NFL
By: Melo Williams
The Houston Rockets finished last season with the NBA’s worst record (20-62) after going through multi-game losing streaks multiple times throughout the season. Management was pleased however with Coach Stephan Silas managing the team dealing with youth and adversity and will continue to show patience with Silas as long as the team continues making improvements.
The Rockets’ offseason was a solid one though they are in total rebuild mode since James Harden’s and Russell Westbrook’s departures. The Rockets’ was able to negotiate a buyout with point guard John Wall and cleared his $40+ million off the books and he ended up signing with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent. The Rockets also traded reliable center Christian Wood to Dallas for various expiring contracts and the No. 26 pick.
Houston selected a pair of talented forwards in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. The Rockets used their No. 3 pick on Jabari Smith, and with the No. 17 pick Tari Eason. The Rockets used the No. 26 pick selecting Wendell Moore (who was then flipped to Minnesota for the draft rights to the No. 29 pick TyTy Washington Jr., as well as two future picks (2025, 2027). At the start of training camp, Houston acquired veteran center Derrick Favors and a future second-round pick as part of an eight-player trade with Oklahoma City. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets still attempt to trade guard Eric Gordon and bring in more youth or draft picks.
Though Houston struggled in its first full season without James Harden, the Rockets saw promise in their key group of young players Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, and Josh Christopher, and believe they can help the Rockets start winning more games consistently and avoiding multi-game losing streaks in the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Projected Starting Lineup
Kevin Porter Jr.
Jalen Green
Eric Gordon
Jabari Smith Jr.
Alperen Şengün
Key Reserves
Jae’Sean Tate
Tari Eason
TyTy Washington Jr.
Josh Christopher
Usman Garuba
Coaching
Coach Stephan Silas two seasons as head coach of the Rockets, has won only 37 games. The Rockets committed to fully rebuilding the roster after trading away superstar James Harden and Russell Westbrook with confidence that Silas will guide and develop its young inexperienced players. It’s highly likely the Rockets will improve this season. How much improvement will happen remains to be seen. I don’t think it’ll get worse for the Rockets than it did last year though.
Season Prediction
The Rockets’ will make tremendous progress this season though they’re not ready for liftoff just yet. Management has made some sound decisions to show they’re trying to change the trajectory of the team to go upward. The Western Conference is loaded with playoff contenders and possible NBA Champions. Depending on health the Western Conference can be a tight race. For Houston though they aren’t in that conversation yet and will need time to develop their young group of guys. Long term the Rockets’ look promising. Barring any major health setbacks or multi-game losing streaks, the Rockets will likely still struggle to make it into a crowded playoff race. Rookie Jabari Smith will be a finalist for Rookie of the Year. Second-year player Jalen Green will be in the running for Most Improved Player. Look for Josh Christopher to continue making leaps and bounds of improvement making himself a reliable two-way role player.
The Houston Rockets will improve their win total from 20 games last season to 28 this season though they will miss the play in tournament and the playoffs.
