THE Houston Rockets might just be the most fascinating NBA team to watch over the next 12 months.
Four years after their last playoff appearance with James Harden Up front, the Rockets climbed back to .500 last season by putting the right veterans around a core of young talent that includes six first-round picks since 2021.
Last season marked the beginning of ‘Phase 2’ of Houston’s rebuild after Harden. Phase 3 could be even more remarkable. With only Dillon Brooks Among their veterans under guaranteed contracts for 2025-26, the Rockets could create considerable salary cap space next summer. Or, they could use those expiring contracts and a stockpile of draft picks to trade for a star.
As those plans unfold, Houston must also decide which of its budding stars to pay when their rookie contracts expire — guard Jalen Green and center Alpen Sengun are both eligible for extensions before restricted free agency begins next summer. Those, in turn, could be informed by the play of the Rockets’ most recent picks, including promising point guard Reed Sheppard.
Let’s take a look at what’s developing in Space City — and why the rest of the NBA should be paying attention.