Houston Rockets: Best and worst moves from 2023 NBA offseason

Best offseason moves

It was clear from the onset that the Houston Rockets were going to do everything in their power this offseason to expedite their rebuild. And, for the most part, the Rockets actually did a pretty good job of doing that. And it started with two excellent selections in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Drafting Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore 

After deciding against trading the pick, the Rockets selected Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft. As he showed in Summer League, Thompson has the player to be a dynamic player for the Rockets. If he reaches his ceiling, he could end up being the best young player from their core.

But that wasn’t the only good move the Rockets made in the NBA Draft. After selecting Thompson with the No. 4 pick, the Rockets traded up to No. 20 to select Cam Whitmore after he fell in the draft. Whitmore is a top 7 talent that fell out of the lottery completely. He could end up being the steal of the draft.

Signing Fred VanVleet

After a great showing in the NBA Draft, the Rockets followed that up by making one of the bigger signings in free agency. Houston signed Fred VanVleet to a huge deal but the biggest reason why I didn’t mind this move is because it’s just a three-year deal.

VanVleet could be a calming veteran presence for the team over the next couple of seasons and then can move on once Houston’s young backcourt is ready to take back the reins.