I'll repeat myself: All of the youngsters are ambitious and want to grow their role and minutes. But some of them are going to be very disappointed this season. There will be winners and some losers. Things could start to become obvious during the first 10-15 games or late February after the All-Star break.
Ups and Downs in emotions, expectations and playing time. Brooks was never going to hit 60% from 3 like in his initial games.
Dillon Brooks will be an interesting case. I believe he will remain a starter on the Rockets until they trade him. If both Amen and Tari raise their games, it will put pressure on Stone to make a move. The difference is he got $80 million guaranteed and doesn't give a care if the Rockets trade him or not.
One thing I absolutely adore about Brooks is his Bill Belichick-esque attention to detail on the defensive scouting report. I hope our young guys steal all those habits before he is inevitably forced out.
No, what I'm saying is they can use media day to hype players all they want. I never believe the hype till I see the results. However there is actual evidence - whether the organization agrees or not - that a historically significant amount of internal improvement can be delivered. There is ACTUALLY a possibility 4-5 players are more muscular (I don't recall that ever being possible). It is realistic to expect significant change. I especially don't recall a closer off-season interaction between players and coaches. Whether it's luck or hype or whatever, what they're saying is actually valid this time if that makes sense. A lot of outlier variables in this project, so expect an outlier result.
Hopefully, it all generates into what we saw from OKC last year. 40-42 to 57-25. A league-wide announcement that the Houston Rockets are for REAL. If Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have made legitimate leaps, my god does this thing fall into place beautifully... Could not be more pumped!!!
That would be an amazing upper ceiling but I'll be ecstatic with roughly 50 wins. OKC set their culture for years before hitting 57, I hope we can do it with just one season but I'd be pushing my luck a bit haha
50 is the perfect goal number this year. I'd be a bit bummed If we weren't in the running for it all year long. 50 wins and a lot of data on our future direction, so no injuries, please.
I can now sleep peacefully at night after hearing Senguns response to increased range as a shooter was practicing his one legged shot.
In all seriousness, I think the fat has already been trimmed (Nix, TyTy, Christopher, KPJ). The Rockets are very deep. They may be a little a light in the star department (though maybe not with a big leap from someone). This is more quality NBA players fighting quality NBA players for PT.
I still don't understand that contract. Who else would have even offered him that much? And for four years? I think it's likely that Amen and Tari prove themselves to be better this season. We'll see if Ime is honest about positions being earned. I also see Jalen being on a shorter leash this season. He needs to be effective early. Who would you bet on 2-4 between Green/Brooks/Jabari and Cam/Amen/Tari over the long run?
This year is going to be hard for players who can't efficiently put the ball in the basket. The Thunder made a leap last year because even Lu Dort was 40% from 3. They got rid of the only player who couldn't defend and wasn't a good shooter. He was a good passer and could set up the offense but that was it. If he had Amen's athleticism and defense he'd still be on the team. Ime has set the bar. Everyone defends. That's what was established last year. This year will be more about that plus who can put the ball in the basket.
