Houston Rockets: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By Simon Smith | Jun 14, 2017

Dec 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets former players Calvin Murphy (left) and Rudy Tomjanovich (right) talk during a game against the New Orleans Pelicansat Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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10. Cuttino Mobley (SG) — No. 41 pick in 1998 NBA Draft

Career Stats (with the Rockets): 436 GP, 17.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.2 TOV, 43.2 FG%, 37.2 3P%, 83.9 FT%

Cuttino Mobley was in fact the fourth and final selection made by the Rockets in 1998, and certainly the most successful. Following four years at Rhode Island, Mobley was not even the top ranked shooting guard heading to the Rockets, with that honor belonging to Michael Dickerson at pick No. 14.

After a solid rookie season averaging 9.9 points in 29.7 minutes per game, Mobley’s career took off following the offseason trade of Dickerson, which brought in rookie point guard Steve Francis. Together, the backcourt of Francis and Mobley would enjoy a terrific partnership, with Mobley’s ability to spread the floor being a great complement to the athletic and attacking nature of Francis’ game.

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Unfortunately for Mobley and the Rockets, the shooting guard’s six-season stint was relatively unsuccessful until the arrival of Yao Ming in 2002. Mobley’s fourth season saw the 6’4″ shooting guard post a career-high 21.7 points per game for the first time as a regular starter, averaging 42.1 minutes per game. This included Mobley ranking 11th in the league with 5.1 three-point attempts per game.

The 2001-02 season also saw Mobley match his career-high in posting 41 points, while also enjoying four games of hitting six or more three-pointers. In essence, Mobley would have fit like a glove in the modern era style of play.

After six seasons in Houston and a first-round playoff exit in his final season, the Rockets hierarchy wanted to find a different sidekick for All-Star center Yao Ming. As a result, Mobley and Francis were shipped to the Orlando Magic in exchange for superstar Tracy McGrady.

Mobley wound up playing 13 seasons in the league, finishing his career with the Los Angeles Clippers. With a career mark 16.0 points per game, Mobley was certainly an inspired pick in the second round of the draft.

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