The Houston Rockets boast a solid young core and have made significant progress rebuilding their roster, but they could face stiff competition for a play-in spot in a stacked Western Conference.
Over the past few years, the Rockets have added talented players such as: Alperen Sengun and Jalen GreenBoth are entering the final year of their rookie contracts and are eligible for extensions. Will these two become the long-term cornerstone of the director? Ime Udoka I guess we still have to wait and see. If they don’t fit into the Rockets’ long-term plans, they could be potential trade assets. Especially since the team has been stockpiling draft capital to make big moves at the right time.
The long-term goal is clear. The goal is to develop into a playoff team, if not this season, then next year and compete for a title later on.
However, the immediate focus will be on improving offense, which lagged behind last season’s defense. Continued progress could put the Rockets in the play-in conversation this year, but considering the increased competition in the Western Conference, they will need to take a big step to secure a spot.
The team’s total salary for the 2024-25 season is $169,437,365, which ranks 23rd in the NBA.
Return: Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jae’Sean Tate, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, Jock Landale, Jeff Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Aaron Holiday, Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels, Jeenathan williams
Additional information: Reed Shepherd (Kentucky, Jack McVay (Adelaide)), Enfali Dante (Oregon, Thon Maker (Al Riyadi)), Markquis Nowell (Raptors 905)
depart: Boban Marjanovic (Fenerbahce), Reggie Block
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The Rockets have made great strides in their rebuild and formed a young core, but their development will be key to Houston’s future, whether as a long-term piece or as a potential trade asset. With a good balance of veterans, developing young players, and a solid defense, the Rockets are poised to be a strong unit for the foreseeable future.
Their immediate task is to improve their offense to complement their defense. they need Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Tari Eason And others are attempting to make leaps in production. Competing in the tough Western Conference, the Rockets need significant progress to secure a play-in spot this season.
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Hoopshype: 4th place in Southwest Division, 12th place in Western Conference
ESPN: 4th place in Southwest Division, 11th place in Western Conference
Sportsbook: 43.5 expected win
HoopsHype compiled win predictions from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars and bet365, to compile a consensus win average.
