The Ringer: Why Can’t the Rockets Win the Next NBA Title?

Because they have Ime Udoka, one of the worst coaches in the league, as their head coach.

/thread

 

Why do you say "chemistry may be broken beyond repair"?

KD and Amen were the primary ball handlers last season. Fix that and this team can run with anyone, including OKC and SA.

THIS team is talented enough to win a championship. That said, the margin of error is thin.

 

Unfortunately he forgot how to shoot in the playoffs, he was a liability

 

Let me guess, all your Google or Amazon reviews are either 1 star or 5 star.

..and let me guess, winning 50+ games for two seasons happened despite Ime, not because of him.

We know. You hate Ime with every ounce of your soul.

 

Dickerson ruined the chemistry with his burner

 

Quattro Leches… don’t sell us short!

 

No one has won a title with Kevin Durant as their best player. And it won't happen now.

 

How do you know that? Or are you guessing? I don't recall hearing any direct evidence that phonegate was a lockeroom issue, it was all just conjecture.

But for the sake of argument, let's just say Bari did get his feelings hurt. How do you know that won't be resolved next season.

You know the best way to fix chemistry? Win. If they come out the gate hard in November, all will be forgotten.

It sounds like you are just hating on KD.

 

Because. Just because.

 

PG destroyed any chance they might have had last season. Of course they have a chance if everything goes right, and that's obviously what Stone is trying to sell. The reality is that this old ass team is almost certainly going to have injuries. Durant staying healthy was a miracle, until he fell apart when they actually needed him the most. If everything goes perfectly, yes, they have a chance, and that's a nice optimistic way of looking at things. You never know!

 

Agreed - if the Rockets win 50 games, it isn't luck.

Look - the Rockets are a solid team, they are not terrible - they have some talent, they just lack the high end talent to win a title.

 

It was pretty obvious that the vibes were off, and combine that with KD not denying the reports, and other reporting that the issue was never addressed in the locker room.

I hope you’re right that it gets hashed out in camp this year.

 

Can't shoot.
Poorly constructed roster.
Some pieces cannot fit together.
Lack of top end talent.
Lack any real creators.
Massive injury risks.

All of the above points are true.

However - the Rockets do have a formula to win most games.

Play hard
Defend - Defend - Defend
Rebound
Maximize depth
Sheppard develop as #2 scorer
DON'T TURN THE BALL OVER

Neither Smart - nor FVV are great point guards, they don't really create for others and they don't get guys a lot of great open shots. However - what they do well is PROTECT THE BALL. The Rockets are going to be in a lot of 5 point games, and if the Rockets win the turnover battle by a decent amount and they rebound and defend - they can win 50 games in a tough Western Conference.

I don't think that gets you deep into the playoffs without better creators, a franchise player and a smarter offense --- but it can win in the regular season.

 

Obviously Fred is a great ball handler. I just don’t think he’s gonna be as good post-injury. And I think he’ll be on a minutes restriction. I’m taking a realistic approach with Fred. Others seem to think he’s gonna come back and play like he did his first yr with the Rockets. I think that’s unlikely.

 

They might make the Las Vegas Emirates NBA Cup Semi Final or Final.....

 

Nope. Because we will do it with Sengun as our best player.

 

I have us at abiut out 48-49 wins. I think a big factor will be if Reed can take a big step, because that would really help our ball handling and shooting; two huge needs. The other big factor will be KD’s health and availability. If we get a big leap from Reed (and Ime actually plays him) and KD stays healthy and plays like last season, then I think we will win over 50 games. That’s the outcome I’m hoping for since it looks like we are keeping KD.

 

Honestly the 1 thing the Rockets are missing is a "North Star" type talent in their Young Core. They have everything else. Amen, Sengun, Sheppard are the 3 guys with the highest ceilings but not sure they can reach that North Star type level. Maybe if they are lucky they can draft Tyran Stokes in 2027 who might fit that bill. If not him, then someone else in the coming years.

 

I would add "likely" to lack the high end talent to win a title as internal development isn't always linear, and trades can happen. Getting the star has been Rockets' weakness, and it shows more in the playoffs.

 

Because they lack a lot of things championship teams have. Owner, front office, players, and coaches.