The Houston Rockets have bounced back from a shaky start to the season, currently holding a 4-3 record. If things become better by next year, the team could look ahead to acquire key pieces before the trade deadline passes.
After losing two of their first three games, they have rallied to win three of their last four, including a recent home victory against the New York Knicks. This resurgence has propelled them up seven spots in ESPN’s power rankings, moving from 21st to 14th.
Coach Ime Udoka highlighted the team’s recent performance as a “statement win,” particularly noting their thrilling overtime battle against the Warriors, where they overcame a significant 31-point deficit. Despite ranking low in field goal percentage, the Rockets have thrived on offensive rebounding, averaging 15.3 boards per game, which has contributed to their solid offensive rating of 113.9. Jalen Green has also shown marked improvement, indicating he may be on the verge of setting new career highs in scoring and three-point shooting.
As the season progresses, the Rockets aim to maintain their upward trajectory and solidify their position in the competitive Western Conference. With a mix of young talent and developing chemistry, the team is optimistic about its potential to continue improving and making a push for the playoffs. The next few games will be crucial in determining their path forward, but the early signs are promising for Houston fans.
NBA Analysis Predicts Houston Rockets To Be Aggressive Buyers at Trade Deadline
Even though they aren’t projected to compete for a ring soon, Houston has progressed far enough to field a capable roster. According to an analysis by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the front office can speed things up by becoming buyers at the trade deadline.
Expectations are up in Space City, where the Rockets just added 19 victories to their win tally this past season. While they could play the waiting game and see if their abundance of young talent can fuel their launch, it sounds like they’re more interested in adding an established star and reaping the rewards of the immediate impact that player could deliver.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick recently wrote about Houston’s “widely known aspirations” to add a centerpiece. To get a feel for the kind of swing the Rockets hope to take, Amick added that they’ve had “serious interest in Phoenix’s Devin Booker, New Orleans’ Zion Williamson and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell.”
This follows with previous reporting from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon about Houston wanting “to take a big, big swing in the trade market.” While MacMahon didn’t mention any targets, he opined that such a move could cost the club a young building block like Alperen Şengün or Jalen Green, who both inked extensions in October.
Rockets are poised to be aggressive players in the trade market this season. Following a 4-3 start, they’ve shown a strong desire to add an established star to complement their young talent. Reports suggest they’re targeting high-profile players like Devin Booker and Zion Williamson.
With Udoka emphasizing the team’s need for a centerpiece, the Rockets are ready to make bold moves if the opportunity arises. As they continue to develop their core, Houston’s willingness to trade key prospects could significantly impact their future success. The Rockets are aiming high and preparing for action.
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