Ready for takeoff, the Houston Rockets turning it around.
The Houston Rockets had clear goals entering the 2023/24 NBA season, following the last few seasons lurking at the bottom of the pack, things needed to change.
During the second half of the 2010s, the Houston Rockets were considered contenders, James Harden led the way, torching every team he managed to come near. A rocket in every, single aspect. After one too many times not reaching the NBA Championship, Harden jumped ship and left for the Brooklyn Nets, meeting with other future Hall of Famers, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. This left the Houston Rockets with plenty of draft picks, role players taking up huge roles and a whole lot of uncertainty.
Following the James Harden trade, the Rockets finished three seasons in a row with records of, 17-55, 20-62 and 22-60, not something to be proud of. These seasons were paired with the additions of young talents pulled from the NBA draft and a disjointed coaching staff. A lack of identity and direction led to plenty of criticism and lost the side a large amount of attention from the national media.
Following these poor-performing seasons, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta felt the need to make a transition into the next steps for the franchise. With a plethora of young talent, including Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore it was time to give them the platform to evolve and grow as players. This led to the appointment of Ime Udoka, former Celtics head coach who famously led the side to a finals appearance in his first season at the reigns.
The last thing needed to transform this side was the addition of seasoned veterans. Teaching these young players the ways of the league and to support them on and off the court, but also to hold them accountable when needed. This led to the signings of Fred VanVleet, NBA Champion with the Toronto Raptors, and Dillon Brooks, a 3 and D wing with all NBA defensive ability, as well as smaller signings and some that could be compared to coaches on the court.
With all these quality changes to the side, they’re ready to flourish, and we’re already seeing it. The Houston Rockets have started the season 6-3, beating the current holders of the NBA Championship and making clear improvements from the previous seasons. With a clear philosophy, young talents finding their feet, and veterans providing some well-needed support, while also taking the reigns themselves when needed, the Rockets have really turned things around and started strong.
With strong playoff aspirations, the Houston Rockets are set to be floating around the play-in and playoff regions of contention, and they’re only just getting started. The only problem for the Houston Rockets will be discovering who is the leader of this team, and with all the talent at their disposal, this is a problem they are not going to complain about.
