Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_11734041_16 (player VARCHAR, years_for_rockets VARCHAR)

### Question ###
what is the total amount of players for the rockets in 1998 only?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(player) FROM table_11734041_16 WHERE years_for_rockets = "1998"