Houston Rockets: Best and worst-case scenarios for the 2021-22 season
By David Hakim
With roster movement gradually coming to a standstill, the Houston Rockets have made their intentions for the 2021-22 NBA season clear. Prioritizing the development of their young players alongside the management of more experienced veterans, what are the best, and worst, case scenarios for the new-look Houston Rockets squad?
There’s no doubt that the Houston Rockets have had an eventful offseason. The drafting of Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Usman Garuba, and Josh Christopher has provided the Rockets with a bevy of young talent who are likely to see significant time on the floor.
The enduring presence of John Wall and Eric Gordon, as well as their contracts and team roles, creates a difficult set of objectives for mid-season moves. Head coach Stephen Silas will be headed into his second season with the Houston Rockets, finally with some roster stability.
Additionally, the likes of Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, Jae’Sean Tate, and Kenyon Martin Jr. will build upon their year together, finding their spot in the rotation and honing their game as their team builds chemistry.
Offseason Breakdown
2020-21 Season Record: 17-55 (15th in Western Conference, 30th in NBA)
Additions: Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, Usman Garuba, Josh Christopher, Daniel Theis
Losses: Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley, D.J. Wilson, Sterling Brown, Victor Oladipo
Re-Signings: Dante Exum, David Nwaba
Remaining Roster: Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, John Wall, Jae’Sean Tate, D.J. Augustin, Eric Gordon, K.J. Martin, Armoni Brooks, Danuel House, Anthony Lamb*, Tyler Bey*
Projected Starting Lineup: Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Eric Gordon, Daniel Theis, Christian Wood
While the Rockets have established a strong foundation upon which to build a competitive team in the future, their roster as it stands is far from the most robust team in the league. In an ever-more competitive Western Conference, this season for Houston is poised to be crowded with failures, mistakes; learning moments, if you will.
However, though relatively less experienced, last season’s performances showed flashes of truly impressive potential, primarily from players who are both young and returning this season. As the Houston Rockets head into the 2021-22 season, what can be expected with regards to their performance and potential to succeed?