Where Does Houston Go?

Why We’re Here

After facing a Lakers team without their top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for most of the series, this feels like a series to turn things around. The complete opposite happened. The biggest reason for this loss falls on the offense. The Rockets were able to be stop the Lakers offense for most of the series, but instead couldn't stop their own offense for falling into a toilet bowl.

This feels like something that while the roster is at most blame, coach Ime Udoka feels like he has a hand in this. A similar problem arose in his last destination, Boston where the team's defense was incredible but would become anemic for long stretches on offense. It seems that we are seeing more and more of these defensive genius coaches that offensive planning is too lackluster to be covered by their offense.

The Roster Itself

Adding Kevin Durant was meant to address their biggest need after losing to Golden State-a clutch time scorer. Since the deal, following the Fred VanVleet injury he became the entire offense, not just a piece. Everyone in this offense surrounding Durant feels like they took a step back.

Sengun feels like the biggest of these. Whether due to his Eurobasket play that took them to the finals of the tournament leading him exhausted going into the season. Another occurrence was his back injuries throughout the year. All of these are valid reasons for a step back but when you are the young star of a roster with not a lot of other creators, it's noticeable when he is struggling.

From Here

While this roster felt like they had enough to be a true contender, even the GM Rafael Stone said during the deadline this team is not looking at a championship this prior season but instead another year to develop their talent. All of the moves that the team made last offseason has not worked out.

DFS has been a non factor offensively, Adams was out for the year, and Capela was okay given his contract. Now headed into an offseason with both Amen Thompson and Tari Eason looking to get paid they are now looking at a team that will only get more expensive. The problem with that being that even once resigning those guys this team is still missing the pieces to create a true threat to teams like San Antonio and Oklahoma City. This team is just stuck.