Rockets Reportedly Didn't See Themselves as 'Championship Threat' Before NBA Playoffs
While the Houston Rockets first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors could be seen as disappointing, the franchise had a realistic view of it's contention chances.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Houston did not view themselves as a true "championship threat" and that the team used the season to "evaluate" the roster.
"The Rockets, league sources say, did not see themselves as a championship threat … not even after snagging the West's No. 2 seed. They understand that the Thunder, while even younger, are farther along in the chase for true contention. Yet much like Oklahoma City last season, Houston had been planning to use this entire season — especially the playoffs — to evaluate a roster filled with recent lottery picks. The plan was always to capitalize on the crucible of the postseason for crucial data collection before deciding what major swings, if any, to take this offseason."
Houston entered the season on a four-year playoff drought and quickly put that to an end. The Rockets went 52-30 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. While it was a quick postseason, falling to an experienced team like the Warriors should make it an easier pill to swallow.
The core is led by Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson with other notables like Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. providing important depth contributions. While this group found regular season success, the horses to compete with players like Warriors guard Steph Curry may not be there for Houston.
Additionally, the Oklahoma City Thunder look like a juggernaut that is led by guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Chet Holmgren. That team should remain up at the top of the conference for seasons to come and Houston will need to build a team to compete with that.
Houston will enter the offseason with $7.2 million in first apron space and 10 future first-round draft picks as potential assets to bring in future stars to complement the young core.
