9 Basketball Players who Played for Rockets and Clippers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Houston Rockets and LA Clippers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Rockets and the Clippers.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul was drafted fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league’s top point guards. Paul was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2006.
Paul is well-known for his scoring ability, quickness, and exceptional skills as a playmaker. He’s led the NBA in assists 6 times, and his career has been highlighted by twelve All-Star selections. He’s also been recognized for his defensive skills (9x All-Defensive Team), leading the league in steals per game multiple times.
In addition to his time with the Hornets, Paul has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. Each time, he’s left a significant impact, particularly celebrated for his leadership qualities on and off the court.
*Paul was the most popular player for this square in a previous grid (Grid 29)
Paul Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Pelicans)
- All-Star (Pelicans, Clippers, Thunder, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pelicans, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns)
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the NBA, known for his clutch shooting and leadership. Drafted 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA Draft, Cassell proved instrumental in the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His tenure in the NBA saw him wearing jerseys for eight different teams, including standout stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being traded multiple times, Cassell consistently produced on the court, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 assists per game over his career. He was named an All-Star once, in 2003-04, while with the Timberwolves.
Cassell Key Stats
- All-Star (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Bucks, Clippers)
DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins, often known by his nickname “Boogie,” is known for his versatile skills and physicality in the center position. He was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Kings.
In Sacramento, Cousins quickly became one of the NBA’s top big men, displaying a unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. His time with the Kings was characterized by impressive statistical production, but the team struggled to find consistent success.
In 2017, Cousins was traded to the Pelicans where he continued his strong play. However, his time in New Orleans was cut short due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. After his injury, Cousins has had stints with multiple teams over the past few seasons but hasn’t been able to replicate his early career success.
Cousins Key Stats
- All-Star (Kings, Pelicans)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Kings, Pelicans)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Kings, Pelicans)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pelicans)
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson had a successful NBA career as both a player and a coach. As a player, Jackson was known for his outstanding court vision and passing prowess. Drafted in the first round by the New York Knicks in 1987, he quickly made an impact and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
Over a career spanning 17 seasons, Jackson played for multiple teams, most notably the Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. His 10,334 career assists rank him among the all-time leaders in the NBA.
After his playing days, Jackson transitioned to broadcasting and coaching. His most prominent coaching stint was with the Golden State Warriors, where he was pivotal in developing the core group that would eventually become a dynasty.
Jackson Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Knicks)
- All-Star (Knicks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Knicks, Clippers, Pacers, Nuggets)
Lou Williams
Lou Williams was a player renowned for his scoring ability, particularly off the bench. Throughout his career, spanning from 2005 to 2022, Williams has made a significant impact as a sixth man, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award three times.
Williams began his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, who selected him in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft straight out of high school. He developed into a potent offensive weapon, leading the team in scoring during the 2011-2012 season despite not starting a single game.
Williams also played for the Hawks, Raptors, Lakers, Rockets, and Clippers. In the 2018-2019 season, he became the NBA’s career leader in points off the bench.
Williams Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Clippers)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Clippers)
Josh Smith
Josh Smith is most recognized for his stint with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2013. Known for his shot-blocking and dunking abilities, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game during his time with the Hawks.
Smith even earned himself a place on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2010.
However, his subsequent career with the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, as well as the Sichuan Blue Whales in China, was marred by inconsistencies and shooting struggles.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
Marcus Camby
The Toronto Raptors selected Marcus Camby as the 2nd overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of UMass. Camby made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his debut season. However, his time with the Raptors was short-lived, as he was traded to the New York Knicks after just two seasons.
In New York, Camby emerged as one of the league’s premier shot-blockers and rebounders. He was a key figure in the Knicks’ 1999 run to the NBA Finals.
Camby’s standout season was in 2006-07 when he led the NBA in blocks (something he did 4x in his career) and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Denver Nuggets. Over his 17-year career, Camby played for several teams, including the Clippers, Trail Blazers, and Rockets.
Camby Key Stats
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Knicks, Nuggets, Clippers, Trail Blazers)
Garrett Temple
Garrett Temple was undrafted out of LSU in the 2009 NBA Draft but worked his way into the league and has developed an impressive 13-year career as a journeyman.
He has played for multiple NBA teams (11 in total), including the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. His role has primarily been as a defensive specialist and a veteran presence in the locker room.
He’s been a key contributor on many of the teams he’s played on and has even started in almost 300 games in his career.
