4 Houston Rockets players who’ve won awards during All-Star weekend

With NBA All-Star weekend upon us, let’s take a look at four Houston Rockets players who took home trophies during All-Star weekend.

Although the Houston Rockets will have Russell Westbrook and James Harden participating in the All-Star game, there won’t be any Rockets players participating in any of the festivities prior to the actual game. The Rockets have a history of representation in such events, dating back to 1984 when Ralph Sampson first participated in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest, which was also Sampson’s first All-Star selection.

The Rockets have also had several past participants in the Slam Dunk contest as well, including Steve Francis, who participated in both the 2000 Slam Dunk contest and the 2002 Slam Dunk contest, although he wasn’t victorious in either appearance.

Those two aren’t the only Rockets who’ve made appearances in the Slam Dunk contest, as former Houston Rockets forward Chase Budinger also participated in the 2012 Slam Dunk contest. In fact, one of his many dunks included an ode to the film White Men Can’t Jump, as he hurdled P. Diddy for a one-handed jam. If you’ve not had the opportunity to see it, now’s the time to treat yourself.

Former Houston Rockets sharpshooter Cuttino Mobley also participated in the 3-Point Contest back in 2004, which made him the first Rockets player to participate in this event. Ironically, this was Mobley’s last season with the Rockets and one of his better seasons with the Houston Rockets.

Mobley shot 39 percent from 3-point range during that particular year, which his second-best 3-point percentage of his Rockets tenure. Mobley ultimately didn’t win the contest, as Voshon Lenard took home the trophy that day.

Current Rockets guard James Harden has twice participated in the 3-point contest but was unable to win during either contest. Harden’s former teammate, Jeremy Lin, also competed in the 2013 Skills Challenge as well but wasn’t victorious either.

Harden has also been named to eight All-Star teams, although he’s never been named the MVP. On the flip side, Russell Westbrook has been named to nine All-Star teams and has taken home the ASG MVP award twice.

With All-Star weekend upon us, let’s take a look back at four Houston Rockets players (current or former) who have won individual awards during All-Star weekend.

Next: No. 5