# Rockets' path to NBA Finals

> How Houston Rockets could reach NBA Finals without a superstar.
- Title: Rockets' path to NBA Finals · Houstonchronicle | Shortify
- Summary: How Houston Rockets could reach NBA Finals without a superstar. Rockets need young players to improve and a top talent to reach NBA Finals.
- Keywords: houston rockets, nba finals, kevin durant, amen thompson, alperen sengun, fred vanvleet, reed sheppard, oklahoma city thunder, san antonio spurs, western conference, news, local
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/rockets-nba-finals-path-scouts-22485089.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: houston rockets, nba finals, kevin durant, amen thompson, alperen sengun, fred vanvleet, reed sheppard, oklahoma city thunder, san antonio spurs, western conference, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

Rockets need young players to improve and a top talent to reach NBA Finals.