From Houstonchronicle · · 1m 10s
Rockets' path to NBA Finals
How Houston Rockets could reach NBA Finals without a superstar.
In brief
How Houston Rockets could reach NBA Finals without a superstar. Rockets need young players to improve and a top talent to reach NBA Finals. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
Rockets' key players
Scouts say Houston lacks a primary load carrier to compete with top teams.
“what houston lacks right now is a primary load carrier”
Executive view
The executive said Houston has multiple players but no one reaches top-tier talent levels.
“what houston lacks right now is a primary load carrier and those other teams have one”
Amen Thompson's role
Thompson could create more points if he improves as a defender and ballhandler.
“he could create an additional eight to twelve points for himself or teammates”
Fred VanVleet's return
VanVleet's return may help Thompson play a larger role in the offense.
“the return of fred vanvleet should help amen thompson play a larger role”
Alperen Sengun's defense
Scouts consider sengun limited on defense despite his potential.
“alperen sengun is considered limited on defense by some nba scouts”
Reed Sheppard's growth
Sheppard needs to improve as a defender and create more for teammates.
“reed sheppard's growth is another factor in rockets' chance to advance in west”
Rockets' playoff chances
Scouts say Houston has talent but needs injuries, luck, or trades to reach finals.
“something happened like injuries, officiating, bad luck that would cause oklahoma city and san antonio to not succeed in playoffs”
Young players' potential
Thompson and Sheppard could earn all-star status if they improve significantly.
“thompson knocking on the door of an all-nba team”
Rockets' position
Houston is the No. 3 seed in the West but behind the Spurs and Thunder.
“the rockets mix of depth, veterans, young players with potential and durant made them a lot more interesting”
What's next
Houston needs to improve young players and get a top talent to reach NBA Finals.
“they probably don't get to the finals because they're not constructed to compete with the teams most likely to get there”
At a glance
Rockets need young players to improve and a top talent to reach NBA Finals.
