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Who is most likely to take a leap next year?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by MettaWorldPete, Jul 19, 2025.

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Who is most likely to take a leap next year?

  1. Sengun

    12 vote(s)
    6.2%
  2. Thompson

    112 vote(s)
    57.7%
  3. Sheppard

    26 vote(s)
    13.4%
  4. Smith Jr.

    37 vote(s)
    19.1%
  5. Eason

    7 vote(s)
    3.6%
  1. Mr.Scary

    Mr.Scary Member

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    I voted Amen as I am hoping he builds on last years jump but it could easily be Sengun if he just starts hitting free throws.
     
  2. fattz

    fattz Member

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    My hope is coach opens up the rotation during the season. Fred and KD are key to everyone’s “leap”. Players on the second unit have the greatest chance because everyone else is playing behind KD and FVV know both will get their’s. Hopefully coach will keep our senior citizens on restricted minutes. Keeping them healthy for the entire season and the playoffs.
     
  3. ksny15

    ksny15 Member

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    It has to be Amen
     
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  4. Swapshop

    Swapshop Member

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    They all will be leaping, they are basketball players.
     
  5. RocketOrg

    RocketOrg Member

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    Amen shot 68% from the line last year and the year before. I’m hoping he gets to somewhere around 75%. His 3-pt shot went from 13.8% to 27.5% last year. If he can get to around 34% that would be significant. His rebounding almost doubled from his rookie to sophomore seasons as did his scoring with increased minutes. Now that he’ll get starter minutes I fully expect both of these numbers to go up, meaning he’ll likely get a lot of double doubles next year.

    side note: Reed Sheppard still has a long ways to go before becoming a significant contributor. While he filled the stat sheet in summer league, he wasn’t the most efficient.
     
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  6. Hank McDowell

    Hank McDowell Member

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    Amen is the obvious answer, but I voted for Jabari. I just think he has the most unmet upside potential and that this might be the year where he finally puts it all together. But I've thought that for a while now...
     
  7. keeez

    keeez Member

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    Alpi, even without much improvement elsewhere, and just getting back to where he was in terms of finishing around the basket will already be a big boon. We should expect a 20/10/5 season from him at the very least.

    Amen is Amen. Most are expecting a lot from him as they should. I personally think all-star is reasonable/attainable. I wouldn't expect his 3 ball to get much better but I think we're definitely gnna be seeing a lot more middys and floaters from him. His finishing around the basket will be all-world along with his defense of course.

    Reed is the hardest to predict IMO. He's definitely shown flashes of both good and bad. Summer league reflected that with 1 good game and 1 bad game. Optimistic that he can at the very least be serviceable in a 15-20 mpg backup PG role. At least for my own sanity. I don't think my mental can handle another 40mpg FVV season. He will handle more especially without Jalen now. I don't even know what to expect in terms of numbers from him. I think he just needs to manage the game well, hit his 3s at a decent clip, and play solid defense.

    Bari, along with Reed is one of the biggest X factors next season. He was probably held back the most by Jalen. I wonder how KD affects his dynamic now. Conservatively, I'm thinking something like 15/8 on better splits.

    Tari will hopefully be fully healthy going into this season. He's one of my favorite players but I don't know about a significant jump. I hoping for a more consistent outside shot. We know his strengths but his decision making needs to improve on both sides. Ime did give him the Kawhi comp though... The issue with Tari is gonna be the playing time. I can only see him taking a big leap if he gets ~30mpg because someone got injured :(
     
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