In this limited 30-part series, we shall be discussing each team’s latest developments, current roster, and future prospects in the upcoming 2022-2023 NBA season. For every team, we will examine bit-by-bit the important aspects that may shape its progress and provide a rough projection of how it will fare vis-à-vis its previous year’s performance and versus the rest of the league.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
2021-2022 Season Win-Loss Record:
20-62
Depth Chart:
PG – Kevin Porter Jr., Trey Burke, TyTy Washington Jr.
SG – Jalen Green, Josh Christopher, Garrison Matthews, Daishen Nix
SF – Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate, Kenyon Martin Jr., Sterling Brown
PF – Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, David Nwaba, Usman Garuba
CE – Alperen Sengun, Willie Cauley-Stein, Boban Marjanovic
Head Coach:
Stephen Silas
Headliners:
When Houston traded away former franchise player James Harden and defensive specialist P.J. Tucker, the Rockets got a slew of draft picks in return, some of which, netted them Alperen Sengun, Josh Christopher, Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington Jr.
They have now snagged back-to-back top three picks after taking explosive Filipino-American guard Jalen Green with the 2nd overall pick in last year’s NBA Rookie Draft and landing with defensive big man Jabari Smith Jr. with the 3rd overall pick in this year’s version of it.
The acquisition of Kevin Porter Jr. was a high risk, high reward proposition that went well for the franchise, thus far. He averaged a well-rounded 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game to complement Green’s backcourt production of 17.3 markers, 3.4 boards, and 2.6 dimes on a nightly basis.
At 33 years old, veteran sharp-shooter Eric Gordon does not fit the Rockets’ timeline. Hence, it is highly unlikely for him to remain in the roster before the trade deadline. Houston may be able to flip him for future draft assets and/or a young player from a struggling contender that may need his services for a deep playoff run.
Houston fans may see considerable improvement from the likes of Alperen Sengun, Kenyon Martin, and Jae’Sean Tate, apart from those earlier mentioned. They should, however, continue to expect the Rockets to continue to lose for better lottery odds at next year’s rather deep draft class.
Injury Updates:
No significant injuries.
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