Houston Rockets Team Review.

22-23 Record: 39-43.

Season Highlight. 

The Houston Rockets had a somewhat disappointing season. A team primed with 3 star players, including arguably the best in the league in Nikola Jokic, and a solid veteran rotation, fell short in the first round, getting swept in the first round by San Antonio. It�s more of a lowlight as on paper this team looks like a prime contender. So instead, arguably the season highlight for Houston came after the end of the season. The Rockets were able to lock up their franchise point guard in Tyrese Haliburton, signing the 23 year old guard to a max rookie extension. Haliburton averaged a solid 15 and 4 throughout the season for Houston, with his averages only increasing every year since he entered the league. Haliburton is expected to make another leap this year, gunning for another All Star selection, and hopefully a better record. 

Season Lowlight. 

Arguably the season lowlight was how the team finished the season. Despite having the talent and a deep roster, the Rockets finished with a losing record and got swept in the first round of the playoffs. There was a poor showing all around from the team in the series that showed glaring issues that the GM will hope to fix in the offseason and free agency before the season starts. 

Best Trade. 

Rockets send: George Hill, Justin Holiday, CHA 2026 2nd

Rockets receive: Jordan Clarkson. 

A move made early by Houston, the Rockets went and got Jordan Clarkson who was able to bolster the team's scoring, averaging 16.2ppg in 58 games for the team, including 49 starts. However, once the season ended, Houston decided to move Clarkson to Mil for some depth pieces to hopefully bolster the team's rotation. 

Worst Trade: 

Rockets send: Jordan Clarkson.

Rockets receive: TJ McConell, Christian Koloko.

I said previously that Houston's best trade was trading for clarkson. However, proceeding to then move him for a couple of B+ role players doesn't really make sense. Money wise Houstion was able to shed nearly 4 million in salary with this deal, however, with a team that struggled to score in the first round of the playoffs, moving one of your top scorers for two guys that both are not known for their scoring prowess, doesn�t seem like the best of moves. 

Other notable trades: 

Rockets send: Norman Powell

Rockets receive: Marcus Morris Sr, Brandon Boston Jr. 

Easy trade really, Norman for Marcus is a near equal swap, and then Houston gets the bonus of getting a young player with potential. 

Rockets send: Devonte Graham

Rockets receive: Landry Shamet.

Clear cut deal to save salary. Houston cuts about 2 million in salary with this deal and gets an expiring contract with it, along with getting a solid shooter in Shamet. 

Free Agency: 

It would be surprising if Houston is active in Free Agency this year. With 17 players on the roster, 2 being RFA and 1 being an UFA, and including 4 rookies who have yet to be signed, the Rockets will more than likely be active on the trade front of FA, trying to trim down their roster to meet the league required 15 players before seasons start. 

JaMychal Green - UFA, most likely gone. 

Paul Reed - RFA, returning. 

Jared Butler - RFA, 50/50 he returns. 

Star: Nikola Jokic.

Nikola Jokic was not just a star, but a Superstar for the Rockets this year. He put up a monstrous statline this past season of 19 ppg, 18rpg and 4.7 apg while also averaging a steal and nearly a block per game on 57/39/82 splits. That's just ridiculous numbers right there. And the accolades back him up. The Joker was not only an All Star this year, but was also named to the All League First Team. The Joker is poised to also have another amazing upcoming season with the improvements of Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey, both young guards expected to make big jumps this year. With another solid supporting cast, expect the joker to make a run this year at the very coveted NSL MVP. 

Flop: Royce O'Neale. 

An argument could be made that Harrison Barnes had the worst season for the Rockets, but this unfortunate award goes to Royce O'Neale. Royce was one of the main guys off the bench for the Rockets this season, and he heavily underperformed. Royce is tagged as someone who is a solid 3-D wing, but that wasn�t the case this year. Royce in 21.2 minutes off the bench shot a horrendous 30% from the field and an awful 32% from three. As someone thats tagged as a solid 3pt shooter, those numbers are disappointing, Whether or not he�s on the team coe next season is anyone's guess, but with numbers like that and an expiring contract, don�t be surprised if he�s moved to try and get back some assets for this houston franchise. 

Draft: 

Pick 17- Keyonte George

Pick 46- Colin Castleton

Grade- B

The Rockets had a solid draft. Keyonte looks like he could potentially be a steal in a few years as he's a score first guard with a tight handle and solid passing IQ. His defense needs some improvement but depending on the direction the Rockets go he could contribute off the bench right away as a scoring guard to boost the bench's offense. Castleton was also a solid pick. As a 6�11 PF Colin will have the chance to also get minutes at the center position too. However I wouldn�t expect Colin to get a lot, if any, playing time this year, as he will most likely spend a lot of time in the GLeague as a stash prospect with the hopes of one day becoming a rotational contributor. 

Outlook: 

The outlook for this year's Rockets is promising. The Joker is ready to have another monstrous season as one of the best players in this league and both of the Tyrese�s are primed to have breakout seasons this year. Along with another solid bench with plenty of depth, I can see this Rockets team being a burden to a lot of teams in the league, as long as they can get the needed production from their bench.