Houston Rockets
The 2024-25 Houston Rockets can be defined by finishing as the No. 2 seed in the West but losing to the Warriors in the first round in 7 games.
What did we learn?
The Rockets continued what they started last year.
From just 22 wins in 2022-23 to the No. 2 seed this season, it’s been a meteoric rise for Houston.
The take off launched with Ime Ukdoka’s arrival — and Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. A 3-layered hard-nosed backbone.
This Rockets team this season was deep as hell and could beat you in multiple ways, from many different and diverse angles. The Rockets were the rare upper echelon team that could have a different leading scorer on any given night.
The All-Star here was Alperen Sengun, who has continued his ascent and Jokic impersonation, getting better at it every year. He was often the hub of the Rockets offense and his 19-10-5 a night was reliable. His defense seems to keep improving as well. (Now if only they can get him a 3-point shot.)
Fred VanVleet shared lead assist duties with Sengun, and while FVV’s counting numbers dipped, there was more to go around this year in H-Town.
Jalen Green was the polarizing one. The Rockets leading scorer per game, Jalen Green also played all 82 games as an NBA Iron Man. But he would often pop off for 30+ points one night and then get sat in crunch time the next. Udoka didn’t give AF and was always going to ride the hot hand.
The Terror Twins were the most fun bench tag team duo in the league. Tari Eason and Amen Thompson would unleash all hell on opponents. Soon enough, Thompson had to be moved to the starting lineup as his athleticism became a startling delight that had to be utilized to the max.
Amen could take over the game on both ends. Electric in transition and flying to the rim.
Jabari Smith Jr. provided additional length at the 4 and could stretch the floor some and play some small-ball 5. And if the Rockets wanted to go big, they could bring in Steven Adams and run double bigs with Adams and Sengun.
The Rockets were at their best when they had a little bit from every direction. Sometimes it felt like Udoka had too many guys to fit in the rotation, but he also had tremendous lineup flexibility depending on the game and night.
The first round series vs. the Warriors was a defensive-oriented slugfest that came down to a decisive Game 7. Once again, the Rockets didn’t have enough juice to put the Warriors away.
And so, it was another Game 7 loss at the hands of Steph and Golden State as Houston just wasn’t able to overcome a lack of consistent late-game halfcourt offense or Buddy Hield’s nine 3s.
The first round is precisely what ultimately did Jalen Green in. He averaged 13.2 points and shot 37 percent from the field. He had one good game in Game 2 where he went crazy for 38 points and the Rockets rolled. The other games showcased his playoff limitations and inexperience as a shot creator and individual defender.
It’s still early, but the Rockets are ready now.
And so, before Game 7 of the NBA Finals had even tipped, the Rockets traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft and five second-round picks for 36-year-old Kevin Durant.
It’s a win-now move for a team that’s trying to, ya know, win now as the No. 2 seed in the West. At the end of the day, Jalen Green was just too inconsistent. KD gives Houston instant bailout offense as one of the best individual shot creators of all time. He’s an upgrade on defense as well.
However, his availability, age and upcoming extension (money) are an issue.
The Rockets didn’t have to give up much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s definitely a roll of the dice.
Betting on KD hasn’t gone well recently. Just ask the Suns and Nets.
But maybe Houston — with this deep and close group of hard-nosed ballers — is where KD finally finds what he’s been looking for.
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Additional Notes
It must be emphasized: Over a 3-year span ending in 2022-23, the Rockets went 83-177. They won 52 games this season.
The Stay Ready Crew deserves a big shout out. Uncle Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday, and let’s not forget Cam Whitmore and Jae’Sean Tate — the Rockets were arguably the deepest team in the league from 1-12.
Hats off to Rafael Stone who has put this ship back together very nicely since cleaning up foot-out-the-door Daryl and Harden’s previous mess.
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
Ready for liftoff! Over 43.5 wins.
Rockets 2024-25 record: (52-30)
Yes indeed.
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What’s Next?
The latest reports are that the Rockets will look to retain their guys: Jae’Sean Tate, Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday. The Stay Ready Crew is staying intact.
Keeping KD healthy and on the court for the playoffs will be a high priority. Same with figuring out his extension.
We would love to see some more Cam Whitmore and a lot more Reed Sheppard next season. Moving on from Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, that should happen.
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Favorite Rockets Highlight of the 2024-25 Season:
This is where we have to give props to the underrated announcer duo of Craig Ackerman and Ryan Hollins, who always bring the energy. Same with Amen Thompson, too.
11/10/24 Jalen Green 4.7
Wherever Jalen Green ends up, we know he will still be power dunking.
Also, the return of Power Dunk City: COMING SOON.
