The Houston Rockets’ identity over the past 25 years can be defined by many things: playoff battles, system-changing styles of play, and a relentless pursuit of championship contention. But perhaps the most consistent thread has been the parade of superstar talent that has donned the red and white.
A recent ranking by The Athletic’s NBA Staff of the top 25 players of the 21st century hammered this point home. When tallying the teams each player suited up for, the Rockets were one of the most featured franchises, with a remarkable six of the 25 all-time greats having played in Houston at some point in their careers.
May 22, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts beside Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the first quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Leading the pack is the current face of the franchise, Kevin Durant, who landed at an impressive No. 6 overall. The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer continues to defy time, averaging 24.8 points on elite efficiency, solidifying his case as one of the most gifted scorers the game has ever seen.
He is followed closely by two players whose legacies are deeply intertwined with one of the most thrilling, and ultimately heartbreaking, eras in team history. Chris Paul (No. 13) was the brilliant floor general who orchestrated the 2018 team that came agonizingly close to toppling the Golden State Warriors dynasty. His former backcourt partner, James Harden (No. 14), is arguably the greatest pure scorer in franchise history, an MVP who carried the team for nearly a decade before his tenure ended in a trade request.
The list then turns to stars whose time in Houston was more of a fleeting chapter. Russell Westbrook (No. 16) brought his trademark explosive production for 65 games during the 2019-20 season. The final two names, Dwight Howard (No. 18) and Carmelo Anthony (No. 24), represent high-profile tenures that are remembered more for their drama and unmet expectations than for on-court success.
This list serves as a powerful reminder of Houston’s enduring appeal to basketball’s elite. For a quarter of a century, through rebuilds and title runs, the Rockets have consistently been a destination for greatness, a legacy that current star Kevin Durant is now proudly continuing.