The Houston Rockets have captured the attention of NBA enthusiasts in recent years. Ever since the departure of their star player, James Harden, the team has undergone a rebuilding phase, striving to find a new identity. While the Rockets have had some success in the draft, their overall direction remains uncertain. The team’s recent offseason moves have sparked intense debates among fans and analysts, making them the most polarizing team in the league.
One player who has shown tremendous potential for the Rockets is Alperen Şengün. He has emerged as a player the team should build around. However, the development of the supporting cast has been inconsistent and frustrating. Despite their aspirations of becoming a playoff contender by 2024, Houston’s offseason moves have raised eyebrows and left fans and analysts divided.
At the start of the free agency period, the Rockets possessed the most salary cap space in the NBA, giving them a significant advantage. Having ample cap space can completely transform a team’s fortunes, propelling them from mediocrity to championship contention. With $59.8 million to spend, the Rockets were poised to make a splash, including the possibility of a James Harden reunion and pursuing top-tier players like Brook Lopez and Kyrie Irving.
However, the Rockets’ plans didn’t materialize as expected. Instead of landing established stars, they settled for second-tier options, essentially acquiring players who were seen as knock-off versions of their initial targets. This decision raised questions about the team’s culture and the type of players they aimed to attract. The signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks for a combined $220 million sent mixed signals about Houston’s desired direction.
Dillon Brooks, in particular, had already been released by the Memphis Grizzlies due to his disruptive presence in the team’s locker room. The Rockets’ decision to sign him for $80 million over four years seemed excessive, especially considering his inconsistent on-court performance. Observers were puzzled by this move, as it appeared that the Rockets overpaid for a player with questionable fit and value.
Furthermore, the Rockets’ offensive efficiency was already a concern, and their signings didn’t adequately address this issue. While adding Fred VanVleet, who had shown flashes of scoring prowess during the 2019 playoffs, they still lacked a playmaking point guard and struggled with effective ball movement. The team needed better floor spacing and improved offensive cohesion to unlock their young roster’s potential.
In the NBA draft, the Rockets aimed to bolster their roster with promising talents. Jalen Green, selected as the second overall pick, was expected to be a dynamic scorer, but his shooting has been inconsistent. His playmaking abilities have also fallen short of expectations, raising doubts about his long-term role with the team. Additionally, the Rockets picked Cam Whitmore, who slipped in the draft due to concerns about his low assist rate and a shooting thumb injury. These draft choices added further uncertainty to the Rockets’ already risky portfolio.
If the young prospects like Whitmore and Green fail to live up to expectations, it could have serious consequences for the Rockets’ front office. General Manager Rafael Stone has faced scrutiny for his decisions since taking over in 2020. With a team built around unproven talents and lacking reliable floor spacing, the Rockets need to show significant progress this season to justify Stone’s choices.
The Houston Rockets have become the NBA’s most polarizing team due to their unconventional approach to roster construction and player acquisitions. While some of their moves have raised eyebrows and divided opinions, the team’s future success hinges on the development of their young prospects and the ability to establish a coherent playing style. Only time will tell if their risky strategy pays off and propels them back into contention.