Houston Rockets - The Early Years
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Tennis.
Houston Rockets: The Formative Years
Introduction
The Houston Rockets' journey began in 1967 when they entered the NBA as an expansion team based in San Diego alongside the Seattle SuperSonics. Their first draft pick was Pat Riley, yet their debut season was challenging, culminating in a then-record 67 losses.
Key Milestones
1968 Draft: The Emergence of Elvin Hayes
In 1968, the Rockets won a coin toss against the Baltimore Bullets, securing the first overall draft pick. They selected Elvin "The Big E" Hayes from the University of Houston. Hayes quickly became a cornerstone, leading the Rockets to their first playoff appearance in 1969. However, they fell to the Atlanta Hawks in the Western Division semi-finals.
Building the Roster: Murphy and Tomjanovich
The 1970 NBA Draft saw the addition of Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich, two players who would leave lasting legacies with the franchise beyond their playing days.
Relocation to Houston
In 1971, real estate broker Wayne Duddleston and banker Billy Goldberg purchased the team for $5.6 million, relocating it to Houston. The move was symbolic, as Houston's connection to NASA's space missions gave the "Rockets" name even more resonance. Despite its new home, the team struggled with attendance, drawing fewer than 5,000 fans per game.
Coaching Changes and Trades
Before the 1971 season, Coach Alex Hannum departed, and Tex Winter was brought in to implement a triple-post offensive system. This shift clashed with Hayes' style, leading to his trade to the Baltimore Bullets for Jack Marin. The team's struggles persisted, and Winter was eventually replaced.
Playoff Appearances and Rising Stars
Under Coach Johnny Egan, the Rockets, spearheaded by Tomjanovich, Murphy, and Mike Newlin, returned to the playoffs in 1975. They bested the New York Knicks but were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
In 1977, the acquisition of Moses Malone from the Buffalo Braves brought new energy. The Rockets defeated the Washington Bullets in the Eastern Conference semi-finals but lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Conference Finals. Malone's performance stood out against formidable opponents like Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld.
The Infamous Punch
A turbulent moment occurred on December 9, 1977, when a scuffle with the Los Angeles Lakers' Kermit Washington left Tomjanovich severely injured. The incident, captured in John Feinstein's book "The Punch," became a defining moment of that season. Tomjanovich's recovery was extensive, yet he made a memorable return in the 1978 All-Star Game.
Achievements and Challenges
Moses Malone received the 1979 MVP Award, showcasing exceptional skill and strategic play. Alongside Murphy and Tomjanovich, Malone appeared in the 1979 NBA All-Star Game. That year, Rick Barry joined the team from the Golden State Warriors and set a new NBA free-throw percentage record.
The 1978-79 season saw the Rockets earn a 47-35 record, but they were swept by the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The early years of the Houston Rockets were marked by significant challenges, strategic trades, and key additions to the roster. These formative seasons laid the groundwork for the team's future successes, creating a foundation enriched with memorable players and moments.
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