Last season: 20-62; 29th in offense, 29th in defenseKey additions: C Boban MarjanovićKey subtractions: C Christian Wood, SF David Nwaba, PG Dennis SchröderDraft picks: PF Jabari Smith Jr. (third), SF Tari Eason (17th), PG TyTy Washington Jr. (29th)
It says a lot about the current state of the Rockets that the most notable offseason development for the franchise’s future was Kevin Durant’s trade demand. No, Durant isn’t coming to Houston, but one of the biggest chips Houston has in its post-James Harden rebuild is the collection of five Brooklyn drafts it controls from 2024 to 2029. A Brooklyn implosion is an instant godsend for the Rockets.
As for the scenarios within its control, Houston’s roster might generously be called a work in progress from top to bottom. Stephen Silas enters his third season at the helm with a career record of 37-117 and a strong chance that this coming season won’t improve the winning percentage much. Houston has patiently piled up assets, even turning a young-ish, productive center (Christian Wood) into another first-round pick this offseason. But this coming season may test its organizational pain tolerance.
Read More: Houston Rockets preview: Predictions and analysis for the 2022-23 NBA season