5 greatest players in Houston Rockets' franchise history

#4 Elvin Hayes

Elvin Hayes

Drafted 1st overall in 1968, by the then San Diego Rockets, Elvin Hayes was the 1st superstar the franchise had. A monster in the low post, Hayes used his trademark turnaround jumper to deadly effect during his career and he currently ranks 10th on the all-time scoring charts.

Hayes led the struggling franchise to the playoffs in what was one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time. He averaged 28 points, which led the league and 17 rebounds a game. They would, however, bow out in the Semifinals to the Hawks. That would surprisingly be the only time they made the playoffs during his first stint with the team and in 1972, Hayes was traded to the Bullets.

He would return to the Rockets in 1981, but he clearly wasn't the same by then. They made it to the playoffs but were bounced out in the first round itself. As with his 1st stint, he wouldn't make it back to the playoffs after that and retired in 1984.

All in all, despite averaging over 20 points and 12 rebounds a game during his 7 seasons with the team, Hayes only made it to the playoffs twice which is why he doesn't go higher than 4th despite putting up some absolutely ridiculous numbers. He currently ranks 2nd in rebounds and 5th in points in franchise history.