Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
6. Houston Rockets
Draft Picks: Reed Sheppard
Offseason Acquisitions: A.J. Griffin
Departures: None
Perhaps ranked much higher here than in other rankings, the Houston Rockets are poised for another leap in the standings. The Rockets have quietly built an intriguing lineup of veterans and young talent. Houston rosters Fred Vanvleet, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams. Each of them excels at one of the game's most useful skills (shooting, defense, and rebounding, respectively.)
Other than the veterans, the Rockets are flush with youth. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, and Tari Eason are all 23 years old or younger.
Unlike several Pacific Division squads, the Rockets are on the up-and-up. Houston went from 22 wins to 41 in just one season. With continued progression, it wouldn't be surprising to see the young Rockets win at least 46 games in a hard-fought Western Conference.
What's important for the Rockets is figuring out their pecking order. It seems as if Sengun is the go-to playmaking hub. But where does Green fall? Is Smith a career 15-point-per-game scorer? Can Thompson and Whitmore coexist off the bench? And, what's Sheppard's role? Houston has numerous questions to be answered, however, there's no denying the talent.