New Season Tour Rockets: No more waiting! Plans have changed, go all out to win the championship

The Rockets have completed the road of reconstruction, and the championship team has been built.

In the 20-21 season, Harden only played 8 games for the Rockets before being traded to the Nets.

The Rockets ended the era of building a team around James Harden to compete for the championship, and immediately began the road to reconstruction.

In the past four seasons, the Rockets have selected the team's current main players through draft picks.

2021: No. 2 pick (Jaylen Green is selected), No. 16 pick (Alperon Shenjing)

2022: No. 3 pick (Smith Jr. is selected), No. 17 pick (Tarry Eason)

2023: No. 4 pick (Amen Thompson is selected)

2024: No. 3 pick (Reed Shepard is selected)

Although the Rockets ranked second in the Western Conference last season, they are not a championship team.

Stone said in an interview in June: "Choosing to continue to maintain a complete lineup in order to continue it is not the goal we are pursuing. It is good to maintain the continuity and stability of the lineup, but our ultimate goal is to build a championship team. If we feel that we should do a certain operation, or "A series of actions can give us more hope of winning the championship, so we won't care about the stability of the lineup, and just take action directly." This is the charge that the Rockets will take actions in the free market and the trade market. The Rockets want to form a real championship team, rather than just being satisfied with the promising youth team. As a result, a series of operations this summer came naturally.

ESPN Top 100 Players

Kevin Durant (9)

Alperon Shenjing (25)

Amen Thompson (37)

Jabari Smith Jr. (74)

Offseason operations

(1) Three-year, $39 million contract extension for Steve Adams.

The experienced center played a key rotation and leadership role in last season's playoffs.

After missing the entire 2023-24 season due to injury, Adams made a strong comeback last season, playing in 58 regular season games and averaging 22.1 minutes per game in the playoffs, contributing 5.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, according to ESPN Research data:

When Adams is on the court, the Rockets have a net win of +44 points

When Adams is not on the court, the Rockets have a net loss of -44 points

This plus-minus difference (+88) demonstrates its irreplaceable tactical value.

In addition, Adams ranks first in the league in offensive rebound rate this season. His inside positioning and secondary offensive capabilities perfectly meet the needs of the Rockets' young lineup. This contract extension is not only an affirmation of his state after recovery, but also a strategic choice for the Rockets to maintain their internal competitiveness.

Although Adams does not shoot three-pointers, Adams' blocking, screens and rebounds are scarce resources for championship teams.

As Rockets general manager Stone said: "Some values ​​cannot be reflected in the data sheet, but all coaches are eager to have Steven."

(2) Reached a multi-year, long-term contract extension with coach Amy Uduka, with an expected annual salary of 8 figures.

Uduka's contract extends to the 2026-27 season.

(3) Trade Green and Dillon for Durant; and extend Durant’s contract for 90 million in 2 years.

The chips sent by the Rockets are Jaylen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in 2025, and five future second-round picks (the No. 59 pick in the 2025 draft, two 2026 second-round picks, the Celtics' second-round pick in 2030, and the 2032 second-round pick). These second-round picks will last until 2032. Get Kevin Durant.

The Rockets are Durant's favorite team.

In June, Durant said in an interview: "At this stage of my career, I have the right to choose where I want to go. Yes, I was indeed involved in this transfer. When the management asked for a list of interested teams, I included the Rockets. This team performed well last season. , achieved 50+ wins, a clear tactical system, and a promising future... I am full of expectations for this. "

Durant is the person Uduka wants.

As early as June, Draftstack reporter Ary updated the news report and said: Uduka wants Durant, we will see the follow-up development.

On June 23, according to a joint report by reporters Kelly Iko and Sam Amick, sources revealed that Rockets coach Udoka strongly supported the trade to acquire Durant behind the scenes.

When Udoka was coaching the Celtics, he supported the team's trade for Durant. At that time, the Celtics' offer was based on Jaylen Brown.

Udoka said of Durant: "I have played against Kevin on the court before and later coached him. I know that his competitor is a good fit for the style of team we are building in Houston. His ball His skills, love for basketball and study of his own skills have made him one of the most respected players of his generation."

Kevin Durant reached a two-year contract extension of 90 million with the Rockets, including a player option for the 27-28 season.

Durant could have signed a two-year contract extension with a maximum salary of 120 million US dollars with the Rockets, but the asking price was 30 million US dollars less for the team's salary flexibility.

Comments on Durant's trade and contract extension

The reason why the Rockets stopped in the first round of the playoffs is that the team lacked scorers at critical moments. Green had the opportunity to prove that he could become the scorer the team needed, but failed to do so in the playoffs. The Rockets no longer need to count on Green. Durant has perfectly taken over the responsibility of scoring at critical moments.

With the arrival of Durant, the Houston Rockets have officially entered the championship mode. At the same time, they still have a large number of young talents and assets in the future..

Durant's salary cut and his contract extension with the Rockets will extend the window period for the Rockets and Durant to compete for the championship, increase the team's subsequent operating space, and help retain young core players.

(4) VanVleet signed a contract with VanVleet for US$50 million in 2 years, but VanVleet was reimbursed for the season due to injury.

During this offseason, the Rockets rejected VanVleet's $44.9 million team option for the 25-26 season and signed a new two-year, $50 million contract with him. The second season is a player option.

VanVleet suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which is a devastating blow to the Rockets. They may lose their starting point guard and team leader for this season.

If you want to strengthen the guard position, you can only trade or dig internally, but you cannot sign free agents.

Salary expert Bobby Marks said that unless traded, the Rockets cannot sign free agents to fill the team's vacancies, because the Rockets are only $1.25 million away from the first wealthy line.

In addition, Bobby Marks also said that the Rockets can apply for a $14.1 million injury exception, but they cannot use it due to restrictions on the wealthy line.

(5) Renewed contract with Jabari Smith Jr. for US$122 million over five years.

Jabari Smith Jr. will be in the last year of his rookie contract next season, and his contract salary next season will be about US$12 million.

(6) Signed JaSean Tate for $3 million a year.

Tate averaged 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game last season.

(7) Finney-Smith renewed his contract for 4 years and US$53 million.

The Houston Rockets signed Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year contract worth $53 million. The first two seasons are fully guaranteed contracts, the third year is a non-guaranteed contract, and the fourth year is a non-guaranteed contract, including player options.

The Rockets signed this high-quality 3D player with a contract lower than the full mid-level salary.

In the 24-25 season, Finney-Smith averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, shooting 44.8% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range (a career high).

Finney-Smith limited the All-Stars' half-court effective field goal percentage to 47% last season, which ranked in the top ten among players who defended more than 125 shots last season.

(8) Signed Capela for US$21.5 million in three years.

In the 24-25 season, Capela averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1 block per game, and shot 55.9% from the field.

(9) Center Langdale was waived.

This season Langdale averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 53.3% from the field. His contract next season is US$8 million.

(10) Trade Whitmore in exchange for two second-round picks.

Whitmore averaged 9.4 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist per game this season.

According to ESPN reports, although the Rockets received offers from multiple teams for Cam Whitmore, they ultimately chose to trade him to the team that was most conducive to his "growth and development."

Whitmore was traded mainly because he did not conform to Uduka's team building philosophy. Head coach Uduka has urged Whitmore to put the team first on both offense and defense many times in public and private situations. However, after many attempts, Uduka believed that it was unreasonable to let Whitmore enter the rotation before other players.

Rockets general manager Stone said when talking about the reasons for trading Whitmore: "We are no longer a training-oriented team."

(11) Signed Okogie for $3.1 million a year.

Will Amen Thompson have a career breakout in his third season?

Amen Thompson averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in the 24-25 regular season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 55.7%+27.5%+68.4%.

In 7 games in the playoffs, he averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 49.4%+25%+69.4%.

Amen Thompson was selected to the All-Defensive Team in the 24-25 season. He also became the fifth player in Rockets history to be selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team. The other four are: Olajuwon, Rodney McCray, Pippen, and Patrick Beverley.

Amen Thompson became the ninth player in NBA history and the seventh player aged 22 and under to be selected to the All-Defensive Team in the first two seasons of his career.

Former NBA player Jeff Teague said on the show: "As long as Amen learns how to shoot, he will be a top ten player in the NBA."

When talking about his goals for the new season, Amen Thompson said: "I want to become an All-Star and win a championship."

In the team's general manager vote, Amen ranked first on the question of who is most likely to break out in the new season, receiving 30% of the votes. When it comes to who has the most athletic talent, Amen edges out Edwards for first place.

In addition, due to Van Fleet's absence, Amen has taken on the important responsibility of the organization. Playing point guard is a new challenge for Amen. Whether Amen can accomplish this task well remains to be seen through actual combat.

Jalen Green, who failed to play well in the playoffs, was abandoned by the Rockets

Jalen Green was an important reason why the Rockets were able to win second place in the Western Conference. He averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season.

At the same time, he was also an important reason why the Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. As the team's top player, his playoff performance dropped sharply compared to the regular season performance, averaging only 13.3 points per game and shooting 37.2% + 29.5% + 66.7% from three fields. In four of the seven games, he was in single digits..

Green did not play well in the playoffs, but he is young and has potential. Therefore, he has a certain market and trade value, so he became a trading chip on the team's road to reinforcements. The Rockets traded Green for other stars, but without Antetokounmpo in exchange, the Rockets eventually traded Green for Durant.

VanVleet's injury gave Shepard a chance to play.

Sheppard, the No. 3 draft pick in 2024, played in 52 games last season, averaging 12.6 minutes per game, scoring 4.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, with a three-way shooting percentage of 35.1%+33.8%+81.3%.

This season, Shepard played two summer league games. In the first game, he scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks. In the second game, he scored 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Due to Shepard suffering a minor injury, for safety reasons, the Rockets did not let Shepard play in the remaining Summer League games.

The team has high hopes for the second-year Shepard.

Rockets general manager Stone said in an interview: "Reed has to perform well for us. We have arranged an important role for him... Some other teams wanted to trade him, but we were not interested at that time. , We will definitely give him the opportunity to develop and grow well. "

It is an opportunity but also a challenge.

The Rockets are now a championship team, which means that the time for young players to adapt to new roles will be greatly reduced, and they must try their best to adapt to new roles in a limited time and contribute to the team.

Rockets general manager Stone said when talking about Shepard's position in the new season: "Usually as a third, fourth, or fifth pick, and you happen to be a defender, you will go to a lottery team. You can learn from your mistakes, but we can't give him (Shepard) this opportunity."

The Rockets started

Shepard, Smith Jr., Amen, Durant, and Shen Jing. (Red indicates the confirmed starter)

Jabari Smith will return to the starting lineup in the new season to fill the starting position vacated by Jaylen Green.

Shepard's first position is not stable, and depends more on his performance at the beginning of the season. If Shepard's performance is unstable, Uduka will most likely play a twin-tower lineup, move Adams to the starting position, or let other players play point guard.

Rockets Advantages

(1) Defensive Advantages - Big, Long-Armed, Strong

The average height of the Rockets team is 6 feet 10 inches (approximately 2.08 meters), and the average wingspan is close to 7 feet (approximately 2.13 meters). This lineup is more like a fantasy combination of an all-defensive lineup than a traditional NBA team configuration.

This is not only a giant army, but also a basketball philosophy.

The Rockets must use their body to crush their opponents, use their long arms to block shooters, use their size to dominate the rebounds, and use their strength to control the rhythm.

The Rockets' average weight of 241 pounds (109 kilograms) will allow them to crush almost any opponent in a confrontation.

The Rockets' defensive efficiency last season was 111.7, ranking sixth in the league.

In the 2025-26 season, the Rockets' defense will be even more terrifying.

(2) Diversity of lineup

The Rockets currently have three centers in the lineup, namely Shen Jing, Adams, and Capela.

The three centers have their own characteristics. Shen Jing is a technical scoring big man, Adams is a strong rebounding big man, and Capela is an athletic big man full of bounce.

The different styles of players bring a variety of options for the coach's formation. The Rockets can flexibly use double centers or a single center, and can even send out a lineup without a traditional center composed of Durant, Amen, Finney-Smith, Ethan and other forwards.

The key point lies in Uduka’s arrangement.

(3) Fast pace.

The Rockets may have found the style of play that suits them best, which is fast pace.

Amen Thompson is one of the fastest players in the league. Whenever he grabs a rebound, the fast break will come like a torrential rain. Tarry Eason and Reed Shepard fit this system perfectly. Both of them are keen to accelerate and attack before the defensive formation is formed. , even inside player Alperon Shenjing is mobile enough to follow up and finish in fast breaks. When shooters like Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith are running on the wings, every fast break makes the defense lose sight of one thing. The Rockets do not need to rely on singles or slow-paced half-court offense.

Uduka said in an interview: "In the new season, Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. will be paired up in the frontcourt and played in small lineups."

Rockets disadvantages

With VanVleet's retirement, the point guard position is in great danger, and Shepard has become a key factor in the championship.

The Rockets' biggest weakness is their depth at point guard.

With VanVleet's retirement, the Rockets currently have Amen Thompson, Reid Shepard, Aaron Holiday and two-way contract player JD Davison who can play point guard.

Shepard has not proven himself in the NBA, and whether he can serve as a point guard for a championship team needs to be questioned.

If Shepard performs poorly and lets Aaron Holiday play in the playoffs, will he be able to do the job?

The team management signed three point guards to the roster, which is really a big bet.

According to various news reports, Reed Shepard and Amen Thompson are expected to get more playing time at the point guard position.

Uduka said when talking about how the Rockets will fill the point guard role: "It will be shared by multiple people, and everyone must participate. Amen and Reid will have more possession of the ball, and the Rockets will also rely on Shen Jing and Durant to launch the offense."

Predicted record

54-56 wins, top four in the Western Conference.

The Rockets won 52 games last season. The Rockets strengthened during the offseason. They made up for their biggest weakness (the lack of a key scorer) and introduced a tenacious and powerful 3D big man wing player (Finney Smith). They also doubled down on their obsession with double height (Shen Jing and Adams) and retained most of their core players (Amen, Smith Jr.). They have improved a lot. After winning 52 games last season, they could have won more games, but considering VanVleet's reimbursement, they will go through a painful period of lineup adjustment. For the Rockets, it is not difficult to break through 50 wins.

Conclusion

After finishing second in the Western Conference last season but being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets changed their team building strategy.

Perhaps last year's young lineup has hope of winning the championship in the future, but Stone and Uduka choose not to wait! When they had the chance to get Durant, they made a decisive move and exchanged zero for the whole, trading two starting players Green and Dillon for the 37-year-old Durant. At the same time, the main players in the team such as VanVleet, Amen, Smith Jr., and Adams all remain on the team, which makes the Rockets a strong contender for the championship.

With VanVleet's injury, the Rockets point guard position is in urgent need. Since the injury occurred at an inopportune time, the Rockets have no chance to strengthen the point guard. They can only dig internally or trade in February next year, which puts pressure on the organization. Amen and Shepard are given. Both are young players under the age of 23. It is a question mark whether they can organize the offense of the championship team. This is also the biggest shortcoming of the Rockets on the way to the championship. The forward and center positions are full of talents, and the point guard position is stretched.

In any case, the Rockets have strengthened their lineup during the offseason. The new season will be a season in which they launch an attack on the championship. What kind of sparks can be created between Durant at the end of his peak and Amen, Shen Jing and others who are about to enter their peak?

This is also Durant's last time to challenge for the championship!

Let’s wait and see!