The Houston Rockets have emerged from their rebuilding phase and are entering the 2024-25 season with higher expectations. After finishing with a 41-41 record last season, just missing out on the playoffs in 11th place, the Rockets demonstrated significant improvement.
They made a strong push for a playoff spot toward the end of the season but ultimately ran out of steam. With a young and talented roster, bolstered by key veteran additions, the Rockets are looking to take the next step in their development. Additionally, they hold a load of draft picks, positioning them well for future moves, whether through trades or the draft.
Let’s take a look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the upcoming season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Fred VanVleet
Reserves: Amen Thompson, Jeenathan Williams, Nate Hinton
Fred VanVleet made an immediate impact in his first season with the Rockets after joining from the Toronto Raptors . VanVleet brought leadership and playmaking to the young team, finishing the season averaging 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game while shooting 41.6% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range. His experience as a champion with the Raptors and his ability to run the offense will be crucial for the Rockets as they continue their ascent.
Behind VanVleet, the Rockets have Amen Thompson, the 4th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. Thompson had a mixed rookie season, struggling with consistency and shooting, averaging 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 53.6% from the field but just 13.8% from beyond the arc.
Thompson is an elite athlete with immense potential, but he will need to improve his shooting to take the next step in his development. Jeenathan Williams and Nate Hinton round out the point guard depth, offering additional youth and energy off the bench.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Jalen Green
Reserves: Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday, Jack McVeigh
Jalen Green continues to be one of the most talented young scorers in the NBA, but he experienced some regression in his third season, partly due to the addition of VanVleet and some inefficiency in his shooting. Green finished the season averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range.
Green’s explosive athleticism and scoring potential are undeniable, but he will need to improve his efficiency and consistency to cement his role as a franchise cornerstone. With the Rockets holding plenty of assets, Green will have to prove that he deserves to stay long-term.
Reed Sheppard, a sharp-shooting rookie, will provide depth at shooting guard. Aaron Holiday brings veteran experience and stability off the bench, while Jack McVeigh adds further depth as a shooter and energy player.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Dillon Brooks
Reserves: Jae'Sean Tate, Cam Whitmore, J. Samuels
Dillon Brooks had a solid debut season with the Rockets after signing from the Memphis Grizzlies. Known for his tough defense and fearless play, Brooks averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 35.9% from three-point range. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on offense will be key for the Rockets, especially as they look to develop their young core.
Backing up Brooks is Jae'Sean Tate, who continues to be a versatile and hardworking player for the Rockets. Tate’s defensive prowess and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable asset off the bench. Cam Whitmore, the 2023 NBA Draft’s No. 20 pick, is another exciting young prospect who showed flashes of potential last season. Whitmore’s athleticism and scoring ability will be crucial as he develops into a larger role.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Jabari Smith Jr.
Reserves: Jeff Green, Tari Eason
Jabari Smith Jr., the third overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, made significant strides in his second season. He averaged 13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. Smith’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with his rebounding and defensive potential, makes him a vital part of the Rockets' future. As Smith continues to refine his offensive game, he will be a key building block for the Rockets.
Veteran Jeff Green, a former NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, brings leadership and versatility to the frontcourt. Green’s experience will be invaluable for the young Rockets, particularly as a mentor for Smith and other young forwards. Tari Eason, another promising young forward, offers defense, energy, and rebounding off the bench. Eason’s potential to grow into a two-way player makes him an important part of the Rockets' second unit.
Center (C)
Starter: Alperen Sengun
Reserves: Steven Adams, Jock Landale, N’Faly Dante
Alperen Sengün continues to solidify his place as one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. Sengun took a significant leap last season, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 53.7% from the field. His ability to facilitate the offense from the post, combined with his rebounding and interior scoring, has made him a key part of the Rockets' rebuild.
Sengun’s unique playstyle, often drawing comparisons to a young Nikola Jokic, will be central to Houston’s success as he continues to develop his defensive game and three-point shooting.
Behind Şengün, the Rockets added veteran center Steven Adams in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Adams brings toughness, rebounding, and physicality to the frontcourt, providing a stabilizing presence on defense. Jock Landale and N’Faly Dante provide additional depth, with Landale offering shooting and Dante serving as a developing young big man.
The Houston Rockets are entering the 2024-25 season with renewed optimism after taking significant steps forward in their rebuild. With Fred VanVleet bringing leadership and stability, and young talents like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun continuing to develop, the Rockets have a promising core in place.
The addition of veterans like Steven Adams and Jeff Green provides experience and guidance for the younger players, while the continued growth of players like Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore offers plenty of upside.
The Rockets have positioned themselves well for the future, with a treasure trove of draft picks and the flexibility to make moves if necessary. If their young stars can take the next step, Houston could challenge for a playoff spot this season. However, consistency and player development will be key as they look to establish themselves as a rising force in the Western Conference.
Related: Grade The Trade: Rockets Acquire Kawhi Leonard In A Huge Proposed Scenario
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