As a basketball enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching games and analyzing players, I must say that the Houston Rockets of yesteryears were truly a sight to behold. Their roster was filled with legends who revolutionized the game and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Over time, some truly exceptional athletes have worn the Houston Rockets’ jersey, such as Hakeem Olajuwon, James Harden, Moses Malone, and Yao Ming. With NBA 2K25 set to launch soon, fans are getting excited about the prospect of incorporating these Rockets legends into their gaming experience.
Let’s take a look at the leading 10 players from the Rockets’ historic roster, and discuss which ones fans will be thrilled to encounter in this season’s installment of the renowned basketball video game franchise.
Hakeem Olajuwon (98)
One of the greatest big men ever, Olajuwon stood tall at an imposing 7 feet, boasting remarkable strength. Yet, it wasn’t these physical attributes that catapulted him to legend status.
Instead, it was his exceptional ball control and focus on finesse that made Hakeem Olajuwon a legendary figure and an all-time great. His techniques, particularly in this aspect of basketball, served as inspiration for almost every center who followed in his footsteps.
Hakeem stood out as an exceptional athlete, capable of performing a slam dunk against anyone. However, it was his remarkable agility that set him apart from mere power dunkers.
Moses Malone (97)
A towering basketball player standing at 6 feet 10 inches, weighing a substantial 260 pounds, this three-time MVP and 12-time All-Star is hailed as one of the greatest players in history. Known for his overpowering rebounding skills, he rightfully earned the nickname “The Chairman of the Boards,” a title that truly reflected his prowess.
Although Malone is more known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, whom he led to a championship in 1983, Malone also had a successful tenure in Space City.
1981 saw Malone guide the Rockets all the way to the NBA Finals, but they fell just shy of victory, losing a hard-fought six-game series against the Boston Celtics. If you aspire to become an overpowering shot-blocker who can effortlessly grab rebounds and assert your authority both offensively and defensively, leaving defenders in your wake as you score with ease, then you’ll be thrilled to wear the jersey of this Rockets legend.
At both ends, Malone will snatch up rebounds aggressively and maneuver himself into optimal spots for smooth layups and powerful slam dunks.
James Harden (95)
Among all the players on this list, it’s clear that Harden is the one fans are most familiar with and he’s also likely to be a fan favorite. During his time in Houston, Harden revolutionized the game by introducing the layups-and-threes strategy, which was taken to an extreme level with his signature step-back three-pointer, adding immense power to it.
To be frank, I’ve never considered Harden as the most precision shooter. Yet, his knack for getting a shot up whenever he wished more than compensated for that. He was lethally efficient due to his uncanny ability to generate a high-quality shooting opportunity at will. His step-back move was a game-changer, granting him the space and freedom to do so.
As a gamer, I always made sure to give myself plenty of space when using Harden’s signature move. This allowed me to get a clear view of the hoop and let off my shot unimpeded.
During his time with Houston, Harden excelled in reaching the basket. Despite not being the quickest, most agile, or flamboyant player, he compensated for this with his solid fundamental abilities and remarkable lower-body power.
Clyde Drexler (93)
Clyde Drexler is a versatile scorer capable of scoring points from various positions on the court. He’s often underestimated in terms of defense, consistently containing the top perimeter scorers of opposing teams. With swift reflexes, he can disrupt opponents by intercepting passes or deflecting them, or by stealing or blocking their jump shots.
Tracy McGrady (92)
In the first half of the 2000s, Tracy McGrady, or T-Mac as he’s often called, cemented his place among the most prominent and impactful basketball players thanks to his electrifying, stylish approach to individual play.
During his time, McGrady matured as the sport was reaching its height of both national and global fame. The focus then was primarily on mastering the technique of individual scoring. McGrady thrived during this period and has become a legendary figure in the sport.
In simpler terms, T-Mac was a pro at finding space to take shots whenever he desired. Players who aim to perform impressive maneuvers, score from stunning fadeaways or step-backs while making the defender chase after their feet will enjoy playing as McGrady in NBA 2K25.
Calvin Murphy (91)
Murphy was a swift, versatile player from the guard position who often outmaneuvered defenders with his quickness, slipping past them effortlessly and reaching the basket smoothly. In many aspects, he resembled an earlier incarnation of Dwyane Wade and set the stage for the playing style that would become synonymous with Wade’s name.
Yao Ming (91)
Standing at an impressive height of 7 feet 6 inches, Yao Ming was known for being one of the tallest basketball players to have played in the NBA. His remarkable wingspan spanned 7 feet 5 inches, making him a formidable force on the court. Known for his incredible physical stature, Ming excelled at both offensive and defensive play.
Ming persisted in maintaining the Rockets’ legacy of formidable center figures, yet he infused his own distinct flair into play. He may not have been the strongest or most robust player on the court, but he compensated for that by being among the tallest players to grace an NBA court.
Moreover, Ming stood out with remarkable agility and precision given his stature. Rarely found in someone of his height, he boasted exceptional footwork and a keen sense for shooting. His arsenal of moves was seldom matched among defenders, allowing him to outmaneuver them effectively.
Chris Paul (90)
Chris Paul is occasionally referred to as “The Point God,” and this moniker fits him well. Considered by many to be one of the greatest pure point guards in basketball history, Paul excelled due to his exceptional court awareness and ability to execute precise passes. He consistently elevated his teammates’ performance, demonstrating a keen understanding of how to maximize each player’s potential. Remarkably, it seemed as though he possessed an intuitive sense for identifying struggling players and providing them with the right assistance at the right time.
Some players required brief stints at the offensive end to step back, regroup, and find their rhythm. Others benefited from receiving the ball in advantageous scoring zones for an effortless shot attempt, simply to see the ball pass through the hoop. Paul has a knack for understanding each of his teammates’ strengths and positioning them optimally for scoring success.
It’s important to note that while Paul is renowned for his passing skills, he was also an adept isolation scorer. In fact, he was one of the original floaters, a move involving a floating layup shot taken at a high arc while dribbling towards the basket. This technique wasn’t new, but Paul made it popular and it’s now a common feature in the playbook of many top-tier point guards.
Ralph Sampson (89)
Standing tall at 7-feet-4, Sampson might not have been the most technically gifted player, but he was a fearsome force on the court, causing chaos in the paint. His defensive prowess was unmatched as he effortlessly blocked shots and made it difficult for opponents to get near the basket. Offensively, he leveraged his size to overpower other players, finding his spots and asserting dominance with powerful finishes.
Elvin Hayes (89)
Above all else, it’s the Rockets’ powerhouse centers that truly stand out. This trait is carried on by Hayes, who might have been slightly shorter compared to his peers, but he made up for it with sheer physicality. Standing at nearly 6-foot-10 and weighing around 235 pounds, Hayes leveraged his robust physique to conquer paint skirmishes. He was a proficient post scorer, a reliable rebounder, and an all-round defensive force.
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2024-09-03 00:39