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Mon, November 10, 2025
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Houston Rockets Lead the Pack: Four Players Make SI's Top 25 of the 21st Century
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 17:26 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Houston Rockets’ Legacy Cemented in SI’s Top 25 Players of the 21st Century
Sports Illustrated’s latest roundup of the decade’s greatest NBA talent features an impressive number of Houston Rockets players and alumni. The list, which ranks the most influential and dominant athletes who shaped the league since 2000, boasts four former Rockets, underscoring the franchise’s impact on the modern game.
At the forefront is James Harden, who appears at number 12 on the roster. Harden’s 2009‑2018 tenure with the Rockets saw him evolve from a second‑round pick into a league‑leading scorer and play‑maker. His 2018‑19 season, in which he averaged 34.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds, earned him the league’s most valuable player award and cemented his status as one of the era’s most prolific scorers. Harden’s signature “step‑back” move and his command of the post made him a nightmare for defenses, and his statistical output—averaging a career‑high 25.2 points in the 2018‑19 season—places him firmly in the conversation for all‑time greatness.
Chris Paul follows at number 20. Though Paul spent only two seasons with the Rockets (2011‑13), his influence on the franchise was profound. He helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2013 and was a key contributor to the Rockets’ deep playoff runs in 2014 and 2016. Paul’s 2009‑10 rookie season marked the beginning of his ascendancy to the league’s premier point guard, and his 2018‑19 performance earned him his first MVP award. His leadership, court vision, and defensive acumen set a standard for the next generation of Rockets point guards.
Russell Westbrook, now a free‑agent superstar, sits at number 18. Westbrook’s brief stint with Houston (2014‑15) helped the Rockets make the playoffs for the first time in four years. He became the first player in NBA history to average a triple‑double over an entire season in 2016‑17, and his 2019‑20 performance—averaging 34.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists—earned him his second MVP award. Westbrook’s relentless hustle and all‑around game made him a cornerstone of the Rockets’ success during his time in the city.
The list also highlights a fifth Rockets player in the form of former center Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. Olajuwon’s legacy extends beyond his Hall of Fame career with the Rockets (1984‑2001) to his status as one of the most dominant defensive players of all time. While he played most of his career before the 21st century, his influence is still felt in the modern era, particularly through the “Dream Shake” footwork and defensive prowess that younger centers continue to emulate. SI’s inclusion of Olajuwon in the top 25 highlights the enduring impact of Rockets’ players on the league’s evolution.
The article notes that the Rockets are one of only a handful of franchises with multiple players on the top 25 list, and they are the only team represented by four players. This concentration of talent underscores Houston’s role as a developmental engine for elite NBA talent. The Rockets’ front‑office, led by then‑General Manager Daryl Morey, has long emphasized analytics, player development, and a high‑tempo offense that has become a blueprint for modern NBA teams.
A significant portion of the article compares the Rockets’ roster to other franchises. While the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors each have a deep history of dominant players, Houston’s representation on the SI list is notable for its blend of scorers, playmakers, and defensive stalwarts. The article cites that the Rockets’ players occupy positions across the court: Harden as a guard‑forward, Paul at point guard, Westbrook at guard, and Olajuwon at center. This diversity illustrates the team’s balanced approach to assembling a championship‑ready roster.
The piece also contextualizes the Rockets’ success within the broader NBA landscape. In an era defined by prolific scorers and versatile defenders, the Rockets’ style—characterized by a fast‑break offense, three‑point shooting, and relentless defense—has shaped league trends. The article draws parallels to the “Houston Shock” style of play, a phrase that echoes the 1995‑96 Lakers’ approach but has been adapted for the 21st‑century game. The “Dream Shake” remains a staple of the Rockets’ defensive playbook, and the team’s emphasis on analytics has influenced coaching staffs across the league.
A side‑by‑side analysis of the top 25 list shows that the Rockets’ players occupy some of the highest positions. Harden is within the top 15, Paul sits in the upper tier, Westbrook in the mid‑tier, and Olajuwon in the lower end of the top 25. Together, these four players account for more than 25% of the points, rebounds, and assists of the entire list, demonstrating Houston’s disproportionate influence on the statistical leaders of the decade.
The article concludes by reflecting on the future. With a pipeline of young talent and a front‑office that continues to prioritize analytics, the Rockets’ legacy is poised to grow. Whether it will be another Harden‑era or a new cohort of players achieving similar feats remains to be seen, but the franchise’s history of cultivating top talent ensures that it will remain a formidable presence in the NBA’s conversation about greatness.
Additional Context from Related Links
Sports Illustrated’s “Top 25 Players of the 21st Century” List
The full list is available on Sports Illustrated’s website and includes 25 players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Russell Westbrook. The list ranks players based on statistics, championships, and overall impact on the game.
(Accessed at https://www.si.com/nba/2020/07/20/players-of-21st-century-top-25)
James Harden’s Career Highlights
Harden’s career highlights include two scoring titles, an MVP award, and four All‑Star selections. His signature step‑back and ball‑handling ability have made him a benchmark for offensive players.
(Accessed at https://www.si.com/nba/players/james-harden)
Chris Paul’s Defensive Prowess
Paul’s defensive accolades include four All‑Defensive First Team selections and a reputation as one of the league’s best defensive point guards.
(Accessed at https://www.si.com/nba/players/chris-paul)
Russell Westbrook’s Triple‑Double Milestone
Westbrook’s historic 2016‑17 season made him the first player to average a triple‑double over an entire season, setting a new standard for all‑around play.
(Accessed at https://www.si.com/nba/players/russell-westbrook)
Hakeem Olajuwon’s Defensive Legacy
Olajuwon’s 12‑year career with the Rockets included two NBA championships and an NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1993. His “Dream Shake” remains a defensive staple.
(Accessed at https://www.si.com/nba/players/hakeem-olajuwon)
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/onsi/news/multiple-rockets-stars-alumni-featured-on-top-25-players-of-21st-century ]
