Why They’ll Be a Top Team in 2025
Once stuck in the lottery, the Houston Rockets have transformed into a formidable force. Their forward-thinking roster management and smart player development during the rebuild have made them one of the most competitive teams in the West.
After the departure of franchise player James Harden, the Rockets' future seemed uncertain. Many questioned whether the front office had the ability or assets to successfully rebuild. Now, with a solid foundation in place, the Rockets are ready to compete with the best teams in the league.
The Houston Rockets' 2024 Season in Review
The Rockets made significant strides following a disappointing 2023 season, making upgrades to their roster. They brought in veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks on major contracts, who were tasked with mentoring their young core. Additionally, they drafted standout rookie Amen Thompson and hired Ime Udoka as head coach to bring discipline to the squad. These changes, along with the steady improvement of Alperen Sengun, helped the Rockets improve by 19 wins.
Defensively, the team excelled, finishing in the top ten in defensive rating thanks to their strong point-of-attack defenders and Udoka’s coaching strategies. However, their offense lagged behind, ranking 21st in the league. Lack of spacing and predictable on-ball creation limited their effectiveness. But with the addition of Reed Shepard and the continued growth of their young stars, the Rockets are poised to have more dynamic offensive options next season.
The Rockets' Compelling Factors
The potential of Houston's young talent positions them as one of the league’s most dangerous teams moving forward. Jabari Smith Jr.'s unique combination of size and skill has earned him "unicorn" status, while Reed Shepard’s playmaking and shooting, Jalen Green’s scoring prowess, and Cam Whitmore’s explosive athleticism give the team impressive versatility. The Rockets' depth is further strengthened by solid veterans like Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday coming off the bench. As Alperen Sengun continues to develop, the team will be competitive on both court ends.
How Far Can They Go?
The sky’s the limit for the Houston Rockets. Depending on a few key factors, they could finish anywhere between 4th and 12th in the Western Conference.
Even in the worst-case scenario—if injuries plague the team—they still have enough depth to achieve around 39-43 wins. Should they meet expectations, a 44-47 win season is realistic. However, if the team stays healthy, and the rest of the West falters, the Rockets could easily exceed expectations and win over 48 games, securing a top seed in the conference.
Outlook
After years of obscurity, the Rockets have done an impressive job rebuilding their future. Transitioning from one of the most heliocentric teams in the league to a highly versatile unit, this Rockets team is ready to shake up the NBA. And with a wealth of draft picks and assets still in their back pocket, this is just the beginning of their ascent.
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