $15.95 $13.49 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
Funko POP NBA: Legends - Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets Home Jersey) Collectible Vinyl Figure,Multicolor
4.8 out of 5 stars(4396)
$12.99 $11.95 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game NBA Houston Rockets Youth 2 Piece Pjs Lounge Pants & Tee Set, Team Color, 8
4.7 out of 5 stars(12)
Available for Amazon Prime $24.99 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
NBA Houston Rockets Team Logo Necklace
3.9 out of 5 stars(527)
$9.95 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game NBA Men's Mesh Button Down Baseball T-Shirt, Houston Rockets, Black, Large
4.6 out of 5 stars(1359)
Available for Amazon Prime $35.00 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game NBA Houston Rockets Mens Soft Fleece Full Zip Jacket Hoodie, Team Color, Large
4.7 out of 5 stars(3478)
Available for Amazon Prime $59.99 $47.74 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game NBA Houston Rockets Mens Active Tee Shirt, Charcoal Heather, Large
4.7 out of 5 stars(8245)
Available for Amazon Prime $19.99 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon
NBA Houston Rockets 1993-1994 Champions - Clutch City
3.7 out of 5 stars(40)
Available for Amazon Prime $69.46 (as of December 8, 2023 05:08 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Buy on Amazon




Established
1967

City
San Diego – Houston

League History
1967 – Present / National Basketball Association

Team History
1971 – Present / Houston Rockets
1967 – 1971 / San Diego Rockets

Nickname
Rockets – The Houston Rockets have been a staple of the NBA since 1971, and their nickname has become synonymous with basketball fandom. But where did this iconic moniker come from?
The answer may surprise you: it was inspired by the famed astronaut and Texas native General Robert H. Goddard! In 1965, the team’s original owner Les Alexander chose to honor General Goddard for his pioneering work in rocket science and space exploration. The name “Rockets” was chosen as an homage to both him and his accomplishments – making them one of only two teams in professional sports named after a person (the other being the Los Angeles Lakers).

But there's more to this story than just honoring an individual; rockets also represent speed and power - two qualities that embody what it means to be part of Houston's proud sports tradition. With their fast-paced offense on full display every night at Toyota Center, fans can feel like they're watching history unfold before their eyes - just like how General Goddard forever changed our understanding of outer space! From its humble beginnings over 50 years ago, today, "Houston Rockets" is now recognized worldwide as one of the most successful franchises in all professional sports leagues.

So next time you're cheering on James Harden or Chris Paul at Toyota Center or wherever your favorite Rocket plays, remember why we call them what we do – because no matter who puts on a jersey for Houston each season, they will always strive towards greatness with same level energy & passion as those first brave astronauts into outer space!

Championship
NBA Championships 2
1995, 1994

Arena
2003 – Present / Toyota Center
1975 – 2003 / The Summit
1971 – 1975 / Hofheinz Pavilion

*San Diego*
1967 – 1971 / San Diego Sports Arena

Owner
2017 – Present / Tilman Fertitta
1993 – 2017 / Leslie Alexander
1982 – 1993 / Charlie Thomas
1980 – 1982 / Gavin Maloof
1979 – 1980 / George J. Maloof, Sr.
1976 – 1979 / Kenneth Schnitzer
1975 – 1976 / James Talcott Incorporated
1973 – 1975 / Irvin Kaplan
1971 – 1973 / Billy Goldberg, Wayne Duddlesten, Mickey Herskowitz
1967 – 1971 / Robert Breitbard

Who is the greatest Houston Rockets?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

Retired Number
11 / Yao Ming
22 / Clyde Drexler
23 / Calvin Murphy
24 / Moses Malone
34 / Hakeem Olajuwon
45 / Rudy Tomjanovich
CD / Carroll Dawson

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS NBA Headline News

  • How the tourney semifinals gave a glimpse of the NBA’s future in Vegas
  • Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers primed for chance at NBA Cup, but they are thinking even bigger
  • What you need to know about NBA in-season tourney semis
  • ‘They all felt that 5-20 start’: Orlando’s early run was a year in the making
  • NBA in-season tournament: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks fly past Knicks to reach semifinals in Las Vegas

Sports Market History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

NBA Logo Battle

NBA Greatest Player

STH Product Sale

NBA Teams
Menu
  • Atlanta Hawks
    • St. Louis Hawks
    • Milwaukee Hawks
    • Tri-City Blackhawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
    • New Jersey Nets
    • New York Nets
    • New Jersey Americans
  • Charlotte Hornets
    • Charlotte Bobcats
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
    • Denver Rockets
  • Detroit Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
    • San Francisco Warriors
    • Philadelphia Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
    • San Diego Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
    • San Diego Clippers
    • Buffalo Braves
  • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Minneapolis Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Vancouver Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New Orleans Hornets
    • Charlotte Hornets
  • New York Knickerbockers
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Seattle Supersonics
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Syracuse Nationals
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trailblazers
  • Sacramento Kings
    • Kansas City Kings
    • Cincinnati Royals
    • Rochester Royals
  • San Antonio Spurs
    • Texas Chaparrals
    • Dallas Chaparrals
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
    • New Orleans Jazz
  • Washington Wizards
    • Washington Bullets
    • Capital Bullets
    • Baltimore Bullets
    • Chicago Zephyrs
    • Chicago Packers
  • Past Teams
    • Baltimore Bullets 1949
    • Chicago Stags
    • Cleveland Rebels
    • Denver Nuggets 1948
    • Detroit Falcons
    • Pittsburgh Ironmen
    • Providence Steamrollers
    • St. Louis Bombers
    • Toronto Huskies
    • Washington Capitols

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

Scottie Pippen and His Infamous Impact on the Chicago Bulls 6 Championship Wins

December 4, 2023

The Oldest Basketball Team in the NBA: Sacramento Kings

November 30, 2023

Nick Sirianni Applauds His Eagles After Their Revenge Victory Over the Chiefs

November 27, 2023

The Evolution of the National Basketball Association: A Journey Through Time

November 15, 2023

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Market History
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Sports Team History
© 2013 - 2023 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History
    • Basketball History
    • College History
    • Football History
    • Hockey History
    • Soccer History
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Sports Team History Products
Available for Amazon Prime