Houston Rockets Collecting and Fan Guide
Overview
The Houston Rockets were one of the top NBA teams during the 1980s and 1990s and the current roster has been rebuilt around two star players. Despite a relatively short history, the Rockets have featured some of the top big men in NBA history. This has made Houston a popular collecting destination.
Although the Rockets are synonymous with Houston, the team actually originated as the San Diego Rockets in 1967 as an expansion team. After just four seasons, the Rockets were purchased and moved to Houston. The nickname remained and was even more relevant for a Houston team given the city's space connections.
While the early teams featured names like Elvin Hayes, Pat Rily, Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich, the Rockets did not see consistent winning until they drafted Moses Malone. The team made the playoffs in five out of six seasons with Malone, but ultimately traded him to save money. Without Moses Malone, the team posted a a 14-win season in 1982-83, but also netted the team top draft picks in consecutive seasons. The Rockets selected Ralph Sampson in 1983 and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984, setting them up for a long period of success.
Even though the Rockets were successful with the two number one picks, Sampson was traded after a few years. Hakeem Olajuwon became the face of the franchise, but was unable to make a deep run until he was surrounded by more talent. This transition from regular playoff team to championship contender came with a coaching change and new ownership. Former star player Rudy Tomjanovich became the head coach and brought in Clyde Drexler. Drexler and Olajuwon proved to be a good duo and the Rockets won the NBA title in 1993-94 and 1994-95.
Houston tried to continue the title runs, adding Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen, but they came up short and the team eventually had to rebuild. After reaching the playoffs in 14 of the previous 15 seasons, the Rockets missed out in fours straight years. Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming added star power to the teams of the 2000s, but the Rockets still could only manage first round exits in the playoffs most seasons.
Kevin McHale was brought in as head coach in 2011 and the team has made some high-profile moves, signing Dwight Howard and James Harden. This move has made the Rockets more appealing to collectors and put them on the short list for title-contending teams in the near future.
Collectors have plenty of options when it comes to merchandise and collectibles for the Houston Rockets. UsingΒ the tabs above, check out the top Houston Rocketsβ players to collect,Β top merchandise and jersey options, autograph guide, game tickets and the most watched Houston RocketsΒ cards and memorabiliaΒ on eBay.
TTM Autographs
Another option for collectors looking to get autographs is TTM or "Through the mail." A complete guide to the process can be seen here: How to Get (Almost) Free Autographs Through the Mail.
Although it is not a lock, Houston Rockets fans looking to take advantage of this can try their luck with current players and coaches using the following address:
"Insert Specific Player/Coach/Executive"
c/oΒ Houston Rockets
Toyota Center
1510 Polk Street
Houston, TX 77002
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Fan Gear
Houston RocketsΒ Jerseys & GearΒ Guide
Looking for something to support your team? There are tons of options for Houston Rockets fans across all budgets. Normal price ranges are noted when available. View a complete breakdown of the jersey options using our detailed NBA jersey guide.
Houston RocketsΒ Jersey Guide
Click on the images or listingsΒ to shop on eBay.Β
Houston RocketsΒ T-Shirts & Hats
Click on the images or listingsΒ to shop on eBay.Β
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Cards
Houston RocketsΒ Basketball Card Guide
Despite a shorter existence that many of the established NBA teams, the Houston Rockets can rival most with their roster of elite and Hall of Fame players. View cards for the top former and current members of the Rockets below.
Top Former Players & Coaches
Click on the player for a detailed guide or to shop for cards on eBay.Β
Other Houston Rockets All-Time Greats
Click on the playerΒ to shop for cards on eBay.Β
Top Current Players
Click on the player for a detailed guide or to shop for cards on eBay.Β
Autographs
Houston RocketsΒ Autograph Guide
When shopping for autographed items, it is highly recommended to only purchased signed pieces that have been authenticatedΒ by a reputable company. Top options include PSA, JSA, Mounted Memories, UDA, Panini Authentic and Tristar.
Click on theΒ images or listingsΒ to shop on eBay.Β
SignedΒ Houston Rockets Photographs
Signed Houston RocketsΒ Jerseys
Signed Houston RocketsΒ Sneakers
Signed Houston RocketsΒ Basketballs
Tickets
Houston RocketsΒ Game Tickets
If you are looking for tickets to see the Houston RocketsΒ play, it might be an overwhelming experience. Luckily for fans, NBA teams play a ton of games, all over the country. After selecting a specific game, the first thing to decide is how much you want to spend and where you want to sit in the arena.
From there, it can get messy given all the choices for purchasing tickets. With that in mind, we have complied the best options for buying tickets. Simply follow the link to each ticket source for any available Houston RocketsΒ tickets.Β Be aware that the NBA regular season basicallyΒ runs from November toΒ April and the playoffs continueΒ until mid-June.
Hot List
Houston RocketsΒ Hot List
Check out the most watched Houston RocketsΒ cards, gear and memorabiliaΒ on eBay. The guide is constantly updated with real-time information, so bookmark this page for future reference.
More Info
View basic information and detailed stats on the Houston Rockets here:
patrick binagia
I have a 2-sided Rockets poster that was signed by entire team including coach Rudy Tomjanovich. It is when they were going for their third-straight NBA win and it also includes Charles Barkley’s signature. My sister worked at Hobby Airport and got them to sign a bunch of stuff. I think I have hat signed by Hakeem Olajuwon as well. I had the poster mounted and framed. Where can I get it appraised? They put their jersey # beside each signature.
Any way, I am interested in selling and thought Tilman Fertitta might like it as it is in great shape and I paid several hundred to frame it so you can turn it over and look at it from either side of the frame. Thanks, Patrick.