Information about the Rockets
In 1971, the Rockets relocated from San Diego to Houston. They had already begun to make a name with powerhouse players such as Elvin Hayes, Rudy Tomjanovich and Calvin Murphy. With a name like 'Rockets', the fit for Houston would be great. Already on the cutting edge, two years before, Houston NASA had been instrumental in the moon landing and in 1965 construction of the Astrodome was completed. The dome was technology in the making and was labeled the 'eighth wonder of the world'.
Without a true home to play in, the Rockets were shuffled amongst the different options located in Houston at the time. With the Astrodome as home to the cities' major league baseball team, upon occasion would be used by the Rockets. This continued, including playing in San Antonio and Waco who provided a better fan base. This would continue until the Summit was constructed in 1975. They would continue to play there until it was replaced by the Toyota Center.
As 1977 approached, Moses Malone joined the team. As positive as that was for the team's beginnings, the ending was devastating. In December, Tomjanovich was severely injured as a fight erupted on court. The result forced rehabilitation for five months.
While the Rockets continued to have successful seasons, the mid 1990's hold their best record. With the addition of Clyde Drexler in 1993, and Hakeem Olajuwon already in place and untouchable, the Houston Rockets were given a slogan of Phi Slamma Jamma in reference to their fraternity at the U of H, Phi Slam Jama. Along with the nickname 'clutch city', Houston was forever titled.
You cannot discuss the NBA Houston Rockets without paying tribute to some of the team's previous members. With names like Charles Barkley, Sam Cassell, Clyde Drexler, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, Robert Reid and Rudy Tomjanavich (or Rudy T as he is known in Houston) who once graced the courts of Houston, a walk through the Toyota Center might just have you rubbing elbows with the greatest basketball team on earth, the NBA Houston Rockets. Go Rockets.