The 2002-03 Houston Rockets season was defined by a significant 15-game improvement, finishing with a winning 43-39 record and narrowly missing the playoffs by just one game. The franchise entered an exciting new era by selecting Yao Ming with the first overall pick, who earned All-Rookie First Team honors alongside the dynamic All-Star play of Steve Francis. As the team's final year at the Compaq Center, the season showcased a competitive roster and laid a promising foundation for the future of the organization. The first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and a 2016 Hall of Fame inductee, Yao Ming was an eight-time All-Star center and a global basketball icon for the Houston Rockets.