The Western Convention has lengthy been thought of the hardest convention within the NBA. Yearly we see groups struggle and battle for an opportunity to make the play-in match, not to mention the playoffs.

And the competitors is getting fiercer yearly.

The Houston Rockets had been a sufferer of this example final season, as they didn’t qualify for the play-in match regardless of profitable 41 video games, making them the best eleventh seed in NBA historical past. The Rockets largely determined to return again sturdy, as many imagine they’d have had a greater report and a greater end to the season with out their accidents.

However once more, the West will probably be harder, because the Memphis Grizzlies will probably be in nice form, making them among the finest groups within the convention. The Golden State Warriors also needs to be higher, after the arrival of Buddy Hield, among the finest shooters within the league, particularly in current historical past.

Because of this, the Rockets’ skill to leap ahead is being questioned by Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World. Here is her reasoning:

“The Houston Rockets enter the 2024-25 season with renewed optimism after a 19-game enchancment final 12 months, ending 41-41 beneath head coach Ime Udoka. The signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks added much-needed veteran management and defensive solidity. VanVleet, specifically, helped stabilize the younger core of Jalen Inexperienced and Alperen Sengun, whereas rookie Amen Thompson is rising as a flexible playmaker.

Regardless of this progress, the Rockets nonetheless face the problem of competing in a deep Western Convention. Whereas their mixture of youth and expertise positions them for long-term success, it stays to be seen whether or not they could make the playoffs this season. Younger gamers like Inexperienced and Jabari Smith Jr. might want to make important strides for Houston to get into the playoff race. With Udoka on the helm, there may be hope the Rockets can shock groups, however it might take one other season of improvement earlier than they change into critical contenders.

The Rockets’ skill to make the playoffs will definitely rely upon their younger weapons, resembling Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and even Reed Sheppard, who might be thrust into a bigger function than initially anticipated this season.

Solely time will inform how far the Rockets will go.

Wish to be part of the dialogue? Like Rockets on SI Fb and Comply with us on Twitter to remain updated with all the most recent Rockets information. You may as well meet the staff behind the duvet.

Share.
Leave A Reply