2024-25 Season Preview: Youthful Rockets Aim to Elevate their Game

Off-season

Last season

The Rockets made a spirited if late run at the postseason when Jalen Green went turbo in March and won 11 straight. Ultimately, they ran out of games. But it was a positive transition for a team anxious to emerge from rebuilding. Green showed growth, Alperen Sengun (21.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg) showed even more while Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were valuable free-agent signings.

Summer summary

With the No. 3 pick, the Rockets snagged perhaps the best prospect in college basketball. Reed Sheppard was solid at Kentucky, fundamentally sound offensively and underrated defensively. For a Rockets team that craved developed players over the past few years, he’s a welcome addition.

Then the Rockets made an interesting move with Brooklyn, grabbing two unprotected firsts and two pick swaps in exchange for one of each going back to the Nets. They otherwise had little incentive to shake up the roster given a young and developing nucleus that could be ready to turn the corner.

Rookie Profile

Spotlight on

Jabari Smith Jr. was like many 21-year-olds, giving flashes of quality play followed by disappearances. Maybe this is the season he finally decides who he is. Smith brings a solid work ethic and plenty of physical gifts at 6-foot-11. If the former No. 3 pick gets enough touches and earns a significant role, this could be a breakout season for him. The Rockets continue to wait patiently.

How far can the Rockets go?

The Rockets hesitated to demonstrate confidence this summer in Sengun and Green, who were eligible for extensions on their rookie deals. Maybe the Rockets want to see how those two foundational pieces respond to the pressure. While they are valued, it wouldn’t be totally out of the question if Houston trades one of them.

As for the season? This team could improve on a 41-41 record if the young players keep responding to coach Ime Udoka. The realistic goal is to be better on the road (14-27 last year, the third-fewest wins in the West) and crack the Play-In Tournament (always a challenge in the deep West). This team remains a long-term play but its time is coming.

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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