Current ESPN reporter Stephen A Smith believes the Rockets are contenders in the Western Conference.
" I think they are contenders, they are too young. Do I think they are going to win the west…no. They can shock some people because they have a lot of talent Alperen Sengun can ball, Jalen Green can ball," said Smith.
Smith is one of many analysts who think Amen Thompson will be a future star in this league as well as a defensive player of the year candidate as well.
" Amen Thompson Chiney ( Ogwumike), Shannon (Sharpe) he is going to be a future star in this league. Shannon watch this brother play, you will love him. I mean this is a rough rider as he goes at you, he goes at it. At some point, Chiney he is going to win Defense Player of the Year. I'm telling you that right now as he is loaded with heart and God-given athleticism.
THE ROCKETS FINALLY GOT ESPN PRAISE
"(Alperen) Şengün can ball. Jalen Green can ball. Amen Thompson is going to be a future star in this league."
"Houston will win a championship with (Ime Udoka) as coach. He is THAT elite." pic.twitter.com/A4c3AjmvOb
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) March 18, 2025
"He goes after it and accepts any tough assignment. It's personal for me Chiney, Molly (Qerim), and Shannon as it pertains to Coach Ime Udoka because I think he is one of the best coaches in the world. He is a sensational basketball coach and if you look at what he did in his first two years as the coach of the Houston Rockets," said Smith
He continues " Tilman Fertitta deserves so much credit for hiring this dude because what happened to him in Boston is a crime. I will never forgive the Boston Celtics for what they did to him because they put business on the front street. For a guy that has been covering sports for over 30 years and that has covered the NBA, I know plenty of people that were alleged to have done what he was excused of in the NBA".
The Rockets are currently in second place in the Western Conference standings with a 44.25 overall record.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 10:09 AM.