Q 01/05

What is the name of the Rockets' downtown Houston arena, opened in 2003?

A) Hofheinz Pavilion

B) The Summit

C) Compaq Center

D) Toyota Center

Answer · why

D) Toyota Center

Toyota Center opened in October 2003 after the Rockets had spent 28 seasons in their previous arena, by then renamed the Compaq Center.

Q 02/05

In which city was the Rockets franchise founded in 1967?

A) San Diego

B) Dallas

C) Houston

D) Phoenix

Answer · why

A) San Diego

San Diego was home for four seasons, 1967–71; the name nodded to the city's 'city in motion' slogan and its rocket-building industry.

Q 03/05

Which future Hall of Fame coach was the San Diego Rockets' first-ever draft pick in 1967?

A) Don Chaney

B) Pat Riley

C) Phil Jackson

D) Rick Adelman

Answer · why

B) Pat Riley

Pat Riley, taken seventh overall out of Kentucky, played three seasons for the Rockets before going on to win five NBA titles as a head coach.

Q 04/05

How many games did the expansion Rockets lose in 1967–68, then an NBA record?

A) 63

B) 61

C) 65

D) 67

Answer · why

D) 67

The Rockets' 67 losses set a record at the time; they then won a coin toss with Baltimore for the top pick in the 1968 draft.

Q 05/05

Which University of Houston star did the Rockets take first overall in 1968 after winning a coin toss?

A) Elvin Hayes

B) Wes Unseld

C) Rudy Tomjanovich

D) Calvin Murphy

Answer · why

A) Elvin Hayes

Elvin Hayes, 'The Big E', led the Rockets to their first playoff berth as a rookie and was traded to the Bullets in 1972 after clashing with coach Tex...