Top 10 Rockets “Could Have Beens”: #1 Ralph Sampson

The top spot on our “Could Have Beens” list goes to Ralph Sampson, the 7’4” center the Houston Rockets took with the first overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft, and he takes the top slot over some very deserving others for two primary reasons:

First, his own play, and secondly, who he was playing with.

Sampson’s incredible size and unnatural agility for a man his height allowed him to burst on the NBA scene as rookie. He averaged 21 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game in his initial season, was named an All-Star, and also won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Unfortunately, the Rockets weren’t very good, finishing just 29-53, but that was all about to change.

After once…