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Houston Rockets: 25 Best Players To Play For The Rockets

By Phil Watson

Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; General view inside Toyota Center before game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; General view inside Toyota Center before game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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INGLEWOOD, CA - 1971: Rudy Tomjanovich #45 of the Houston Rockets goes up to block a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA game circa 1971 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1971 NBAE (Photo by Wen Roberts/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rudy Tomjanovich
INGLEWOOD, CA – 1971: Rudy Tomjanovich #45 of the Houston Rockets goes up to block a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA game circa 1971 at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Copyright 1971 NBAE (Photo by Wen Roberts/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rudy Tomjanovich /

169. <strong>How acquired:</strong> 2nd overall pick from Michigan, 1970 NBA Draft.. PF-SF. 1970-81. Rudy Tomjanovich. 10. player

The San Diego Rockets were still looking for foundation pieces when they selected All-American combo forward Rudy Tomjanovich second overall in the 1970 NBA Draft. Tomjanovich had averaged more than 30 points and nearly 16 rebounds a game as a senior at Michigan.

He was a solid contributor as a pro, becoming a starter in his second season—the team’s first in Houston—and a five-time All-Star with the Rockets who finished third in the NBA in field-goal shooting in both 1973-74 and 1974-75.

Kermit Washington
Kermit Washington /

shattered his jaw and face and left him hospitalized with life-threatening head injuries.

He returned to the court the following season, but was never quite the same player.

Tomjanovich was a reserve for the Rockets in the 1981 NBA Finals, playing in three games and scoring two points with four rebounds, going 1-for-8/0-for-2/— in 17 minutes of action in the six-game loss to the Boston Celtics.

He retired in October 1981.

In 11 seasons in San Diego and Houston, Tomjanovich averaged 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and two assists in 33.5 minutes per game, shooting .501/.262/.784.

Tomjanovich spent parts of nine seasons as an assistant coach for the Rockets before getting promoted to head coach in February 1992.

By the time he resigned in May 2003, he was the winningest coach in franchise history, going 503-397 in the regular season and 51-39 in the playoffs, including two championships.

He coached the Lakers in 2004-05, but resigned after a 24-19 start.

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