NBA PREVIEW : THE REBUILD CONTINUES FOR THE ROCKETS
The Houston Rockets have embarked on a journey of rebuilding and transformation in the 2023-24 NBA season. After a challenging previous season, marked by a plethora of young talents and struggles on the court, the Rockets entered the offseason with a clear mission: to reshape their roster, instill discipline, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
For the last three seasons, the Houston Rockets have been the worst team in the Western Conference. That is pitiful, to say the least, but the Rockets added Fred VanVleet, Dillion Brooks, and head coach Ime Udoka in an attempt to get their young core some leadership as they push forward. There is a lot to be excited about: Jalen Green is poised to break out, Amen Thompson is already turning heads, and Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün are two players to watch.
But fans shouldn’t get ahead of themselves.
Sure, the 2008 Celtics won 66 games after only winning 24 the season prior, but they added Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, and got Paul Pierce back after only playing 47 games the year prior. VanVleet and Brooks are not on that Hall-of-Fame level. The Rockets are building something special, and that usually takes a few years.
The previous season was a tumultuous one for the Houston Rockets. From the outset, they faced significant challenges, stumbling to a 3-14 start and never quite recovering. Their inexperience showed as they made numerous mistakes on the court, struggled with shooting, and failed to make significant moves at the trade deadline. It was a season of growth, but also one that positioned them for a high pick in the upcoming Draft.
The Rockets spent big money to bring in VanVleet this offseason, signing him to a three-year $130 million dollar deal. VanVleet was a pivotal member of the Raptors’ 2019 championship team and had an all-star appearance two seasons ago. But now he’s in a position where he’s the de facto team veteran. VanVleet still raises question marks based on his shooting efficiency, but perhaps the Udoka system can elevate his play.
Brooks was the mouthpiece of a hard-nosed Grizzlies team last year. He made it his mission to get in the head of any opposition standing in his way. Following a disappointing first-round elimination to the Lakers, the Grizzlies stated on record that Brooks wouldn’t be brought back “under any circumstances.” The Rockets signed Brooks to a four-year $86 million dollar deal. This summer, Brooks aided Canada to a bronze medal in the FIBA World Cup, putting up 39 points in the medal game against Team USA. Brooks will play a similar role for the Houston Rockets, providing a defensive spark to their young wing core during the 2023-24 season.
The Rockets selected the combo guard from the Overtime Elite program with the fourth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. And it’s a match made in heaven for the future of the organization. Thompson can easily play 1 through 3 on the court and excels in a variety of aspects. Last year he averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The learning curve to the NBA will be steep coming from a startup league, but Thompson will have a couple seasons to learn and grow behind the new vets that Houston brought in.
This was a summer of gains for the Rockets, but they did let go of one of their young pieces in the process. Early in the offseason they sent Kenyon Martin Jr to the Los Angeles Clippers for a pair of second-round picks. Martin had been steadily progressing each of his three years in Houston, putting up career numbers this past season. But with the additions of forwards in the draft and free agency and the investment going into Jabari Smith Jr, his time would’ve been limited on this team. He should be expecting rotational minutes for the playoff-contending Clippers this season though.
At absolute best, this iteration of the Rockets is a play-in team, and that’s being generous. It will take Udoka most of the season to get the discipline issues that got Stephan Silas fired under control, and adding two possible starters almost always comes with an adjustment period.
As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Houston Rockets find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their rebuilding process. The changes and additions made during the offseason have set the stage for a new era of Rockets basketball. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test, determining whether the Rockets can translate their offseason moves into tangible progress on the court.
Expectations are high, but so is the level of competition in the NBA. The Rockets will need to find the right balance between youthful exuberance and veteran leadership to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. The integration of new faces, the growth of young talents, and the guidance of Coach Udoka will all play pivotal roles in shaping the Rockets’ destiny.
The 2023-24 Rockets are not meant to be good. They are meant to be better than last year, figure some things out, develop as a team, and chart a path going forward. Last season, despite having two recent top-three picks playing in the starting five, the Rockets looked lost. This season, as long as they find their bearings, fans can call it a success. Forget about wins, just avoid absolute catastrophe.
The Houston Rockets have made significant strides in their quest for revival. The offseason of 2023 was marked by bold moves, astute draft selections, and the appointment of a new leader in Coach Ime Udoka. As the Rockets aim to rise from the ashes of the previous season, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of their loyal fanbase.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but it is also brimming with promise. Whether the Rockets can harness their newfound potential and take the next step in their journey remains to be seen. The 2023-24 NBA season promises to be a defining chapter in the story of the Houston Rockets, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of this new era in Rockets basketball.
STAR WATCH
JABARI SMITH JR.
One of the significant storylines of the season was the transition of their 2022 first-round pick, Jabari Smith Jr., to the NBA. Smith encountered difficulties in adapting to the league, particularly in terms of shot selection, and had his weaknesses exposed. However, he displayed remarkable improvement in the final two months of the season, hinting at his potential as a key piece of the Rockets’ future.
Jabari Smith Jr. spent the off-season improving his game in Atlanta and Houston. Although his top objective is to help the Houston Rockets win more games during the 2023-24 campaign, Smith has his eyes set on making his first All-Star team.
He has also communicated with coach Ime Udoka, who has shared tips throughout the summer on which attributes to work on in hopes of taking a significant leap next season.
However, to help with his development, Smith has spent time with future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Durant, who has assisted in his off-season workouts.
Smith described his rookie season as a learning experience, where he averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds across 79 games.
Ime Udoka
Udoka had a very tumultuous exit from Boston last season. But he was hired by the Rockets in April and is highly regarded in the organization. As a head coach, Udoka led the Celtics to a 51-31 record and an NBA Finals appearance. His experience working with young stars is sure to have a positive impact on the Rockets 2023-24 season.
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