The 2023-2024 season had a lot of surprises so far. Previously dubbed as one of the worst teams in the NBA, the young Rockets team is now turning heads after an amazing season start. The 2023-2024 Houston Rockets squad is not a joke anymore as they’re bringing their A game in a stacked Western Conference. But, are they a playoff team?
4. Dillon Brooks is actually better than people think
A lot of fans hate Dillon Brooks, and we already know why. The Canadian star is notorious for his on-court antics which include mockery, taunting, trash-talking, and getting on his opponent’s nerves (just ask LeBron).
Describe Dillon Brooks with one word… pic.twitter.com/ZQfwdRnPGN
— NBA 2K25 News&Intel (@2KIntel) November 21, 2023
Although he’s probably the most hated player in the league, there’s no denying that the 27-year-old guard can play. He’s a legitimate scorer who can shoot the three-ball well (shooting a jaw-dropping 50% from the three-point line). But, his most useful skill is being an extensive lockdown defender. Due to the massive hate he’s getting, Brooks sometimes gets overlooked and is somehow seen as very overrated compared to other guys with the same skill set . During the offseason, people were flabbergasted that the Rockets signed Brooks to an 80-million contract. Well, it could turn out to be a pretty good deal for both parties if Houston goes to the playoffs.
3. Ime Udoka bringing his great coaching knowledge to Texas is a win
Former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka may be one of the best coaches today. If it weren’t for his scandal in Boston, he’d still be the man in charge of the Celtics.
Not everyone built to handle ime udoka defense
pic.twitter.com/3YlzMt6UF1 https://t.co/ox1J9VFCCD
— Anti Boardman (@CurrySandwiches) November 18, 2023
With him as the head coach of the Houston Rockets, it was evident he would be making a lot of impact on this young roster. Udoka’s choking defensive scheme was an integral part of the Celtics’ defense against top-tier offensive teams which worked perfectly well with lockdown defenders like Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III. Well, he did again and it’s going well in Texas. At this rate, Ime Udoka could even win the 2024 Coach of the Year.
2. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are both entering their breakout season
The Rockets are still in rebuild mode after the James Harden era. But, after a few top picks in the previous drafts, they may well be entering the next phase.
Alperen. Sengun. that was nice 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/7TJmYAAU5x
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) November 11, 2023
Two young studs, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, are both actually playing better than last season. Sengun, the Turkish big man, is making a huge case for the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Year and Green is definitely a scary scorer who’s looking to break out this season.
1. Fred VanVleet still playing like a borderline All-Star as the Houston Rockets’ leader
Last season, the Houston Rockets were looking for a veteran presence that would help their young stars grow and mature. Thankfully, they were able to land former Toronto Raptors star point guard Fred VanVleet. This season, FVV is still playing in his All-Star form, averaging 16.6 points and 19.2 rebounds. Houston signing him was a huge boost, not only to their offense but also to the benefit of the growth within the team.
"What [Dillon Brooks] and Fred VanVleet has done with that young group down there in Houston, they've energized these guys."
Lou Williams praises Brooks and FVV’s leadership 🙌
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/YPE2UZP6Ow
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 20, 2023
