The 2023-2024 NBA season has passed the halfway point, and the Rockets are currently showing a trend of falling behind, and it is getting worse.
Measuring whether a team should make the playoffs in a given season depends entirely on injury concerns, rebuilding plans, or other long-term strategies.
At the beginning of the season, the Rockets had a great impact on the league with full personnel and high morale, and their defensive efficiency was close to the first, and even ranked in the top five in the West for a time, so they inadvertently naturally wanted to pursue the playoffs, which gave management and Rockets fans infinite reverie.
However, with the accumulation of schedules and injuries, the team's results have returned to the pre-season forecast position in the league, and as of now it is only 12th in the West. Reaching the playoffs is basically hopeless. Should we abandon this season and refocus on developing young players, accumulating draft picks, or adjusting the roster structure in an effort to prepare for next season?
In fact, since the management traded three second-round picks for Adams of the Grizzlies, it has given all fans the answer. This season is to be able to play **count**. The rest of the schedule will definitely test the development trend of the players, especially the Rockets' six, and decide whether to make a big trade in the offseason.
At present, the order of the six sons of the rocket basically has an answer.
First echelon: Amen Thompson, Tari Ethan, Shin Jing.
Amen Thompson: The physical fitness is first-class, in addition to shooting, can cover almost the whole court for defense, basically a strengthened version of Ben Simmons, the future potential is unlimited. Recently, due to the increase in playing time, the data is also proportional to the full explosion. The rookie holds it for four years, the salary is low, and unless it is changed to a superstar, it is impossible to sell, and it is not for sale.
Tari Ethan: Nicknamed Leonard Jr., and Leonard when he first entered the league, his technical characteristics and physical fitness are almost the same, they are all hexagonal fighters who lead the offense with defense, defensive 3D, and over time, through the Udoka training of the Spurs system, he has developed a stable offensive means, and he will inevitably become an all-star or even a superstar on the front line. In the second year of the current contract period, the defensive efficiency is close to the top of the league, and the future is promising, and in the short term, it is not for sale as Thompson's value.
Shen Jing: In the third year of the contract period, it belongs to the stage where the results should really be produced. In addition to his own efforts, he also has to thank the new coach Uduka for his insight, and he has played Jalen Green into the second core. Let's talk about the advantages first, at the age of 21, he has already shown Jokic Jr.'s versatility, can be used as an organizational interior line in the frontcourt, has a good overall view and vision, a soft touch and passing skill package, and has a strong heart. A lot of times he is carrying the team forward alone, the performance of the basic first half of this season, which is obvious to all, has proved that he can bring the lower limit to the team, with an average of 21+9+5 in the season, which is basically the top two in the team.
The main disadvantages are that the physical fitness is average, the running and jumping ability is not outstanding enough, it belongs to the technical flow, the defensive coverage is small, the pace change is slow, and it is easy to be deflated when encountering a strength type and a tall arm length center, and the medium and long-distance range is lacking. But based on the current performance, the team management must be satisfied, and in the case of not being able to change the superstar at this stage, they can only continue to cultivate by themselves, after all, the age of 21 is completely acceptable. After three years of training, at least every year, it has been improving, and the improvement is very large, which is what the management wants to see. If there are no accidents, the renewal of the second maximum salary should not be a problem.
Second echelon: Smith Jr., Whitmore.
Smith Jr.: In the 22-year draft, the Rockets originally liked Banchero, and Smith Jr. didn't try out with the Rockets at all, and the Rockets could only sigh that they didn't draw the top pick, and chose Smith in the absence of a better candidate. Originally, Smith was the reserve champion, and the reason why the Magic gave up on him was because the technique was too single, and he belonged to the type of watching the sky and eating, and the best precedent for this projection power forward may be Lewis during the supersonic period and Anthony Walker of the Celtics. The first two can also attack with the ball, and Smith is currently a stand-up projection, similar to Ryan Anderson during the Rockets. Although the defense can be from one to five, due to the weak strength, it is now tangible and intangible, and it will be deflated when it encounters a strong team. If you can't shoot, you can't prevent it, and there have been many games this season, with 0 shots and 3-4 rebounds. Since the contract is also in its second year, the Rockets are still on the sidelines and are in no hurry to trade.
Whitmore: The physical fitness is first-class, Anthony Jr. is not called in vain, the style is indeed like a small melon that has just entered the league, he shoots outside and shoots, and he is currently the most formed player among the six Rockets. The reason why Green has so many rumors is also because this gentleman does have the ability to replace the role of a scoring guard and grab first-class points. In the first year of the contract, and it is the 20th pick, the salary is low, and the rocket is really a treasure! Compared to the Lakers' concubine, the Rockets are really going to laugh.
Third echelon: Jalen Green Judging from the current trend, if he can't change to an All-Star, the Rockets will not trade Green this season, after all, there is still a one-year observation period before the contract will be renewed. If the market appraisal value is low, he is naturally willing to renew Green's contract at a low price for later use. But it is safe to say that Green will not be able to play next year, and may only face the treatment of supporting roles, after all, the team's record is in front of him, the pressure of management, and the expectations of fans are not allowed. I can only say one thing, and cherish it.