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Houston Rockets: Top 5 season leaders in RPG in franchise history

By Tevin Williams

HOUSTON - JUNE 12: Former NBA player Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets pose for photos at the Toyota Center on June 12, 2007 in Houston, Texas. 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 2007 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - JUNE 12: Former NBA player Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets pose for photos at the Toyota Center on June 12, 2007 in Houston, Texas. 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 2007 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Let’s take a look at the top five single season rebounds per game leaders in Houston Rockets history.

The Houston Rockets have had many dominant big men throughout its history.

Since the franchise started in 1967 in San Diego, the Rockets’ power forwards and centers have pulled down a lot of rebounds.

A long list of players have averaged double-digit rebounds for a single season. Names like Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, Charles Barkley and Yao Ming.

Without further ado, here are the top five single season rebounds leaders in Rockets history.

5. Moses Malone – 15.0

Moses Malone averaged 15 rebounds per game during the 1977-78 season. But despite Malone’s stellar play, the Rockets never gained momentum during the season. Houston finished with a league worst 28-54 record and failed to make the playoffs.

Related Story: Houston Rockets: Top 5 season leaders in PPG in franchise history

4. Elvin Hayes – 16.6

In the 1970-71 season, Hayes averaged 16.6 rebounds per game. He placed third in the league in rebounds behind Hall of Famers Wes Unseld and Wilt Chamberlain. The Rockets finished with a 40-42 record and missed the postseason.

3. Elvin Hayes 16.9

Hayes continued his brilliance in the 1969-70 season, leading the NBA with 16.9 rebounds per game. The Rockets finished with a 27-55 record, the worst in the league and failed to make the playoffs.

2. Elvin Hayes – 17.1

Elvin Hayes averaged 17.1 rebounds per game in his first stint with the Rockets in the 1968-69 season. This came during his rookie year, when he also averaged 28.4 points in what began his Hall of Fame career. The Rockets finished with a 37-45 record and lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

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1. Moses Malone – 17.6

In the 1978-79 season, Moses Malone averaged a career-high 17.6 rebounds, including 7.2 offensive rebounds. The 23-year-old led the NBA in rebounds per game, with Rich Kelly coming in a distant second at 12.8. Malone led the 1978-79 Rockets to a 47-35 record and a second place spot in the Central Division (Yes, the Central Division). The Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs 2-0 by the Atlanta Hawks.

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