Houston Rockets Season Preview
Re-signed: Aaron Holiday, Nate Williams
Addition: AJ Griffin (trade)
Draft Pick: Reed Sheppard (No. 3 overall)
Departures: None
Unsigned Free Agents: Reggie Bullock, Nate Hinton, Boban Marjanović, Jermaine Samuels Jr.
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 season marked significant progress for the Houston Rockets as they made a late push for the postseason. Jalen Green exploded in March, leading the team to an 11-game win streak that revived their playoff hopes. While they ultimately missed the postseason, finishing 41-41, the Rockets showed signs of emerging from their long rebuild. Alperen Şengün had a breakout season, averaging 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while free-agent signings Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks provided valuable experience and leadership.
Summer Summary
With the No. 3 pick in the draft, the Rockets selected Reed Sheppard, one of the top prospects in college basketball. Sheppard is known for his polished offensive skills and underrated defensive abilities, which should fit seamlessly into a Rockets team eager for developed, high-IQ players.
The Rockets also acquired AJ Griffin in a trade, adding to their growing stock of young talent. One of the more intriguing offseason moves was a trade with Brooklyn that netted Houston two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps. This maneuver added even more flexibility for the Rockets as they continue to build a team with long-term potential.
Player Spotlight: Jabari Smith Jr.
One of the key players to watch this season is Jabari Smith Jr.. Like many young players, Smith had moments of brilliance last season but struggled with consistency. At 6-foot-11, Smith has all the physical tools to become a major contributor, but he needs to carve out a bigger role within the team. If he gets enough touches and develops his offensive game, this could be a breakout year for the former No. 3 pick.
Season Outlook
The Rockets are in an intriguing position heading into the 2024-25 season. While Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green are both eligible for contract extensions, Houston has yet to make any long-term commitments, possibly waiting to see how they perform under the pressure of high expectations. Although they remain critical to the team’s future, a trade involving one of them isn’t out of the question, should the right opportunity arise.
The realistic goal for Houston this season is to improve on their .500 record, especially in road games where they struggled (14-27). The Rockets will be aiming to break into the Play-In Tournament in a deep Western Conference. With Ime Udoka continuing to guide this young roster, the Rockets are still a long-term project, but they are clearly moving in the right direction.
