The Houston Rockets have had a history of signing high-profile NBA stars, only for their stays to be cut short. From Carmelo Anthony to Russell Westbrook, these players left a brief but notable mark on the franchise. After a recent 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (2026-05-02), the Rockets are reflecting on past roster decisions as they navigate their current 2W-0D-3L form (LWWLL).
Who were the short-term stars?
Carmelo Anthony joined the Rockets in 2018 on a one-year veteran minimum deal, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in just 10 games. Mike D'Antoni, his former coach in New York, couldn't make the partnership work, and Anthony was soon traded and waived by the Chicago Bulls. He later played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 2023.
Russell Westbrook arrived in 2019 via a trade for Chris Paul, reuniting with James Harden. Despite averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 57 games, his tenure ended after a playoff exit. Westbrook later became a Sixth Man of the Year candidate before retiring in 2026.
What impact did they have?
Joe Johnson signed in 2018 after a buyout with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 6.0 points in 23 games. His veteran presence helped the Rockets achieve a 65-17 record, though they fell short in the Western Conference Finals. DeMarcus Cousins, signed in 2020, averaged 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 25 games before being waived due to dissatisfaction with his role.
Why did these stints fail?
Fit and expectations played a major role. Anthony struggled with a reduced role, while Westbrook's chemistry with Harden waned. Cousins' limited minutes led to frustration. These short-term signings highlight the challenges of integrating star players into an established system.
What’s next for the Rockets?
With their recent form (2W-0D-3L), the Rockets must learn from past mistakes. Balancing veteran leadership with young talent will be key as they aim to return to playoff contention. The lessons from these brief stints remain relevant as the team builds for the future.
