The Houston Rockets have been absent from the playoffs since James Harden’s departure, but GM Rafael Stone has set the bar high for the 2024-25 season, with playoff aspirations front and center.
Following several seasons of rebuilding and struggles, the Rockets showed signs of competitiveness last year, leaving fans and analysts hopeful for the upcoming season.
Houston’s Road to Rebuild
In the 2019-20 season, the Rockets won over 40 games and managed to secure a first-round playoff victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the team’s fortunes quickly took a nosedive after Harden’s exit. For the next three seasons, Houston found itself at the bottom of the standings, winning fewer than 23 games each year and accumulating several high draft picks in the process.
By the 2023-24 season, the Rockets began to reap the rewards of their rebuilding phase. Winning 41 games, Houston finally displayed the potential of its youthful roster. Though they missed the playoffs, finishing 11th in the Western Conference, their progress did not go unnoticed.
Playoff Aspirations for 2024-25
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic shares the belief that the Rockets could make the playoffs in the upcoming season. “To me, the Rockets are all about the leap their young players take,” Vecenie said. “The expectations should be the playoffs — they should make the top eight this year… That’s a reasonable goal under new head coach Ime Udoka.” Vecenie also pointed out the impact of veteran center Steven Adams and the internal development of key players like Tari Eason as crucial factors.
Key Players and New Additions
The Rockets are banking on their young talent to take significant strides this season. Six of the team’s top eight scorers last year were under the age of 22, signaling a bright future if they continue to develop. The offseason additions of talented rookie guard Reed Sheppard and veteran Steven Adams should further bolster their lineup.
Houston’s youth, combined with a solid coaching staff led by Udoka, offers optimism that the team is poised to break into the playoffs. With some Western Conference rivals like the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors facing offseason setbacks, the Rockets could be in a prime position to capitalize and secure a postseason berth for the first time in years.
All eyes are on Houston as they aim to take the next step from rebuilding to playoff contention.
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