2 Houston Rockets international players that never played a single minute

The NBA has become more accepting and welcoming of international players in recent years. In fact, many of the game's best players weren't born on American soil, and it's a trend that won't be going away anytime soon.

In fact, each of the last 3 MVPs are foreign-born, as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the hardware in subsequent years. Furthermore, two of the three have become NBA champions and NBA Finals MVPs.

So again, the league's acceptance of international players won't be reversing course anytime soon. 

The Houston Rockets know exactly how dominant foreign-born players can be, as two of the greatest players in the history of the franchise were born overseas in Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming. Olajuwon is one of the ten greatest players in league history, regardless of who tries to say otherwise and both he and Yao eventually became Hall of Famers.

The Houston Rockets have missed the mark on several top international prospects in recent history.

But although the Rockets were fortunate enough to land two legitimate superstars overseas, they've also been on the opposite end of the totem pole and were left holding the bag, as multiple players decided against joining the franchise.

Let's take a look at two of the most recent international talents that never suited up for the franchise.