10 Worst free agent signings in Rockets history

2. Kelvin Cato

If you never saw Kelvin Cato play for the Rockets, you likely know of him from the Houston-based hip-hop song "This is For My" by E.S.G., in which the Houston artist says "somebody tell Kelvin Cato we want our money back" during a beat break. Cato was also referenced by Bun B in the song "Southside Still Holdin'", where the long-time Houston rapper says "and we still looking for our bread back from Kelvin Cato."

Cato was a lottery pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, as his scouting report boasted of tenacious shot-blocking ability, along with elite rebounding. Cato averaged 11.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks in his final campaign for the Iowa State Cyclones.

At 6-foot-11 and 255 pounds, the Rockets were enamored with his potential to be an enforcer around the rim, even though he was limited on the offensive end. In 1999, the Rockets inked Cato to a 
6-year deal worth $42 million. Cato played in just 317 games of a potential 410 throughout his five seasons with the Rockets, and never averaged double-figures in scoring or rebounds (so much for being an elite rebounder). 

Cato also never even averaged two blocks per contest in Houston, which was supposed to be his calling. The Rockets ended up trading Cato, Cuttino Mobley, and Steve Francis in a deal centered around Tracy McGrady in 2004, putting an end to the Cato experiment.