Houston Rockets: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century

The Houston Rockets have seen their fair share of stars over the years. Whether it was the towering dominance of Yao Ming, the scoring brilliance of Tracy McGrady, or James Harden’s MVP reign, the Rockets have had some unforgettable talents. Each season had its own standout player who defined the team’s identity, guiding Houston through deep playoff runs, tough rebuilds, and everything in between. From the early 2000s to today, let’s dive into the best player for each year and how they kept the Rockets relevant in an ever-changing NBA landscape.

2000-01 Season – Steve Francis

Stats: 19.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Steve Francis took over as the face of the Rockets in the 2000-01 season, proving himself as one of the most exciting young guards in the league. Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Francis averaged nearly 20 points per game while also contributing as a playmaker and rebounder. His versatility on the court made him Houston’s go-to guy.

The Rockets finished the season with a 45-37 record but missed the playoffs. Even though the team fell short, Francis’ dynamic play made him a fan favorite and set the stage for his future as a franchise cornerstone.

2001-02 Season – Steve Francis

Stats: 21.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Steve Francis continued to shine as the Rockets’ best player in 2001-02, earning his first All-Star appearance. He upped his scoring to over 21 points per game and maintained his all-around contributions on the boards and as a playmaker. Although being sidelined for parts of the season, Francis remained the team’s leader.

The Rockets struggled that year, finishing with a 28-54 record and missing the playoffs again. Still, Francis’ individual brilliance kept hope alive in Houston, as he was clearly one of the most talented young guards in the league.

2002-03 Season – Steve Francis

Stats: 21.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Steve Francis was once again the main guy for the Rockets in the 2002-03 season. He kept putting up great numbers, averaging 21 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists per game. His athleticism and ability to score and facilitate made him the clear leader on the court. Francis was named an All-Star for the second year in a row.

The Rockets ended up with a 43-39 record, but missed the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference. Francis’ performances were a highlight for the team, showing his consistency as one of the top guards in the league.

2003-04 Season – Yao Ming

Stats: 17.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

Yao Ming took over as the face of the Rockets during the 2003-04 season, becoming the team’s best player. Standing at 7’6”, Yao’s presence in the paint was a game-changer. He averaged 17.5 points and 9 rebounds while also protecting the rim with nearly 2 blocks per game. His second All-Star appearance showed that Yao was becoming a dominant force in the NBA.

The Rockets finished with a 45-37 record and made the playoffs, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers. Yao’s growing impact on both ends of the floor made it clear that Houston had a new franchise cornerstone to build around.

2004-05 Season – Tracy McGrady

Stats: 25.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team

Tracy McGrady joined the Rockets before the 2004-05 season and immediately became the team’s best player. Known for his elite scoring and playmaking, McGrady averaged 25.7 points per game while also contributing 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists. His ability to take over games was on full display, most famously when he scored 13 points in 33 seconds to beat the Spurs in a regular-season classic.

The Rockets finished with a 51-31 record and made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. McGrady’s arrival, paired with Yao Ming, made Houston a serious contender.

2005-06 Season – Yao Ming

Stats: 22.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team

Yao Ming reclaimed his spot as the Rockets’ best player during the 2005-06 season, with Tracy McGrady battling injuries. Yao averaged over 22 points and 10 rebounds per game, proving to be a dominant force in the paint. His size and skill made him nearly unstoppable around the basket, and he was selected as an All-Star yet again.

Unfortunately, the Rockets struggled with McGrady missing a significant part of the season, and they finished with a 34-48 record, missing the playoffs. Yao’s individual performance was a highlight, but the team’s success was limited by injuries.

2006-07 Season – Yao Ming

Stats: 25.0 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Yao Ming had one of his best seasons in 2006-07, putting up career-high numbers in scoring with 25 points per game. He continued to dominate on both ends of the floor, pulling down nearly 10 rebounds a night and protecting the rim with 2 blocks per game. Yao’s presence in the paint made him one of the most difficult big men to defend in the league.

The Rockets finished the season with a 52-30 record and returned to the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round by the Utah Jazz in a seven-game series. Yao’s performance kept Houston competitive throughout the season and solidified his place among the league’s best centers.

2007-08 Season – Tracy McGrady

Stats: 21.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-NBA Third Team

In the 2007-08 season, Tracy McGrady reclaimed the role of Houston’s top player, even as Yao Ming dealt with injuries that limited his availability. McGrady’s scoring, combined with his playmaking, kept the Rockets afloat, especially during their impressive 22-game winning streak. He averaged over 21 points per game while also contributing nearly 6 assists and 5 rebounds, proving his versatility.

The Rockets finished with a 55-27 record, but Yao’s absence in the playoffs was felt as they lost to the Utah Jazz in the first round. McGrady’s leadership and ability to carry the team through Yao’s injuries were critical for Houston that season.

2008-09 Season – Yao Ming

Stats: 19.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Second Team

Yao Ming was back as the Rockets’ dominant force during the 2008-09 season. He averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, continuing to be a reliable presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. His ability to control the glass and block shots made him one of the most impactful big men in the league. Yao’s performance helped the Rockets finish the regular season with a strong 53-29 record, securing a playoff spot.

In the playoffs, Yao finally led the Rockets past the first round, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six games. Though Yao was later injured in the second round against the Los Angeles Lakers, his efforts throughout the season and postseason proved his value to the team, even as they were eliminated in seven games by the eventual champions.

2009-10 Season – Aaron Brooks

Stats: 19.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: Most Improved Player

With Yao Ming sidelined for the entire 2009-10 season due to injury, Aaron Brooks stepped up as the Rockets’ best player. Brooks had a breakout season, averaging 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game, earning him the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. His quickness and ability to shoot from deep made him a key offensive weapon for Houston.

The Rockets finished the season with a 42-40 record, just missing the playoffs. While the team struggled without their star big man, Brooks’ emergence was a bright spot, showing that Houston had a promising young guard to lean on during a tough season.

2010-11 Season – Kevin Martin

Stats: 23.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Kevin Martin emerged as the Rockets’ top scorer during the 2010-11 season, averaging 23.5 points per game. Known for his unorthodox shooting form and ability to draw fouls, Martin consistently put up big numbers for Houston, providing a reliable scoring option from the perimeter. His knack for getting to the free-throw line helped keep the Rockets competitive despite the absence of a true star.

Houston finished with a 43-39 record, narrowly missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Even though they didn’t make a postseason run, Martin’s scoring ability kept the team in contention and gave fans something to cheer about during a transitional period for the franchise.

2011-12 Season – Kyle Lowry

Stats: 14.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Kyle Lowry took on a bigger role with the Rockets in the 2011-12 season, stepping up as the team’s leader and primary playmaker. His aggressive defense, ability to score, and court vision made him one of the most complete point guards in the league. Lowry averaged 14.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, showing his all-around impact.

The Rockets finished with a 34-32 record in the lockout-shortened season, once again missing the playoffs. Lowry’s rise as a floor general showed his potential, and though he was later traded, this season set the stage for his eventual All-Star status elsewhere.

2012-13 Season – James Harden 

Stats: 25.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA Third Team

James Harden made an immediate impact after being traded to the Rockets before the 2012-13 season. In his first year as a full-time starter, Harden averaged 25.9 points per game and quickly became one of the most dynamic scorers in the league. His ability to get to the free-throw line, combined with his step-back jumper, made him nearly impossible to guard. Harden’s leadership on offense helped transform Houston into a playoff team.

The Rockets finished with a 45-37 record, earning a playoff spot for the first time in years. Though they were eliminated in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden’s breakout season established him as the new face of the franchise.

2013-14 Season – James Harden

Stats: 25.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team

James Harden followed up his stellar debut season with an even stronger performance in 2013-14. He continued to be the Rockets’ go-to guy on offense, averaging 25.4 points and over 6 assists per game. Harden’s ability to score from anywhere on the court and create opportunities for his teammates made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.

The Rockets finished the regular season with a 54-28 record, earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Houston’s playoff run was cut short by a first-round exit to the Portland Trail Blazers, but Harden’s individual brilliance was undeniable, and he was rewarded with his first All-NBA First Team selection.

2014-15 Season – James Harden

Stats: 27.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, MVP Runner-Up

James Harden took his game to another level during the 2014-15 season, posting career-high numbers across the board and leading the Rockets to a 56-26 record. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend made him one of the most complete players in the league. Harden’s 27.4 points per game ranked second in the NBA, and his 7 assists per game showed his growth as a playmaker.

The Rockets made a deep playoff run, reaching the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors. Harden finished as the runner-up in MVP voting, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite players and the clear leader of the Rockets.

2015-16 Season – James Harden

Stats: 29.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star

James Harden continued to dominate in the 2015-16 season, averaging a career-high 29 points per game and maintaining his elite playmaking with 7.5 assists. His ability to carry the Rockets on offense was unmatched, as he finished among the league leaders in both scoring and assists. Harden’s offensive workload was massive, but he embraced the challenge.

The Rockets struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 41-41 record and sneaking into the playoffs as the eighth seed. They were eliminated in the first round by the Warriors, but Harden’s individual brilliance remained the highlight of the season for Houston.

2016-17 Season – James Harden

Stats: 29.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 11.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, MVP Runner-Up

In the 2016-17 season, James Harden took on a new role as the primary playmaker for the Rockets, transitioning to point guard under head coach Mike D’Antoni. This change resulted in Harden posting career-high numbers in assists, leading the league with 11.2 per game, while still averaging 29.1 points and 8.1 rebounds. Harden’s ability to facilitate while continuing to score at an elite level made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.

The Rockets finished with a 55-27 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. Harden’s incredible season earned him runner-up in the MVP race, just behind Russell Westbrook. Houston made it to the Western Conference Semifinals before falling to the San Antonio Spurs, but Harden’s shift to point guard solidified his status as a true superstar.

2017-18 Season – James Harden

Stats: 30.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 8.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: MVP, All-Star, All-NBA First Team

James Harden finally won the MVP award in the 2017-18 season, cementing his place as the league’s best player. He led the Rockets to a franchise-best 65-17 record, the top seed in the Western Conference, while averaging 30.4 points and 8.8 assists per game. Harden’s scoring and playmaking were at their peak, as he consistently torched defenses with his deadly step-back jumper and ability to find open teammates.

The Rockets came within one game of reaching the NBA Finals but were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game Western Conference Finals series. Harden’s MVP campaign was the highlight of the season, as he carried the Rockets to one of their best seasons in franchise history.

2018-19 Season – James Harden

Stats: 36.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 7.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, MVP Runner-Up

James Harden put together one of the most remarkable scoring seasons in NBA history during 2018-19, averaging a career-high 36.1 points per game, the highest in the league since Michael Jordan’s prime. Harden’s ability to carry the Rockets on offense was on full display, as he scored 30 or more points in 32 consecutive games, a streak that captivated the basketball world. His step-back three-pointer became a signature move that no defender could stop.

Houston finished the season with a 53-29 record and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they once again fell to the Golden State Warriors. Harden finished second in MVP voting for the third time in his career, but his historic scoring run was the talk of the league.

2019-20 Season – James Harden

Stats: 34.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Achievements And Awards: All-Star, All-NBA First Team

James Harden continued his scoring dominance in the 2019-20 season, putting up 34.3 points per game and leading the league in scoring for the third straight year. His ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates kept the Rockets competitive, as they finished with a 44-28 record in the shortened regular season. Harden’s step-back threes and trips to the free-throw line remained the cornerstone of Houston’s offense.

The Rockets advanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers. Though the season ended in disappointment, Harden’s individual brilliance continued to make him one of the most feared offensive players in the NBA.

2020-21 Season – Christian Wood

Stats: 21.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

In the 2020-21 season, Christian Wood emerged as the Rockets’ best player following the departure of James Harden. Wood had a breakout season, averaging a career-high 21 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game. His ability to score both inside and from beyond the arc, combined with his solid defense, made him the focal point of Houston’s offense.

The Rockets struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 17-55 record as they began a rebuild, but Wood’s performances were a bright spot. His growth and versatility showed that he could be a key building block for the team moving forward.

2021-22 Season – Jalen Green

Stats: 17.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Jalen Green, the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, became the new face of the Houston Rockets in the 2021-22 season. Green showed flashes of his scoring potential throughout his rookie year, averaging 17.3 points per game and using his elite athleticism to attack the basket. His shooting improved as the season progressed, and his explosive play gave the Rockets hope for the future.

Houston finished with a 20-62 record, but Green’s growth over the course of the season was a bright spot for a team in full rebuild mode. His performances hinted at the star potential that could lead the Rockets in the years to come.

2022-23 Season – Jalen Green

Stats: 22.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Jalen Green took a big step forward in his second season with the Rockets, becoming their leading scorer with 22.1 points per game. His athleticism and ability to score from all three levels made him the focal point of Houston’s offense. Green continued to develop as both a shooter and a playmaker, showing glimpses of the star player the Rockets hoped he could become when they drafted him.

The Rockets finished with a 22-60 record, still deep in their rebuild, but Green’s growth as a scorer provided hope for the team’s future. His individual progress highlighted the season as Houston focused on building around its young core.

2023-24 Season – Alperen Sengun

Stats: 21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Achievements And Awards: None

Alperen Sengun had a breakout year last season, emerging as the Rockets’ most complete player. He averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, showing off his skills as a playmaking center and solidifying his place as a core piece of Houston’s future. Sengun’s ability to score in the paint, facilitate from the high post, and contribute defensively made him the team’s most impactful player.

The Rockets finished the season with a 41-41 record, a marked improvement as they pushed for a playoff spot in the Western Conference but fell just short. Sengun’s continued development was one of the main reasons for Houston’s turnaround.