Yao and T-Mac Era
A period of regular season promise undone by injuries and playoff disappointment.
The Rockets of the early 2000s, led by superstars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, followed the trend of consistent regular season respectability followed by playoff underachievement as both players struggled with injuries.
Quick Facts
- Era start
- 2002
- Key trade
- Tracy McGrady acquired from Orlando
- Playoff peak
- Western Conference Finals (2008, 2009)
- Yao retirement
- 2011
- Head coach peak
- Rick Adelman
- Arena
- Toyota Center
Lore & Background
After Yao's early retirement in 2011, the Rockets entered a period of rebuilding, completely dismantling and retooling their roster.
Reader's Guide
The Rockets did not advance past the second round during the Yao-McGrady era.
Did You Know?
- The Rockets won only 15 games in their debut season as a franchise in 1967.
- Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and James Harden have been named the NBA's MVPs while playing for the Rockets, for a total of four MVP awards.
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