NBA Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams stand after the draft, free agency

26. Houston Rockets

Key offseason move: Signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks; drafted Amen Thompson

As somewhat of a surprise, the Houston Rockets were one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. Even though it was widely reported that they were going to try to make a big splash during the offseason, I’m not really sure anyone took it at face value. Nevertheless, the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to big contracts. But those two moves weren’t even the biggest additions that the Rockets made. At least not in my opinion.

I believe that the Rockets’ biggest – and most impactful – move of the offseason was drafting Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. Thompson is an intriguing talent that has some serious high-end potential. It may not entirely pay off this season but he’s the type of player that could completely change the trajectory of a franchise if he reaches his ceiling.

The Rockets had quite the polarizing offseason but they have one of the most talented rosters on paper. Whether or not that will translate to on-the-court success remains to be seen. But you can’t really argue that the potential isn’t there for Houston.