Houston Rockets Team Signed Game Used NBA Basketball 2000–01 Hakeem Final Season

This official NBA game-used basketball is team signed by members of the 2000–01 Houston Rockets, capturing a pivotal transition season in franchise history — most notably the final season that Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon played for the Rockets after 17 legendary years in Houston.

Stamped as an official NBA game ball and clearly marked Houston Rockets, this ball shows heavy game use, consistent with authentic on-court play. The surface wear, softened leather, and ink wear are all indicative of real game action rather than display-only memorabilia.

TEAM & SEASON SIGNIFICANCE

The 2000–01 Rockets represented a crossroads era — the closing chapter of the Hakeem Olajuwon dynasty while simultaneously handing the keys to a new generation led by Steve Francis, one of the league’s most explosive young guards at the time.

This season marked the end of an era in Houston basketball, making team-signed items from this roster especially desirable to collectors focused on franchise history.

NOTABLE PLAYERS ON THE BALL

Visible signatures include players from across the Rockets roster, featuring a mix of franchise icons, rising stars, and key contributors:

• Hakeem Olajuwon (#34) – Franchise cornerstone, 2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, and league MVP
• Steve Francis (#3) – Face of the franchise during the post-Hakeem transition
• Cuttino Mobley (#5) – Core scorer and long-time backcourt partner to Francis
• Kelvin Cato (#13) – Athletic big man developing under Olajuwon
• Moochie Norris (#12) – Fan-favorite energy guard
• Kenny Thomas (#21) – Physical interior presence
• Shandon Anderson (#40) – Versatile wing defender
• Walt Williams (#42) – Veteran scorer and locker-room presence
• Maurice Taylor (#2) – Former lottery pick and frontcourt contributor
• Matt Bullard (#50) – Longtime Rocket and three-point specialist
• Jason Collier (#52) – Young center whose career was tragically cut short

CONDITION NOTES

• Heavy game use visible throughout
• Surface wear, ink fading, and handling marks consistent with on-court play
• No attempt made to restore or enhance signatures
• Sold exactly as shown

AUTHENTICATION DISCLOSURE

This basketball is not authenticated. Signatures are unverified and have not been submitted to a third-party authentication service. Buyers are encouraged to review all photos carefully and draw their own conclusions.

WHY THIS PIECE STANDS OUT

This is more than a signed basketball — it’s a time capsule from the final Houston chapter of Hakeem Olajuwon’s career, paired with the rise of a new Rockets core. Team-signed game-used balls from this era are increasingly difficult to source, especially with clear official NBA and Houston Rockets markings.

TREASURE HUNTERS NOTE

Team-signed official NBA game balls from true transition seasons are increasingly difficult to source, especially those tied to the final Houston Rockets season of Hakeem Olajuwon. This piece captures a rare overlap of franchise legacy and future direction, featuring the closing chapter of a Hall of Fame career alongside the rise of a new Rockets core. Heavy game use, official NBA and Houston Rockets stamping, and a full team signature lineup make this an authentic snapshot of a pivotal moment in franchise history — ideal for collectors who value real use, real wear, and real significance over modern display-only memorabilia.