Young and Restless. Green Match. Evolving Matrix.
“You’re afraid of change. I don’t know the future. I didn’t come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it’s going to begin,” Neo says in The Matrix, and as the ribbon is unwrapped on a new Rockets season, the squad enters the campaign with plenty of change. Which isn’t a bad component for this group. As the NBA enters its 75th season, the days of James Harden in Houston are long gone, and the team enters this year with a fresh slate. As opposed to being held Harden’s hostage and all the suffering that entailed the start to the Stephen Silas era in Houston. The Rockets for the first time since the start of the Harden era, feel like they’re truly turning over a new leaf. This new matrix will push the squad to improve and develop their skills, without the distractions of a drama queen like Harden. Houston has a young and eager group, one whose earnest excitement to play will be fun to watch on the court.
The Rockets were fortunate in the draft this offseason, landing the second overall pick. Houston took Jalen Green, who played for one season in the G-League, as opposed to college ball. Green, only 19 years old, was picked by many to win the Rookie of the Year award, and should be a blast to watch his growth in his first season against NBA competition. Jalen has serious superstar potential. While Houston lost their previous superstar last season, Green has a chance to be the perfect replacement, and match for this team. He will start at shooting guard, as Kevin Porter Jr. has been designated with running the show at the point. KPJ had a breakout season last year after the Rockets basically stole him from Cleveland. Look for Porter Jr. to have even more impact in his first full season in Houston. Along with Christian Wood, who showed All-Star potential last season before he went down with injuries, the Rockets have a promising young core that can potentially develop into a Big-Three, barring injury problems.
Houston and GM Rafael Stone were arguably the biggest winners on draft night. Jalen Green was the headline, but the Rockets also drafted three other rookies who should be fun to watch develop with the core. Alperen Sengun, the happiest man on planet earth, was the 16th pick by Houston. Sengun was the MVP of the Turkish league, and is thrilled to be a Houston Rocket. While he’s still raw, as all rookies, Sengun has sneaky potential to be one of the biggest steals of this draft if he reaches his potential in a few years. At the 23rd pick, the Rockets selected Usman Garuba, from Spain. Garuba has the tools to be a stellar defensive player for Houston, but he’s going to need patience, as rotational minutes may not be on his plate this season. And with their final pick, the Rockets chose Josh Christopher at number 24, an Arizona State product. Chistopher has impressed in summer league and preseason. He could develop into a solid role player, or even an All-Star caliber player. Only time will tell. And time’s on Houston’s side this season.
Don’t expect the Rockets to win many games or contend for the playoffs this season. While they should improve on last season’s win total, Houston still has a lot of growing pains to experience with a boatload of rookies and young players at their core. John Wall is still technically on the team, but the Rockets are searching to find him a more suitable home for the aging, frequently injured star. Eric Gordon, one of the last remaining from the pinnacle of the James Harden era, is a veteran Houston hopes will help usher in the ropes of professional play for these young players. Center Daniel Theis, a new addition in free agency from the Boston Celtics, is another veteran who will guide Sengun in adjusting to the NBA game, after the Turk dominated overseas.
Jae’Sean Tate returns after perhaps the most over-achieving rookie year of any player last season. Look for Tate to resume his role as the energizer bunny on this squad, a role he relished in last season. Kenyon Martin Jr. also aims to jump even higher, and block every center in the league this year. KJ Martin improved mightily throughout his rookie season, earning more minutes with each performance, and carving a spot for himself in the rotation. Danuel House Jr. is back once again, along with David Nwaba, Armoni Brooks, and D.J. Augustin. Garrison Mathews and Dashien Nix also made Houston’s roster, but they’ll have to play their way into the rotation, as Houston has a plethora of guys ready to go for opening night.
The Rockets open the season with a pair of games against bad teams, in Minnesota and Oklahoma City, but after that, the reality of the NBA schedule sets in. And Houston should improve as the season moves along, as most young teams do. However, the Rockets are the youngest team in the league, and it will take time for the group to find chemistry. Houston has a bright future, but enjoy the present. As in life, there is no joy without pain in basketball. This season may be painful in the win column, but these are necessary growing pains champions experience in the beginning of their basketball journey. Don’t fear the change the Rockets will display on the court. Embrace it… the Rockets have the Green light to begin a remarkable journey.