Relocation to Houston
From San Diego to Houston: A legacy of championships and innovation.
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Toyota Center, located in Downtown Houston. Throughout its history, Houston has won two NBA championships and four Western Conference titles. It was established in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets, an expansion team originally based in San Diego. In 1971, the Rockets relocated to Houston.
Quick Facts
- Original city
- San Diego
- New city
- Houston
- Relocation year
- 1971
- First season in houston
- 1971-72
- Initial arena
- Sam Houston Coliseum
Lore & Background
The Rockets were founded in 1967 in San Diego by Robert Breitbard. In 1971, the Rockets relocated to Houston after being sold to a Houston-based investment group. The team's first home game in Houston was in October 1971.
Reader's Guide
The Rockets won two NBA championships (1994 and 1995) and four Western Conference titles. Key players include Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and James Harden. The team's home arena is Toyota Center.
Did You Know?
- The Rockets won their first NBA championship in 1994 against the New York Knicks.
- Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and James Harden have won NBA MVP awards while playing for the Rockets.
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