Have the Houston Rockets Suffered Enough Embarrassment?
Photo Credit: Gerald Samillano via ClutchPoints
Since the 2019-20 season, the Houston Rockets have yet to win more than 22 games in a single season. The team has hovered around the bottom of the standings for several years now, solidifying the team as a laughingstock in the league. Former Rockets guard, John Wall, spoke about the organization in an interview earlier this year. He accused the organization of deliberately tanking and condemned the team’s culture. He criticized the players for their lack of effort and accountability. He said, “The stuff you’ll be getting away with over there if you go to any other team you’d be out of the league.” The Rockets also fired head coach Stephen Silas at the conclusion of this previous season, indicating a desire for change. Silas frequently attended press conferences overcome with emotion. He was clearly invested in the organization, as evidenced by his visible frustration following the team’s losses. He shared Wall’s sentiment and disapproved of the team’s laziness. In the words of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, “Houston is a dangerous fit. Pretty much everything the Rockets do is a mess right now.”
Despite the organization’s recent history of failure and disappointment, not all hope is lost. The Rockets contain a promising young core in Jalen Green, Alperun Sengun, Jabari Smith, and other exciting players. In this year’s draft, the team drafted two players full of potential Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. Houston also hired Ime Udoka to fill their head coach position this offseason. While his tenure with the Boston Celtics was cut short due to controversy, Udoka led the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his first season as the team’s head coach. Additionally, Houston just signed veteran point guard, Fred VanVleet, to a three-year, $130 million contract. Although undrafted, Vanvleet has emerged as a premier point guard in the NBA. In 2019, he played an integral role in the Toronto Raptors championship season. Last season, he averaged 19 points and seven assists per game. More importantly, VanVleet is an experienced and hard-working player. His lack of size and minimal recruitment out of college did not discourage him. Instead, the underdog narrative served as strong motivation for him to bet on himself and prove the haters wrong. This type of persona and character is exactly what the Houston Rockets need to transform their culture. An established player that leads by example and holds his teammates accountable. Moreover, VanVleet’s signing with the Rockets may entice other notable free agents to join the team.
It’s difficult to believe that just four seasons ago, the Rockets were relentless championship contenders. Unfortunately, the team was inevitably forced to match up against the Golden State Warriors each year in the postseason - a task in which only a select few teams have been able to prevail. However, the organization clearly wishes to return to its competitive years. The combination of youth and experience under an effective coach may elevate the team to the next level.
