The Houston Rockets have transformed from a rebuilding franchise into a legitimate contender, closing the gap with the Oklahoma City Thunder through a blockbuster offseason.
On the latest episode of The Sportsnaut Interview podcast, NBA Insider Ben Golliver of the Washington Post broke down the Houston Rockets’ aggressive moves, highlighting their acquisition of Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela and resigning most of their free agents.
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“Well, look, they hit the fast forward button this summer,” Golliver told host Evan Groat. “They had Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, they resigned all of their most important free agents, guys like Jabari Smith Jr, Fred Van Vleet, and Steven Adams. It’s a classic ‘we’re loading up to make a run at it type of summer.'”
Houston Rockets rebuild happening at breakneck pace
Oct 10, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) dribbles the ball as Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston’s rapid ascent is remarkable, considering they were among the NBA’s worst teams just three years ago, mired in the post-James Harden era. Trading young talent like Jalen Green and defensive stalwart Dillon Brooks was a gamble, but Golliver believes the upgrades position Houston as a serious threat. Their frontcourt of Durant, Capela, and Adams brings size and versatility, complementing a top-tier defense and an improved offense. However, injury risks loom large with this veteran-heavy lineup.
Listen to the full Ben Golliver NBA Free Agency interview on The Sportsnaut Interview, where he talks about the Houston Rockets’ big moves. Don’t forget to subscribe!
“I wouldn’t put them on Oklahoma City’s level — Oklahoma City is definitely more cohesive, they’re deeper, and they’re actually younger in some key spots,” Golliver noted. With players like the latest NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Houston still has a ways to go to be on par with Oklahoma City.
Still, Houston’s moves place them alongside teams like the Denver Nuggets as primary challengers to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The spotlight now falls on Durant, who must prove he can deliver Finals MVP-caliber performances. As Golliver emphasized, “The pressure’s on Kevin Durant, he’s got to be the man.”
Rockets fans have reason to be ecstatic as contention has arrived ahead of schedule.
Scott Gulbransen, a jack-of-all-trades in sports journalism, juggles his roles as an editor, NFL , MLB , Formula 1 ... More about Scott Gulbransen