Inside The Rockets
Trenton Whiting

Trenton Whiting

Joined: Dec 2, 2024

Trenton is a Houston-born, Pearland-raised University of Houston graduate who first developed his love for journalism while in school. He began his professional career as a sports reporter for a newspaper in Columbus, Texas, before becoming the managing editor.

Mar 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Rockets' New Competitive Era Has Shades Of The Old Era

The Houston Rockets are contenders again after over five years of irrelevance. This team has a different culture from the last contending Houston team, but some similarities tie the teams together.

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Nov 20, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) attempts to drive with the ball past Indiana Pacers forward Johnny Furphy (12) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Reed Sheppard Is Ready For NBA Competition

Second-year point guard Reed Sheppard has outplayed his competition at the G League level and the Summer League. The Rockets don't need to see anything else from him to know he's ready to contribute.

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Mar 6, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic (17) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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Playmaking Sengun Should Be More Prominent For The Rockets

The Houston Rockets' talented All-Star big man, Alperen Sengun, is a capable passer and an intelligent player. Houston could unlock the offense if he is allowed to run the show more often this upcoming season.

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Apr 4, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) handles the ball inside against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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Who Else Is Entering Their Championship Window With The Rockets?

The Rockets can safely say they are entering their first championship window since the departure of former Rocket James Harden. However, the competition is stiff among teams that are also gunning for the title.

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Apr 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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What Does A Successful Season Look Like For The Young Rockets?

Despite sending out two of the Rockets' former young core, the team still has several players who are set to help the team compete. The Rockets are looking for peak performance from their remaining young players to reach higher heights.

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Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) heads to the sidelines to inbound the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Rockets' Defense May Be Even Better Next Season

The conversation about the Houston Rockets' offseason has centered on potential offensive improvements. However, their defense could see a significant leap this year.

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May 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) stands on the court against the Golden State Warriors before the start of game six of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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The Rockets' Separation From Jalen Green Could Benefit Both Parties

The Houston Rockets moved on from young guard Jalen Green to acquire a superstar scorer. However, Green's departure could be for the best; both for him and the Rockets.

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Apr 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) picks Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) dribbles against Westbrook in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Rockets Must Take Some Offensive Responsibility From VanVleet

The Houston Rockets have depended on Fred VanVleet to bail them out of many poor offensive possessions since his arrival. The Rockets will take the next step only when they can afford to decrease VanVleet's role in the offense.

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May 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Kevin Durant attends the game between the Golden State Valkyries and the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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How Much Will The Rockets Rely On Kevin Durant?

The Houston Rockets secured their biggest acquisition in years with Kevin Durant, a player still capable of leading a team offensively. Durant fulfills a lot of what Houston was missing this past season, but will Durant be counted on to carry the offense?

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Apr 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shakes hands with fans after defeating the Golden State Warriors in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Rockets Are In Win-Now Mode, But Not Championship Or Bust

The Houston Rockets are all-in on trying to bring the city's third NBA championship with several key additions that bolstered their chances for next season. A loss before the Finals would be disappointing, but wouldn't be devastating for the future.

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Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada/Pool Photo-Imagn Images
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Are the Rockets the Second-Best Team In The West?

The Rockets have made several moves during the offseason that have raised the expectations of their potential contention. Have they climbed to the ranks of the other top Western Conference teams?

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Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and guard Fred VanVleet (5) between plays against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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VanVleet Is Still The Rockets' Leader

The Rockets are now a team to be reckoned with in the Western Conference after the addition of several key players this offseason. However, the team's veteran point guard will still be one of the Rockets' leading voices regardless of who is added.

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