During the off-season, the Rockets acquired Otis Thorpe from the Sacramento Kings,[2][3][4][5] signed free agent Mike Woodson,[6][7][8] and hired Don Chaney as their new head coach.
[9][10][11] At mid-season, the team signed free agent Walter Berry, who was previously released by the New Jersey Nets.
[12][13][14] The Rockets posted a six-game winning streak in December, and held a 28–18 record at the All-Star break.
[15] Despite a 7-game losing streak between February and March, the team finished in second place in the Midwest Division with a 45–37 record.
[31][32][33][34] Following the season, Purvis Short signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets,[35][36][37] and Berry left to play overseas in Italy after only three seasons in the NBA.