# Houston Rockets Draft Picks: A Comprehensive Overview of Every Selection ## Historical Success and Recent Struggles The Houston Rockets have a rich history of drafting talented players, boasting several All-Stars and Hall of Famers among their alumni. However, in recent years, the team's draft record has been underwhelming, leading to a lack of sustained success. This article will delve into the Rockets' draft history, highlighting both their triumphs and shortcomings. ### The Early Years: Building a Foundation In the early days of the franchise, the Rockets made some shrewd draft decisions that laid the foundation for their future success. In 1967, they selected Elvin Hayes with the fourth overall pick. Hayes went on to become a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, anchoring the Rockets' defense and leading them to their first playoff appearance in 1971. Another notable draft pick during this era was Moses Malone, whom the Rockets acquired in a trade in 1976. Malone was a dominant force in the paint and quickly became one of the league's top players. He led the Rockets to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1981. ### The Yao Ming Era: A Brief Resurgence The Rockets' fortunes changed dramatically in 2002 when they drafted Yao Ming with the first overall pick. Ming was a 7-foot-6 center from China who quickly became a global sensation. His combination of size, skill, and charisma made him one of the most popular players in the league. With Ming as their franchise player, the Rockets enjoyed a brief resurgence, making the playoffs six consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2009. They also reached the Western Conference Finals in 2009, but their playoff success was short-lived. ### Recent Struggles: Missed Opportunities and Draft Busts Since Ming's retirement in 2011, the Rockets have struggled to maintain their success. They have made several questionable draft picks, including Royce White, Sam Dekker, and Isaiah Whitehead. These players failed to live up to expectations and were ultimately traded or released. The Rockets' most recent draft blunder was trading away the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft for Kevin Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick. Porter Jr. has shown promise but is still a raw talent, and the Rockets may have missed out on a franchise-altering player. ## Conclusion: Rebuilding for the Future The Rockets are currently in a rebuilding phase, with a young roster and a uncertain future. The team has a number of promising prospects, but they need to make some smart draft decisions in the coming years to return to contention. With a history of both success and struggles, the Rockets' draft history is a reminder that building a winning team is a complex and challenging endeavor.
