The Houston Rockets may have missed the playoffs last season, but they are certainly a team on the rise heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
With a talented head coach and an exciting young core, the potential for greatness is evident. Rockets fans are feeling optimistic, and with good reason: the foundation is being set for a bright future in Houston.
On Thursday morning, Jonathan Feigen, via Evan Sidery, reported that the Rockets have a “legitimate chance” of reaching an extension deal with Alperen Sengun before the October 21 deadline.
Sengun, who has previously expressed his desire for a long-term deal with the team, is poised to remain an essential part of Houston’s rebuild. Both sides are eager to make this happen, and it appears to be a mutually beneficial move that will solidify the franchise’s path forward.
Sengun’s impact on the team cannot be overstated.
Over his three years in the NBA, he has steadily become one of the best big men in the league. Last season, Sengun posted impressive averages of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, which earned him a spot in the conversation for the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Head coach Ime Udoka has recognized Sengun’s immense potential, giving him significant playing time—just over 32 minutes per game—and trusting him to be a key player on both ends of the floor.
While Sengun’s prowess has been a focal point, he’s far from the only standout on the Rockets’ roster. The team’s offense is spearheaded by Sengun, but Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet also play significant roles in putting up points, while young talents like Jabari Smith Jr. continue to show promise. The roster is rounded out with players like Dillon Brooks, who brings veteran leadership and defensive tenacity, and exciting young prospects such as Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson, both of whom have the potential to be cornerstone pieces for years to come.
Additionally, Jock Landale offers depth in the frontcourt, giving the Rockets a well-balanced mix of youth and experience.
The news of Sengun’s willingness to remain in Houston speaks volumes about the team’s culture and direction. It shows that he believes in the process and is committed to helping bring the franchise back to prominence.
For a young team looking to make the leap from a rebuilding squad to a genuine contender, having a player like Sengun buy in so deeply is invaluable.
The Rockets’ success will depend on continued growth and cohesion among their young stars, along with a clear strategy from Coach Udoka. With Sengun as the anchor, Green’s electrifying scoring ability, and VanVleet’s steadying presence as a veteran leader, Houston looks to have all the pieces necessary to take a significant step forward this season.
Rockets fans should be excited—while the playoff drought has been frustrating, the future in Houston looks incredibly bright.
With Sengun at the forefront of their rebuild, the Rockets may soon find themselves back among the Western Conference’s most competitive teams.
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