We'll be exponentially better at the end of the season

You never know when your window will be. I personally think we have a team that is similar to what Ainge built after the KD, Pierce debacle didn't work and he built that next generation through the draft, and with a bargain trade or two for veterans.

However if that Celtics team was in the Western conference in 2026, do you really think they would have stood a chance competing against OKC, the Nuggets, etc? I think this years OKC team would wipe the floor with that Celtics team that was good enough AT THE TIME... WITH THE WINDOW THEY HAD to win it all.

This Rockets team just needs to keep focus on the longhaul, MANAGE ASSETS, develop talent, and be in the game long enough to be good when the next window of opportunity presents itself.

Not saying they should just forgo this season, and tank. I still think they could go on a tear in the 2nd half, and be right there with OKC, and Denver. However obviously we see now they are just on another level, and we obviously see that this team has some maturity, effort, and defensive consistency issues so not likely.

But to the OP's point, I think next season this team could be dramatically better with bringing the core back, getting FVV back, maybe a healthy DFS, a first round talent, and some good pickups to fill out the bench a bit better. No we won't be at OKC's level maybe ever, but you never know if you just keep the option open for long enough to get that window when it happens.

 

Theres alot we need to fix but we always get better at the end of the season

 

"exponentially better"
______

[✓] UNLIKELY

 

We have been unlucky with our schedule and the closing of games. This is a 55 win team.

 

Disagree on Sengun having much more upside. I think this is who he is. The reason he (and Luka) complain so constantly is sorta the same reason that Reed "gambles" for steals. They dont want to do the work. So the complaint gets them a bit of rest so they dont have to get back on D and it gives them a false hope of the refs making it easier on them. Harden did this as well. I'm over it. Sengun is a great player and a deserved All-Star, but much like Fred he is better served as an ancillary scorer and connector than a 1A. Like a bizarro Draymond. He needs to see his role reduced.

The two man game between KD and Sengun is just a clutch time turnover waiting to happen. They need Reed and Reed is not ready. So they need a Reed type that *is* ready. FVV isnt walking through that door and he isnt getting any younger. Trading FVV and Tari for a 6th Man that could serve this role would be ideal (Derrick White is too old, need someone younger).

Amen and Reed need more shots. Sengun needs less shots. Jabari and KD should shoot whenever they get set up by someone competent. I haven't liked Amen second guessing himself when he gets into the paint. He has a floater. He has a mid range. They have been on a milk carton this season.

Tari needs to go. Id love to get Ausar somehow from Detroit but Tari is such broken goods not sure what we could trade him for.

 

Lol… I love how stupid some posters and actually believe Ime doesn’t know offensive plays.

As if the coaches don’t tell the players what to expect. I guess it’s just easier being stupid in order to cope.

 

You were simply wrong and/or stupid if you thought there wasn’t going to be any growing pains.

Projections are merely that, and smart NBA media were rightfully iffy about the Rockets being contenders without FVV for the season.

The young core is still developing and clearly not ready.

 

Based on last year, I really doubt that Stone will make a move in the deadline. My guess is that this team will remain the same, with the hope that Amen and Reed will be better at handling the ball, and if we get a 1st round exit again - we’ll go at it next year, with Fred as our starting pg. By the way - I don’t agree with this approach, I think we should maximise our capabilities as early as possible, and in general it was a huge mistake that we didn’t sign a pg backup during the summer. But based on last year, I just don’t see us going all in for a pg in the middle of the season.

 

I think Ime is holding the team back. Reed needs the ball late, in every close game.

DD

 

He'll make probably like a Theis, Jaden Springer, DJ Wilson type of move.....likely if any at all.

If McCollum got stretched, who knows.....he'll have to fight the Lakers ...older teams for that guy.

 

Exponential growth on this team means they win a championship.

I am not ready to go there, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility. They have options.

If the Rockets win half of the close games they lost this year, the outlook is different.

Capela is the main trade piece just for salary ballast, in my opinion. DFS has a pretty attractive contract and value, too.
Tari adds so much that I would be reluctant to move him unless he is part of a package for a significant player.