THE Houston Rockets are gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 NBA season with a mix of veteran leadership and young potential. Fred Van Vleet and Dillon Brooks are ready to compete for a playoff spot. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Cam Whitmore are more experienced. Alperen Sengun is on the verge of making an All-Star leap, and Reed Sheppard is a popular bet for Rookie of the Year. The team’s management and fans have plenty of reason to expect an NBA playoff run next spring. Which means it’s a great time to make bold predictions about the Rockets.
Ime Udoka Rockets didn’t make a move in free agencyretaining much of their core from last season while adding Adams. That chemistry will come in handy given the division and the The Rockets’ tough group for the NBA Cup. Here are ten bold predictions that could define their season.
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Rockets rely on defense
Houston will need a top-10 defense, as the offense will have some growing pains. Sheppard’s role in Summer League will be adjusted to fit the college team. Adams and Sengun’s patrolling of the paint will require some odd guard changes. They are expected to have better defensive ratings than offensive ratings, though. Under Udoka, the Rockets should be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Overall, the Rockets are in a better position than in years past, but they will need their young stars to make significant strides to make a serious playoff push.
Bold prediction: The Rockets will finish in the Top 10 in defensive rating for the second straight season. A riskier prediction is that Houston should be closer to the top five than a 15th-place finish.
Jalen Green emerges as top 20 scorer…
A lack of offense? Not anymore. VanVleet is a top-notch playmaker. Brooks is at best a third option for a contending team. Jalen Green, entering his fourth season, will be a top-20 scorer in the league. He was 40th in shots per game last season (16.2) and 54th in points per game (19.6). Expect Green to get more offensive responsibility this year.
Bold prediction: With his explosive athleticism, improved shooting and increased volume of play, Green should average over 25 points per game. That would have been enough to finish 19th last season, just ahead of Anthony Davis and Dame Lillard.
…and participates in his first All-Star Game
Green’s breakout season will earn him his first All-Star Game selection. That won’t come as a surprise. He did, however, steal the show from Steph Curry at Chase Center…
Bold prediction: Green continues his historic run as a rookie and is named MVP of the NBA All-Star Game.
Alperen Sengun remains sensational
Sengun has been a revelation for the Rockets, averaging 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game over his first three seasons as a pro. Known for his versatile offensive skills and playmaking ability, he has become a key player who is worth a lot on the trade market. That won’t change as Sengun enters a contract year, albeit subject to free agency. Still, a max rookie-level contract extension is in play.
Bold prediction: Alperen Sengun will solidify his role as one of the league’s most promising young big men by averaging double-doubles of around 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Fred VanVleet steadying the ship
Green can get baskets. Sengun’s patrols in the paint should boost the numbers. Fred VanVleet’s steady hand will lead the season. The 30-year-old was eighth in assists per game last season and sixth in total assists, just two games behind James Harden.
Bold prediction: Fred VanVleet is the NBA’s best passer and has the Rockets seriously considering picking up that $44 million club option next summer.
Dillon Brooks builds a wall
Brooks signed with Houston with a reputation as an All-Defense level defender and was looking to build on that resume. It’s tough to do that while working with a rebuilding franchise, though. Now that the foundation is laid under Udoka, Brooks should look better individually while directing traffic to Adams or Sengun.
Bold prediction: Brooks will re-emerge as a defensive stalwart and earn a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. His ability to defend multiple positions will be crucial to the Rockets’ defensive schemes.
Reed Sheppard wins Rookie of the Year
Reed Sheppard was exceptional at the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. Today, the diminutive former Kentucky player is to soak up knowledge by Trae Young.
Bold prediction: The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft will win the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Sheppard’s shooting and creative play will provide a significant boost to the team’s offense, something voters can’t deny.
Ime Udoka often gets angry
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Houston led the league in techs last year. Expect them to be among the best again, as the lack of late-game discipline and general lack of frustration with success is felt.
Bold prediction: Udoka’s fiery coaching style would result in more than five technical fouls this season.
Brooks leads league in Techs
Udoka and Brooks are a perfect fit. Brooks, known for his aggressive play, will lead the league in technical fouls. His defensive tenacity and willingness to take on opponents will keep him in the spotlight, for better or worse.
Bold prediction: Brooks was second in technical performance last season behind Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks made more offseason upgrades, which means Doncic’s life has gotten a lot easier. Brooks will be whistled for excessive intensity at about the same rate, once every four or five games.
Rockets miss playoffs
Despite their efforts, the Rockets would fail to qualify for the NBA Playoffs, finishing just outside the play-in tournament.
Bold prediction: The Rockets will win more games, but it won’t be enough to qualify directly for the NBA playoffs. An NBA Play-In Tournament test is the best hope, but it’s still progress. A smart move at the trade deadline and the right seven-game matchup could fuel a seven-game series.
These takeaways shed light on the potential and challenges the Houston Rockets will face in the 2024-25 season. While the road to success may be bumpy, the growth and development of their young stars will be a storyline to watch. How do you think these predictions will play out?
