In order to completely understand the moves a team makes the timeline of events must be listed as well.

Pre Draft

• Waive Jock Landale's non guaranteed contract saving 8 million this year and 24 million over the next 3 years

Draft

• Pick 3 the Rockets select Zaccharie Risacher

• Trade Jae'Sean Tate to the Magic and pick 44 to the Wizards in exchange for pick 47 and a SRP next year.

• Pick 47 the Rockets select Justin Edwards

  • Explanation: The Rockets take the best player on their board rather than going for fit. Risacher should be capable of stepping in immediately as a 3&D player but has upside to be more. Justin Edwards was once viewed as a potential lottery pick but falls to the back half of the 2nd round allowing for the Rockets to gamble on him.

Free Agency

• The Rockets target sharp shooter Luke Kennard with a 3 year 38 million dollar deal with no options.

• Resigning Boban Marjanovic to a 1 year minimum.

• Resigning Aaron Holiday to a 1 year minimum.

• Signing Lindy Waters to a 1 year minimum.

The Rockets tried to convince guys like Buddy Hield or Gary Trent Jr to take the MLE but were unsuccessful and end up bringing in Luke Kennard and minimum contracts that allow for flexibility going forward.

Start of Season

Starting lineup:

• Fred Vanvleet

• Jalen Green

• Dillon Brooks

• Jabari Smith Jr

• Alperen Senguin

The bench is still very young with Amen Thompson, 3rd overall selection Risacher, Cam Whitmore, and Tari Eason are joined by the return of Steven Adams. Adams addition alone brings a calming affect to the bench allowing them to just play with energy.

During the season

The team starts strong but after an injury to Vanvleet pushes Thompson to start they begin falling in the standings. Thompson plays outstanding though making the Rockets look for more 2 way players that can compliment their core players. I have the Rockets acquiring Kuzma at the deadline in an effort to push for the 6 seed.