The 2023-24 season saw the Houston Rockets make a gargantuan leap, going from 22-60 to 41-41 in the dreaded Western Conference. Ime Udoka’s first season was a success, even if he would argue otherwise, as he missed the playoffs for the first time in his coaching career.
The Rockets weren’t a very active team this offseason, as they didn’t really have much reason to make drastic changes. Staying the course while adding shooting was probably the best course of action, even though they were linked to superstars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Paul George.
Part of the decision was made for them because those players weren’t available. As the old adage goes, it takes two to tango.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Rockets were listed as one of the teams that will make a “big leap forward” in the standings“, as SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell explained.
“The Rockets made a big jump in the standings last year in head coach Ime Udoka’s first season, going from 22 wins to 41. Expectations will be even higher this year, based solely on internal development. Houston has the deepest young core in the league, and added another key piece in No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard.
The Rockets know they’ll be built around Alperen Şengün, but no one knows how the rest of the pieces will perform. Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason each have unique skill sets up front.
Amen Thompson has the potential to explode in his sophomore season, but it’s possible his lack of shooting ability delays his leap by another year.
There’s still a lot to figure out for the Rockets, but this team is so athletic around Şengün that there should be a path to a season above .500.
The Rockets’ season opens on October 23 against the Charlotte Hornets, a game that should give us a glimpse of their ability to take a step forward.
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