The Houston Rockets are looking to recover in the post-James Harden era. After a messy beginning to last season, it was clear the Rockets were going to have to get used to going from a legitimate contender to a team rebuilding in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. However, this did get them a high pick in the NBA Draft which they used to select the G-League sensation, Jalen Green, with the second overall pick. Green has a high ceiling with massive offensive potential. Potential which could eventually fill a little bit of the void left by former MVP, James Harden. With all of this in mind, the 2021-22 campaign is shaping up to be a very interesting one for the Houston Rockets.
Houston Rockets Season Preview
What to Expect
Any realistic Rockets fan will tell you this is going to be a rebuilding year. It is going to take some getting used for some newer Houston fans who have been relatively spoiled the past few seasons. John Wall appears to be stuck there with an expensive contract that no team seems to want to take on in trade talks and head coach, Steven Silas, is going to have his hands full trying to get all these pieces to fit with each other.
If there was any silver lining from last season, it was Christian Wood looking like an emerging star before he got hurt with an ankle injury. However, the core group of players will now have played a season with each other. This should improve their team chemistry, and adding a young talent like Jalen Green could propel this squad to a few upsets this season. The Rockets are not going to be finishing anywhere near at the top of the standings anymore for the foreseeable future. Expect another rough season for the Houston Rockets barring some miraculous/genius front-office moves during the year.
Breakout Player
Jalen Green was the second overall pick for a reason. He will have his troubles as every rookie does. However, Green seems to be the one that the Rockets want to not just tailor their offense to, but their future as well. During the Summer League, Green averaged 20.3 points per game while shooting 52.6 percent shooting.
They will be looking for him to replace much of the offensive void that was left by James Harden. A hefty responsibility to say the least. The good news for Houston is, that Green seems to be more than willing to take on this job. Out of all the players in the Draft Lottery, Jalen Green just may have the most confidence. An important trait that will not only take Green far in terms of personal success but also help facilitate the rebuild for this Rockets organization.
Prediction
I expect the Houston Rockets to finish around ninth or 10th place in the Western Conference. There is potential for the group to overachieve. However, even if they do, they are unfortunately still going to just miss out on the playoffs. This is in part due to them being in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Jalen Green will have a great rookie season and Christian Wood should continue to elevate his NBA stock. Not to mention, Eric Gordon is still on the roster who is capable of catching fire at any moment. The Houston Rockets may not be the contenders they once were. However, they have the talent to surprise some people this year. The question is whether or not the core of players they have in place can actually figure it out going into this season.
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