Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green Confident About Playoff Prospects for 2024-25 Season…

Are the Houston Rockets set for a breakout in the 2024-25 NBA season?

The Houston Rockets, after eight straight playoff appearances from 2013 to 2020, have missed the postseason for the past four years, nearing the longest playoff drought in their history. However, the 2023-24 season showed signs of resurgence, suggesting the Rockets are ready to compete again.

The Rockets ended the 2023-24 season with a balanced 41-41 record, which would have qualified them for the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. In the highly competitive Western Conference, though, they were five games short of the final Play-In spot held by the Golden State Warriors.

The upcoming season in the Western Conference promises to be equally challenging, with teams like San Antonio and Memphis expected to contend, and the top ten teams likely remaining strong.

The Houston Rockets in the Playoffs next season would be a dream come true.

Jalen Green posted this on his IG. pic.twitter.com/GeQ59eNXSD

— RocketsMuse (@RocketsMuse) May 25, 2024

Despite this, Jalen Green, the Rockets’ shooting guard drafted 2nd overall in 2021, is optimistic about the team’s prospects for next April’s meaningful games after enduring three losing seasons.

Rockets’ Gradual Rise

If the Rockets make the playoffs next season, it won’t be due to a sudden turnaround. This resurgence is the result of years of strategic planning, including coaching changes, smart draft picks, and strategic veteran signings.

The hiring of Ime Udoka, after his split with the Boston Celtics, has been pivotal. Udoka, who led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, has instilled a culture focused on defense, teamwork, and hustle in the young Rockets team.

The Rockets’ recent success has been largely built through the NBA Draft. Key draft picks over the last three years include Jalen Green (19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game), Jabari Smith Jr. (13.7 points, 8.1 rebounds), Cam Whitmore (12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds), Tari Eason (9.8 points, 7.0 rebounds per game in 22 games), and Amen Thompson (9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists).

Additionally, Alperen Sengun, originally drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and then traded to Houston, has become a central figure in the team’s offense over the past 18 months.

Veteran acquisitions have also played a crucial role. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were signed to substantial contracts last summer, which, despite initial criticism, align well with the team’s development timeline.

Jeff Green, with a team option for next year, and Steven Adams, acquired in February, also support Udoka’s vision for the team.

Furthermore, the Rockets hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from the Brooklyn Nets. This gives them the flexibility to either strengthen their young core or trade the pick for immediate reinforcements.

Heading into the summer of 2024, it’s evident that the Rockets are on an upward trajectory.