Are the Houston Rockets Ready to Be Championship Contenders?

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Are the Houston Rockets Ready to Be Championship Contenders?

After finishing last season with a 41-41 record and falling just five games short of the play-in tournament, the Houston Rockets have become one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. With an exciting 117-111 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets now have a 13-6 record and are firmly in third place in the Western Conference. But the big question is: Can they take the next step and become true championship contenders?

A Solid Defense: The Rockets’ Secret to Success

The Rockets’ rise to relevance starts with their impressive defense, which currently ranks second in the league. Head coach Ime Udoka has implemented a defensive system focused on two key principles: shutting down the three-point line and avoiding double-teaming. Houston allows the fourth-fewest three-point attempts per game (34.7) and has limited opponents to just 34.3% shooting from beyond the arc.

This defensive system is supported by a roster of long and mobile players on the perimeter, such as Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Dillon Brooks, and Cam Whitmore, who have been effective at containing opposing players in one-on-one matchups. Additionally, Alperen Sengun, while not an elite rim protector, has transformed into a solid positional defender, shedding his past reputation as a defensive liability.

Offensive Challenges: Can the Rockets Score Consistently?

Offensively, the Rockets have adopted a balanced approach, with Sengun leading the team with 18.5 points per game and Jalen Green close behind with 18.2. However, their main issue remains inconsistency from beyond the arc. Houston currently ranks among the worst teams in the league for three-point shooting, with a 32.9% shooting percentage. Even their top scorers, like Green, Sengun, and Fred VanVleet, have struggled to find consistency in this area.

Furthermore, the Rockets still lack an elite one-on-one scorer, which is crucial in clutch moments. Green ranks in the fifth percentile for points per possession in isolation situations, while VanVleet and Sengun are slightly better, but still not elite in that category.

The All-Star Dilemma: Can the Rockets Compete for a Title?

The big question remains: Can the Rockets, without a recognized All-Star, really compete for a championship? History suggests it’s extremely difficult. Last season, the New Orleans Pelicans were the only team to make the playoffs without an All-Star, and they were swept in the first round. In the 2022-23 season, the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks also made the playoffs without an All-Star, but both were eliminated in the first round. Teams that make deep playoff runs or contend for the title typically have at least one All-Star caliber player leading the charge.

This season, the Rockets have struggled in clutch moments, particularly in situations where they are tied or trailing by fewer than five points with less than five minutes remaining. Despite their overtime win against the Timberwolves, their record in these close games is 2-5, with a dismal 22.2% from three-point range and 39.0% overall from the field.

Should the Rockets Pursue a Superstar?

Some believe the Rockets don’t need a superstar to continue progressing, but their struggles in late-game situations suggest otherwise. If a superstar becomes available, Houston should seize the opportunity to bolster their roster, elevating themselves from a playoff hopeful to a true title contender.

If the Rockets manage to add a superstar to their team, NBA ODDS would shift dramatically. This would significantly increase their chances of winning the championship and make them a much more dangerous team to bet on in future games.