28. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets will enter the season as an intriguing young team. They’re loaded with talent and (now), after the offseason, some veterans that should be able to help this team take a step forward. The biggest reason why the Rockets are ranked 28th to start the year is because of the uncertainties that surround this team heading into training camp. Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun are talented but still have much to prove in terms of consistency. Kevin Porter Jr. is probably not going to play another game for the Rockets again.
The hope is that new head coach Ime Udoka, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks are able to right the ship this season in Houston. I have my concerns. VanVleet is coming off a down year with the Toronto Raptors and Brooks was more of a liability when he was on the floor for the Memphis Grizzlies by the end of last season.
If they can play up to their potential, there’s no question they’d be a huge help to the Rockets and their progression as a franchise. But that’s far from a guarantee considering the season both of them just had for their respective teams.