Houston Rockets: Ranking the top 10 players in team history

6. Calvin Murphy

Calvin Murphy is one of only three players on this list who spent their entire career with the Rockets. One of Murphy’s biggest strengths was his free throw shooting, as evidenced by his career 89.1 percent from the line, which currently ranks eighth all-time in league history. Interestingly enough, Murphy’s free throw percentage ranks four spots behind former Rockets forward Rick Barry.

Murphy previously held the NBA record for most consecutive free throws made, which was 78, and also held the record for the highest free throw percentage in an NBA season, which was 95.8 percent. Both records have since been broken, unsurprisingly, but it is impressive what he was able to do from the charity stripe, as he twice led the league in free throw percentage over the course of his 13-year career.

Murphy is also the Rockets’ franchise leader in assists and ranks second in team history in points scored behind only Hakeem Olajuwon. He also ranks second in steals and in total field goals made as well. Standing only 5 feet 9 inches tall, Murphy is the shortest player to ever be inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, which he was inducted into in 1993.

Murphy has career averages of 17.9 points per game, 1.5 steals per game, and a free throw percentage of 89.2 percent as well, and has since had his jersey retired by the Rockets. Murphy was the ultimate draft steal in team history, as he was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA Draft and became one of the best in team history.

Next: No. 5