Analysis: Houston Rockets, and now what?
After a great season that ended sooner than desired in the playoffs, the Texans must make decisions
Houston Rockets faces the summer with a young roster full of talent and multiple assets accumulated over the last five years. This includes discussion on Jalen Green, the second pick in the 2021 draft and the one raising the most doubts; the established All-Star Alperen Sengun; Amen Thompson, the only untouchable chosen fourth in 2023; and Reed Sheppard, the third pick in 2024. Thus, the franchise is now debating between strengthening with an offensive star through a trade or continuing with the internal development of its players.
Stone stated that the team owner, Tilman Fertitta, fully supports whichever path they choose to take. While acknowledging that the team is not yet at championship level, he assured that Fertitta is fully committed to the current group and believes they can reach the next level. In Stone's own words, he is comfortable with the progress shown but cautions that there are no guarantees of future success without constant work. It remains to be seen whether they want to stick with Jalen Green or try to move him now to attract more established talent in the upcoming free agency.
Over the next seven years, the Rockets have nine first-round selections — five of them interchangeable — and seven second-round picks. Since Udoka's arrival, the team has gone from 22 wins in his first year to 41 in the second, and 52 this season. Stone emphasized that everyone in the organization must continue to improve, not just the players, but himself and his team as well.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, in addition to considering the addition of a key veteran, the team needs Thompson and Tari Eason to improve their shooting, and for Green to be more efficient. The latter averaged only 8 points and shot 31% in defeats against Golden State, a team that closely guarded him. Sheppard, considered one of the most promising offensive talents, played in just three playoff games and averaged 12.6 minutes as a rookie.
It is also believed that the team needs a versatile forward who can defend and shoot threes, as well as a backup center with a defensive profile. Fred VanVleet, a veteran guard with a team option for $44.9 million for the 2025-26 season, praised the group's growth, describing them as his "little brothers," although they are not so little anymore. For him, this was one of his favorite seasons, and he believes there are reasons to be excited about the future.
Continuity seems to be a priority for the management. Both VanVleet and Steven Adams — a free agent — could remain linked to the team, and Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are eligible for contract extensions. Stone even indicated that it is highly likely to maintain the current core of the group, although changes are not ruled out if opportunities arise to bring the team closer to the goal of being champions.
Udoka valued the experience of facing a rival like Golden State, full of future Hall of Famers, as an important step in the team's growth. He admitted that some players showed nerves in the crucial seventh game, understandable considering many were making their playoff debuts. For future appearances, he hopes the team sets the pace from the first game.
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