Do the Rockets Have Too Many Good Players? And 3 Other Burning Questions
The Houston Rockets enter the 2024-25 season with considerably heightened expectations following a busy and impactful offseason.The acquisition of kevin Durant has catapulted them into the conversation of legitimate contenders, but that success comes with a new set of challenges.The Rockets have assembled a roster brimming with talent,leading to questions about how coach Ime Udoka will manage minutes and integrate all the pieces. Here are four key questions facing the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
1. Can the Rockets Successfully Integrate a Deep Roster?
Houston retained all of its draft capital, even after pursuing Durant, including promising young players like Cam Whitmore, who was later traded to the Washington Wizards for a package of second-round picks. This commitment to depth has resulted in a roster packed with players capable of contributing meaningful minutes. While Udoka will undoubtedly welcome the increased talent, effectively distributing playing time will be a critically important hurdle. Every position group faces competition, demanding tough decisions from the coaching staff.
The guard rotation, while manageable, presents a challenge with VanVleet, Sheppard, and Aaron Holiday all deserving of court time. Sheppard, selected no. 3 overall in the 2024 NBA draft, will likely see increased responsibility after a limited role in his rookie year.
The frontcourt is similarly crowded. Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. return as key pieces, now joined by veteran Clint Capela, who signed a three-year, $21.5 million contract last summer. Şengün and Smith Jr. dominated center minutes last season,but Capela’s contract suggests he’ll demand a significant role. The wing position is equally congested with Durant,Thompson,Eason,and Smith vying for playing time.
Udoka will need to find the right combinations and avoid overplaying individuals.Alternatively, the Rockets could explore a trade to streamline the roster and solidify the top of the rotation.
2. Was the Double-Big Lineup a Glimpse of the Future?
During their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Udoka unveiled a surprising strategy: a consistent double-big lineup featuring Şengün and Smith Jr. This approach proved remarkably effective,particularly on the boards.
In 93 minutes with both bigs on the floor, the Rockets outscored the Warriors by 32 points. Their size and strength presented significant problems for Golden State, and Smith Jr.’s presence allowed Şengün to operate more effectively as a perimeter threat.
The question now is whether this was a situational adjustment or a foundational element of the Rockets’ future strategy. How will Capela fit into these lineups? How will Durant and Thompson perform alongside two customary big men? And could Şengün ultimately be more impactful as a power forward? Establishing a clear identity and understanding the optimal lineup combinations will be crucial for the rockets’ success.
3. How Will Durant’s Arrival Impact Existing Players?
The addition of a superstar like Kevin Durant inevitably alters the team’s dynamic. While his scoring prowess and experience are undeniable assets, his presence will require adjustments from the existing core.
Will Durant’s arrival necessitate a shift in roles for players like Şengün, smith Jr., and VanVleet? How will the team balance Durant’s need for the ball with the development of its young players? Successfully integrating Durant without disrupting the team’s chemistry and established identity will be a key challenge for Udoka.
4.Can the Rockets Build on Last Season’s identity?
Under Udoka, the Rockets established a hard-nosed identity last season. Despite bringing back many of the same players, significant work remains to define their optimal approach, especially with the addition of Durant.
The Rockets must determine how to best leverage their talent and establish a cohesive playing style that maximizes their strengths. Finding the right balance between individual brilliance and team cohesion will be essential as they navigate the challenges of a long season and prepare for another playoff run.
(Top photo of Tari Eason: Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
