The Houston Rockets of the NBA are currently riding high, boasting a second-place ranking in the Western Conference. The team has recently enjoyed a five-game winning streak, which includes victories over formidable Western Conference opponents such as the Grizzlies, Lakers, and Nuggets. This winning streak is undoubtedly impressive, but what brings even greater joy to the team and their head coach is the transformation of their core player, Jalen Green, into a true cornerstone for the franchise. During this streak, he has averaged over 30 points per game and has been instrumental in scoring when the team needs it most. This may well be the reason behind the significant contract offered to him by the team.
However, amidst these positive developments, there are two critical issues that the Rockets must address.
Firstly, the team lacks a stable point guard. Fred VanVleet is crucial to the current Rockets lineup, despite his inconsistency and tendency to take risky shots. His experience and decision-making in crucial moments provide significant support to the young team. In today's game against the Kings, with VanVleet absent, the Rockets' offense appeared awkward and disorganized, with players often resorting to individual play without any cohesive strategy. VanVleet himself is not a consistent point guard, prone to getting carried away and favoring outside three-point attempts, which disrupts the team's offensive rhythm. Addressing the point guard issue is therefore of paramount importance.
Secondly, Sengun, known for his impressive stats, is not suited to the starting center position. While he frequently records double-doubles, keen observers will notice that the team often finds itself in a passive state when he is on the court. This is due to either poor rebounding or defensive lapses. At times, he becomes a liability on defense, allowing opposing guards to exploit him in isolation situations. This is not an occasional occurrence; it has happened multiple times this season. Head coach Udoka is aware of this issue and, during critical moments in the game against the Kings, chose not to keep Sengun on the court. Even when the Rockets were desperately trying to catch up in scoring, the coach preferred to use Adams instead of Sengun.
Ultimately, the Rockets' roster has its flaws, and how they adjust will depend on the club's management and the coach's personnel decisions. This is a significant test for both the head coach and the general manager's leadership. The Rockets are a team filled with talented young players who need an experienced veteran in the locker room to guide them. Let us wait and see what changes the Rockets will undergo in the future!
