The Houston Rockets have a rich history, marked by numerous legendary players over their 59 years in the NBA. This article highlights the players with the top five single-season rebounding averages in the franchise’s esteemed history.
Moses Malone – 1979, 17.6 RPG
Moses Malone tops the list with an impressive average of 17.6 rebounds per game during the 1978-79 season. Not only did he dominate the boards, but he also averaged 24.8 points, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks over 82 games. His stellar performance earned him the first of three NBA MVP awards. At just 23 years old, Malone led the league in minutes played (41.3), offensive rebounds (7.2), defensive rebounds (10.5), and total rebounds (17.6), setting career-highs in all rebounding metrics. Throughout his 21-year career, he became a six-time rebounding champion, notably leading the league in offensive rebounds nine times, establishing an all-time record of 5.1 per game.
Elvin Hayes – 1969, 17.1 RPG
Elvin Hayes occupies the next three positions on Houston’s rebounding list. Initially picked first overall in the 1968 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets, Hayes showcased his prowess in his rookie year, averaging 28.4 points and 17.1 rebounds per game, along with 25 games featuring 20 or more rebounds. The 1990 Hall of Famer also led the NBA in field goals made (11.3) and attempted (25.4) while earning his place in All-Star history with 12 consecutive appearances, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Elvin Hayes – 1970, 16.9 RPG
In his sophomore year, Hayes earned his first of two rebounding titles by averaging 16.9 rebounds per game, alongside 27.5 points and 2.0 assists. He led the league in games played (82), minutes (44.7), and field goal attempts (24.6), recording double-doubles in nearly every game. Over seven seasons with the Rockets, Hayes played 572 games, averaging 20.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks, while notably missing only nine games in his 16-year career.
Elvin Hayes – 1971, 16.6 RPG
Hayes’ third appearance in this list reflects his strong third season in 1970-71, during which he played all 82 games for the second consecutive year. He averaged a career-high 28.7 points and 16.6 rebounds, again leading the league in field goal attempts (27.0). Despite many accolades earned during his tenure with the Washington Bullets, Hayes remains a celebrated figure in Rockets history, contributing to his team’s legacy and being honored as part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in the 2021-22 season.
Moses Malone – 1978, 15.0 RPG
In the 1977-78 season, Malone had his first full year with the Rockets, averaging 19.4 points and 15.0 rebounds across 59 games while leading the league in offensive rebounds at 6.4 per game. Over his career, Malone played six seasons with Houston, posting averages of 24.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Upon retiring after the 1995 season, he was recognized as a 13-time All-Star, three-time MVP, 1983 champion, and a member of both the ABA All-Time Team and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
