Rockets Don’t Need to Make Drastic Moves to Improve Next Season

After improving to being a .500 team this season, the Houston Rockets simply need to stay healthy in order to take that next step.

Jan 20, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) celebrates with forward | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

As it relates to season-over-season jumps, the Houston Rockets were the most improved franchise in the NBA this season. After winning just 22 games in the 2022-23 campaign, Houston went .500 at 41-41 this season. 

Interestingly enough, the Rockets didn’t get anywhere close to reaching their ceiling, which was primarily due to injuries.  Tari Eason played just 22 games, Amen Thompson had a slow start to his rookie campaign due to injury, Cam Whitmore missed time in the middle of the season and Alperen Sengun was sidelined for the final stretch of the recent campaign. 

While most teams generally have to add new talent in the offseason to take another leap, Houston should stay patient. If the Rockets can stay healthy next season — while also seeing natural development from some of their core pieces — this is a team that could finish the 2024-25 season quite a few games over .500 and start to emerge as a group that is a year or two away from contending. 

Furthermore, chemistry is a real thing in the NBA. As this roster gets back to full health and plays more together next season, even more improvement should be expected. 

While any front office should always be open to making deals that improve the franchise’s outlook, GM Rafael Stone shouldn’t feel pressure to make significant moves this summer. The offseason should be more about retaining the current core and allowing this young, rising team to mesh. 

This is a good place to be for a team like the Rockets, especially given another lottery pick is on the way. This is a franchise with a bright future and an asset base to maintain flexibility in future years.