Bob Sula (04-05)
When it comes to Bob Sula, people should talk about more than just "brushing three doubles", his performance in the Rockets is also worth remembering.
In the 04-05 season when Francis left, the Rockets No. 3 jersey was worn on a white point guard, who was Sula. As early as the 1997 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, he competed with Bryant and was physically as good as a black athlete. Although Sula did not play at the beginning of the season due to injury, he made 59 starts in the remaining 61 games, averaging 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, bringing tenacity and passion to the Rockets' weak backcourt, and is an important player for the rockets to break into the playoffs. Sula also became one of seven people who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and five assists per game that season.
Dragic (11-12 season)
On February 24, 2011, the Rockets sent Brooks to The Suns' Dragic and a first-round pick. Since then, the Rockets have had a good point guard, and Dragic, known as "Little Nash", has not disappointed.
Although he only stayed in Houston for one year, Dragic still used his performance to impress the hearts of fans and coaches step by step. Technically, the Slovenians are aggressive, first-scoring left-handed point guards with excellent finishing ability and good athleticism. Seemingly low-key and introverted, he is not afraid to confront anyone once he steps on the court, and there seems to be a fighting spirit in his eyes, injecting a tough and bloody label into the No. 3 jersey.
Omer Asik (12-14 season)
After Dragic left, the Rockets' No. 3 jersey continued to be draped over the European, who was Asik from Turkey. Asik's first performance with the Rockets, which was hailed as the cornerstone of the future interior, was indeed satisfactory with his tough performance on the defensive end, averaging 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Despite limited autonomy, Asik is the first orthodox center the Rockets have since Yao Ming to have a huge impact on the defensive end. However, with Howard's pre-13-14 addition and the failure of the twin-tower tactic, Asik's career with the Rockets also came to an end.
Maddy (09-10 season)
Halfway through the 09-10 season, Maddy, who was still recuperating from injury, submitted a change of number to the league. According to Maddy's own claims, he was plagued by injuries at the time and hoped to change his number in exchange for some good luck. At the same time, he wants to leave his No. 1 jersey to the potential Ariza, and No. 3 is the number Maddy has been wearing since high school.
It was in this way that Maddy announced his comeback in the No. 3 jersey. Although it once again aroused the expectations of the fans, after only 6 games, Maddy was hidden by the team. On February 18, 2010, the Rockets officially completed a three-way deal with the Knicks and kings, and Maddy officially left Houston, ending his short No. 3 career.
Ryan Anderson (16-17 season)
Ryan Anderson entered the NBA through the draft in 2008 and played for the Nets, Magic, Hornets/Pelicans, Rockets, Suns and Heat, and was named the most improved player in the 2011–12 season.
At the beginning, fans were familiar with competing with Yi Jianlian in the net team to start, which belonged to the top shooting type inside line, with both height and shooting speed. After joining the Rockets in 16 years, his stable three-pointers were credited with the team's excellent record. But in the summer of '17, he changed to the No. 33 jersey and his weak defensive ability in the playoffs caused him to lose his main position and eventually leave the Rockets.
Ty Lawson (15-16 season)
Lawson's performance with the Rockets was disappointing, and he averaged 15.2 points, 9.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game at the Nuggets the previous season, but slipped to 5.8 points, 3.4 assists and 0.8 steals in Houston, and was traded by the Rockets in the middle of the season.
Entering the NBA in the same year as Harden, he has long since left the NBA stage and has been permanently banned by the CBA.
Chris Paul (17-19 season)
Paul is one of the best point guards in the league, he's well-rounded, not only does he shoot consistently, he's defensively excellent, he's a top-notch leader and passer, and he's the kind of big heart he can rely on in key moments. His joining in the summer of '17 directly sublimated the Rockets from a strong team to a championship-contending team. The Rockets were able to achieve the best regular season record in team history, and all the way to the Western Conference Finals, Paul's command and positional attacks were indispensable.
Although the big contract signed in the summer of 18 was ridiculed by fans as a "poison contract", and his performance in the playoffs in 19 years was not outstanding, it is still necessary to say that Paul's arrival has made it possible for the Rockets to really reach the top since 1995, and the championship is no longer just a slogan.
Steve Francis (99-04, 07-08)
Even years later, Francis will remain with our memories of Houston and the Red Rockets, and will not be forgotten.
Boss Fur has taken the charm of the No. 3 jersey to the extreme, and in his rookie season alone, Francis has become a supernova in the league with his explosive physical fitness and very ornamental street ball play. Averaging 18 points, 6.6 assists and 1.5 assists per game in his first season, he deservedly shared the best rookie of the year with Brand. It was also during these years that Francis became the third player to cut 15+5+5 in the first three seasons of his career, after Oscar Robertson and "Magic" Johnson.
Later, Yao Ming's arrival further penetrated Francis's popularity, and he left an impression of blood and righteousness on all fans. Although Francis left Houston as the main bargaining chip in the Magic and Rockets deal, when Francis chose to return to the Rockets in 2007 and even sat on the cold bench without regrets, he clearly became a real Houstonian, and the Rockets' No. 3 jersey will forever be engraved with Francis' brand.