The Houston Rockets have had players donning a total of 52 different jersey numbers (and have one not part of any numerical series for Houston assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson) since their founding at the start of the 1967-68 season, worn by just under 500 players in the course of Rockets history.
To honor all of the players who wore those numbers over the decades, Rockets Wire is covering the entire history of jersey numbers and the players who wore them since the founding of the team all those years ago right up to the present day.
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With seven of those jerseys now retired to honor some of the greatest Rockets of all time to wear those jerseys, there is a lot of history to cover.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 28: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
And for today’s article, we will continue with the 18th of 18 players who wore the No. 5, guard alum Fred VanVleet. After ending his college career at Wichita State, Fred VanVleet went unselected in the 2016 NBA Draft, signing with the Toronto Raptors instead.
The Rockford, Illinois,native played the first seven seasons of his pro career with Toronto, coming to an end when he signed with the Houston Rockets in 2023. He remains with the club at the time of writing.
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During his time suiting up for the Rockets, Fred VanVleet wore only jersey No. 5 and put up 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.9 steals, and 1.5 steals per game.
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets jersey history No. 5 – Fred VanVleet (2023-25)