Ranking the top 6 “what-if” moments in Houston Rockets history

The Houston Rockets have had many moments that have been altered by external factors, which have caused us to forever ask the question: “what-if”.

Basketball fans love to speculate about alternative outcomes and possibilities, especially if a key player was injured, which would have certainly altered the outcome of a game or playoff series. The Houston Rockets have certainly had their fair share of “what-if” moments in their 53 year history, ranging from trades, injuries, coaching changes, to even retirements.

The most recent one is regarding the Golden State Warriors superteam, as we’ll never know how the Rockets would have fared if Kevin Durant ultimately didn’t join the Warriors. Would the Rockets have been able to beat the Dubs without KD during the 2017-18 season? After all, they weren’t able to beat them without him during the 2018-19 series.

To a lesser level, what if former coach Jeff Van Gundy had general manager Daryl Morey? Would the Steve Francis era have ended earlier? Who would Morey have traded for at that point? Would the Rockets still have traded for Tracy McGrady?

The list goes on and on, and it’s fun to explore potential outcomes and imagine how much differently things would have gone. Let’s take a look at six of the biggest “what-if” moments in the history of the Houston Rockets.

Next: No. 6