1999–2000 Houston Rockets season

March 2026 August 2023 Houston Rockets 2000 34 48 Midwest 6 11 Rudy Tomjanovich Compaq Center KHWBFox Sports Net Southwest KTRH Did not qualify HOU The 1999–2000 Houston Rockets season was the 33rd season for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association, and their 29th season in Houston, Texas. Houston Rockets Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/ August 6, 2026 Season summary Off-season This season was notable for the Rockets acquiring rookie point guard, and first-round draft pick Steve Francis from the University of Maryland in a trade from the Vancouver Grizzlies; the Grizzlies had drafted Francis with the second overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, but he refused to play for them. White Lonnie Rockets Set to Get Francis in 10-Player Deal Los Angeles Times August 27, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-27-sp-4259-story.html June 8, 2022 Wyche Steve Ex-Terp Francis Is Headed to the Rockets The Washington Post August 27, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/08/27/ex-terp-francis-is-headed-to-the-rockets/5a7a5d28-6b27-4902-be05-2af1d9251dbd/ October 17, 2022 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Roundup -- Houston: Rockets Get Francis in 3-Team Deal The New York Times August 28, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/28/sports/pro-basketball-roundup-houston-rockets-get-francis-in-3-team-deal.html July 17, 2021 In the draft, the Rockets selected power forward Kenny Thomas from the University of New Mexico with the 22nd overall pick. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Safety First: The Bulls Make Brand the Top Pick The New York Times July 1, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/01/sports/pro-basketball-safety-first-the-bulls-make-brand-the-top-pick.html November 27, 2022 Heisler Mark Dukies Are Way Up Los Angeles Times July 1, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-01-sp-52079-story.html June 4, 2023 1999 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1999.html December 1, 2022 During the off-season, the team acquired Walt Williams, Kelvin Cato and Carlos Rogers from the Portland Trail Blazers, Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Rockets Are Sending Pippen to Trail Blazers for Six Players The New York Times October 2, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/02/sports/pro-basketball-rockets-are-sending-pippen-to-trail-blazers-for-six-players.html December 16, 2021 Pippen to Go to Blazers for Six The Washington Post October 2, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/10/02/pippen-to-go-to-blazers-for-six/04402657-738b-4d58-b5c9-8a3df885a182/ January 9, 2023 Associated Press Pippen Comes to Portland Blazing Los Angeles Times October 5, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-05-sp-19084-story.html October 17, 2022 and signed free agent Shandon Anderson. Associated Press Rockets Sign S. Anderson CBS News September 29, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rockets-sign-s-anderson/#app January 9, 2023 Transactions The New York Times September 30, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/30/sports/transactions-737291.html October 3, 2022 Wise Mike 1999–2000 N.B.A. Preview: The West Is Still the Best The New York Times October 31, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/31/sports/1999-2000-nba-preview-the-west-is-still-the-best.html January 13, 2022 Regular season Despite the addition of Francis, Anderson, Williams, Thomas and Cato, the Rockets got off to a bad start by losing ten of their first twelve games of the regular season. The team posted a six-game winning streak in January, and later on held a 20–30 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 10, 2000 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=10&year=2000 March 5, 2025 However, the Rockets posted an eight-game losing streak in March, as Hakeem Olajuwon only played just 44 games due to a hernia injury, and breathing problems. Olajuwon: Breathing Problems The Washington Post March 23, 2000 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2000/03/23/olajuwon-breathing-problems/5f17b30c-4b3f-48dc-befd-ac76fe67c322/ July 17, 2021 Associated Press Broken Ankle to Sideline Kidd Rest of Regular Season Los Angeles Times March 23, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-23-sp-11829-story.html October 17, 2022 Associated Press Breathing Problems Sideline Olajuwon for Several Weeks; Houston Center's Future in Doubt as Questions Abound Deseret News March 23, 2000 https://www.deseret.com/2000/3/23/19497685/breathing-problems-sideline-olajuwon-for-several-weeks-br-houston-center-s-future-in-doubt-as-questi November 26, 2022 The Rockets won seven of their final ten games of the season, and finished in sixth place in the Midwest Division with a 34–48 record, 1999–2000 Houston Rockets Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2000_games.html July 15, 2021 failing to qualify for the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 1991–92 season. Francis averaged 18.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game, led the Rockets with 107 three-point field goals, and was also named the co-NBA Rookie of the Year along with Elton Brand of the Chicago Bulls; he was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Associated Press Brand, Francis Share Rookie-of-Year Award Los Angeles Times May 12, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-12-sp-29231-story.html July 28, 2017 Brand, Francis Share Top Rookie Honor United Press International May 11, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/05/11/Brand-Francis-share-top-rookie-honor/8602958017600/ November 17, 2022 NBA & ABA Rookie of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/roy.html November 29, 2022 In addition, second-year guard Cuttino Mobley played a sixth man role off the bench, averaging 15.8 points per game along with 104 three-point field goals, while Charles Barkley averaged 14.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, but only played just 20 games due to a knee injury, and Anderson provided the team with 12.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Williams contributed 10.9 points per game and 102 three-point field goals, Olajuwon averaged 10.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, and Cato provided with 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Off the bench, Thomas averaged 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and Rogers contributed 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. 1999–2000 Houston Rockets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2000.html July 15, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at The Arena in Oakland in Oakland, California, Francis and Mobley were both selected for the NBA Rookie Challenge Game, as Francis was a member of the Rookies team, while Mobley was a member of the Sophomores team. Sports Scoreboard Times-Union February 12, 2000 3B https://books.google.com/books?id=7bI_AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA11&dq=2000+NBA+2+ball+steve+francis&article_id=6195,2369314&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji0aWep_CPAxVo4skDHSp2FjcQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=2000%20NBA%202%20ball%20steve%20francis&f=false September 24, 2025 2000 NBA Rising Stars: Rookies 92, Sophomores 83 (OT) Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000_rookie.html September 24, 2025 Francis scored 13 points along with 11 assists, as the Rookies defeated the Sophomores in overtime, 92–83. In addition, Francis participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, in which he finished in second place behind Vince Carter of the Toronto Raptors, Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Notebook: Carter Flies to Dunk Contest Victory The New York Times February 13, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/13/sports/pro-basketball-notebook-carter-flies-to-dunk-contest-victory.html May 25, 2022 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html September 24, 2025 and also participated in the NBA 2Ball Competition, along with Cynthia Cooper of the WNBA's Houston Comets. Bender Patricia 2000 All-Star Weekend - at Golden State Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star00.txt September 24, 2025 Mobley finished in second place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, behind Rodney Rogers of the Phoenix Suns. Associated Press Ex-Clipper Voted Top Sixth Man Los Angeles Times May 2, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-may-02-sp-25828-story.html September 1, 2025 1999–2000 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2000.html January 2, 2022 The Rockets finished 20th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 624,594 at the Compaq Center during the regular season. 1999–2000 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2000.html January 23, 2026 Aftermath After he already announced in the off-season that the upcoming season would be his last, Barkley suffered a knee injury during an 83–73 road loss to his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers at the First Union Center on December 8, 1999. Barkley attempted to block a shot on 76ers' forward Tyrone Hill, as the injury forced an early end to his career. Berger Ken Barkley Injured in Rockets' Loss The Washington Post December 8, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/daily/dec99/09/nba9.htm March 17, 2024 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Barkley's Career Ended by Knee Injury The New York Times December 9, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/09/sports/pro-basketball-barkley-s-career-ended-by-knee-injury.html May 5, 2022 Associated Press Barkley Injured in Philly Farewell Los Angeles Times December 9, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-09-sp-42199-story.html November 26, 2022 However, Barkley would return on April 19, 2000, against the Vancouver Grizzlies, his final NBA game; he came off the bench and scored on a put-back, scoring his final career points, after which he received a standing ovation. After the game, Barkley retired, ending his 16-year NBA career. Associated Press N.B.A. Last Night: Barkley Goes Out on His Terms The New York Times April 20, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/20/sports/nba-last-night-barkley-goes-out-on-his-terms.html July 28, 2017 Associated Press Barkley Leaves by Doing His Version of "My Way" Los Angeles Times April 20, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-apr-20-sp-21750-story.html June 8, 2022 In Sports from United Press International United Press International April 20, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/04/20/In-Sports-from-United-Press-International/1514956203200/ September 15, 2022 Off-season Draft picks 1999 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 22 Kenny Thomas PF/SF United States New Mexico 2 40 Tyrone Washington C United States Mississippi State 2 50 Venson Hamilton C United States Nebraska Roster Houston Rockets 1999–2000 #1D2951 #FFFFFF #B50000 #FFFFFF 40 Shandon Anderson G/F 6 6 208 1973–12–31 Georgia 4 Charles Barkley F 6 6 252 1963–02–20 Auburn 50 Matt Bullard F/C 6 10 215 1967–06–05 Iowa 13 Kelvin Cato F/C 6 11 255 1974–08–26 Iowa State 11 Bryce Drew G 6 2 185 1974–09–21 Valparaiso yes 3 Steve Francis G 6 3 195 1977–02–21 Maryland 9 Devin Gray F 6 7 240 1972–05–31 Clemson 44 Tony Massenburg F/C 6 9 220 1967–07–31 Maryland yes 2 Anthony Miller basketball F/C 6 9 225 1971–10–22 Michigan State 5 Cuttino Mobley G/F 6 4 190 1975–09–01 Rhode Island 12 Moochie Norris G 6 1 175 1973–07–23 West Florida 34 Hakeem Olajuwon C 7 0 255 1963–01–21 Houston yes 6 Carlos Rogers basketball F/C 6 11 220 1971–02–06 Tennessee State 21 Kenny Thomas basketball F 6 7 261 1977–07–25 New Mexico 42 Walt Williams basketball F 6 8 219 1970–04–16 Maryland Rudy Tomjanovich Jim Boylen Larry Smith Mike Wells https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2000.html Roster Notes Center Hakeem Olajuwon holds both American and Nigerian citizenship. Regular season Season standings HOU HOU z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Player statistics Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPGPPGShandon Anderson 82 82 32.9 .473 .351 .767 4.7 2.9 1.2 .4 12.3Charles Barkley 20 18 31.0 .477 .231 .645 10.5 3.2 .7 .2 14.5Matt Bullard 56 27 18.3 .409 .446 .833 2.5 1.1 .3 .2 6.8Kelvin Cato 65 32 24.3 .537 .000 .649 6.0 .4 .5 1.9 8.7Bill Curley† 4 0 12.5 .545 2.0 .0 .5 .0 3.0Bryce Drew 72 5 18.0 .383 .362 .849 1.4 2.3 .6 .0 5.8Steve Francis 77 77 36.1 .445 .345 .786 5.3 6.6 1.5 .4 18.0Devin Gray 21 2 5.9 .405 .655 1.2 .2 .2 .1 2.3Thomas Hamilton basketball 22 7 12.4 .443 .522 4.1 .7 .2 .6 3.7Tony Massenburg 10 0 10.9 .444 .875 2.7 .3 .2 .5 4.6Anthony Miller basketball 35 14 13.6 .536 .510 4.7 .5 .3 .3 3.7Cuttino Mobley 81 8 30.8 .430 .356 .847 3.6 2.6 1.1 .4 15.8Moochie Norris 30 0 16.7 .434 .414 .781 2.3 3.1 .8 .0 6.9Hakeem Olajuwon 44 28 23.8 .458 .000 .616 6.2 1.4 .9 1.6 10.3Carlos Rogers basketball 53 15 20.8 .525 .071 .591 5.2 .8 .3 .6 8.0Kenny Thomas basketball 72 29 25.0 .399 .262 .660 6.1 1.6 .8 .3 8.3Walt Williams basketball 76 66 24.5 .458 .391 .821 4.0 2.1 .6 .6 10.9 Player statistics citation: Awards and records Steve Francis, NBA Rookie of the Year Award Steve Francis, NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team References Category:Houston Rockets seasons Houston Category:1999 in sports in Texas Category:2000 in sports in Texas Category:1999 in Houston Category:2000 in Houston