Rockets in pursuit of playoff push

The Houston Rockets have not reached the playoffs since trading James Harden in 2021. In fact, they have not even come close. The Rockets have been at the bottom of the Western Conference for the past three seasons. With the recent additions to their team, things are about to change for the Rockets.

The 2023-24 season might be the season where the Rockets finally make a playoff push. The main reasons for this are their veteran acquisitions, continued development of their young core, and the coach to lead them.

The Rockets are projected to have the biggest difference in estimated wins compared to last season, according to Bleacher Report. Houston only won 22 games last season, so that should not be too difficult to surpass. However, the team has a chance to nearly double their win total from last season.

This chance comes from the talent their newest acquisitions provide for the team. Their biggest addition is Fred VanVleet, who agreed to a three-year deal. VanVleet is an All-Star caliber guard who can lead the Rockets offensively. His shot making ability is his greatest strength, but he has also been improving as a playmaker. Last season, he averaged a career-high 7.2 assists per game.

The Rockets also signed Dillon Brooks, Patty Mills, and Jeff Green. All of these players are tough veterans who have specific strengths. Brooks is a solid defender, Mills is a good shooter, and Green has become a valuable role player who just won his first NBA championship. These veterans are very important to have on a young team like the Rockets.

The next factor leading to a possible playoff push is the development of the young players. The Rockets already featured young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. In the 2023 draft, they added Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, who could end up being the steal of the draft. If their young players continue to improve, it will only be a matter of time before their effort begins to translate into wins.

Lastly, the Rockets hired Ime Udoka as their head coach. In his first season with the Boston Celtics, he helped lead the team to the NBA Finals. The Rockets are not expecting anything like that to happen, but they do believe Udoka is the right person for the job. 

Based on his success in Boston, Houston is right to be hopeful. The Celtics had a similar mix of young players and veterans compared with the Rockets. Udoka's coaching experience could be the final piece the Rockets need to reach the playoff push.

The last few seasons have not been very successful for the Rockets. However, things are going to change soon. Houston has a very good chance to reach the playoffs next season.