September 21st: Throughout the Houston Rockets' 58-year history, numerous players have earned All-Defensive First Team honors for their exceptional defensive performances. This honor not only demonstrates individual ability but also represents the team's significant position within the league's defensive tradition.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon

Olajuwon was named to the All-Defensive First Team five times in four seasons— 1987-88 , 1990 , and 1993-94—and was named Defensive Player of the Year twice. In the 1989-90 season, Olajuwon averaged 14 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game. In the 1993-94 season, he led the league with 4.2 blocks per game, becoming the only center in history to achieve this feat.

2 . Rodney Mack

In 1988 , Rodney McCray was selected to the All-Defensive First Team for his consistent offensive and defensive play. He averaged 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Although his time with the Rockets was brief, his defensive value was recognized throughout the league at the time.

3. Scottie Pippen

Although Scottie Pippen played only one season in Houston in 1999, he continued his streak of being named to the All-Defensive First Team seven consecutive years in Chicago, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game .

4. Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley had a career-high season in 2017. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team after averaging 9.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.

5. Armen Thompson

Armen Thompson earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team with averages of 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, and finished fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. At 22, he's considered the Rockets' defensive core for the next decade.