Rockets Shine Bright in CBS Sports’ ’25 Under 25′ Rankings
The Houston Rockets have made a striking entrance onto the NBA stage, as evidenced by their two standout players earning spots in CBS Sports’ ’25 Under 25′ list. This achievement is a testament to the franchise’s successful rebuilding strategy—one that has seen them emerge from a phase of struggle to a promising future.
Revitalization Through Smart Drafting
The road to recovery for the Rockets was marked by astute draft selections and strategic management. After enduring a challenging period where games often felt decided by halftime, the franchise has turned the corner in just three years, a relatively brief span in the world of professional basketball.
While many teams languish for prolonged stretches—take the Charlotte Hornets, for instance, who have made the playoffs just once in over a decade—the Rockets have shown significant growth. Under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, who took charge in the 2023-24 season, the team narrowly missed the play-in tournament. In their second season with Udoka, the Rockets soared to the second-best record in the Western Conference, finishing with 52 wins.
Emergence of Young Stars
At the heart of this transformation is general manager Rafael Stone’s remarkable ability to draft talent. Alperen Sengun, a blossoming All-Star center, was selected outside the lottery and has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Tari Eason has also emerged as a two-way player, drafted similarly outside the lottery. The team’s lottery picks have generally panned out well, with Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. all contributing significantly.
However, the development of players like Reed Sheppard remains to be seen. He faced challenges in his rookie season, often sidelined by more experienced players as the team sought to contend. Nonetheless, the consensus in NBA circles is that the Rockets boast one of the league’s most promising young cores, a collection of talent that is both deep and diverse.
Sengun and Thompson Recognized Nationally
CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein highlighted this burgeoning talent in his ’25 Under 25′ rankings, placing both Sengun and Thompson among the top ten players. Sengun, ranked 10th, has been described as one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA. His supporters praise his skill set, playmaking ability from the center position, and resilience, while critics point to concerns regarding his athleticism and defensive versatility. As he begins the season in peak physical condition, there is optimism about his potential to thrive, particularly with the addition of scoring powerhouse Kevin Durant to the mix.
Amen Thompson, coming in at 8th on the list, has been recognized for his exceptional athleticism and versatility. The analysis suggests that he could be one of the best defenders in the league, particularly when considering his ability to guard positions across the spectrum. With Fred VanVleet sidelined due to injury and Udoka experimenting with various lineups, Thompson may finally have the chance to showcase the point guard potential that was speculated during his pre-draft process.
Comparative Success in the Rankings
The Rockets are not alone in this recognition; the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder also placed two players in the top ten, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams securing their spots. This parallel highlights a growing trend in the league where teams with young, dynamic rosters are beginning to rise to prominence, setting the stage for an exciting future in the NBA.
As the Rockets continue to develop their young talent, the spotlight remains firmly on Sengun and Thompson. Their contributions will be crucial as the team looks to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a formidable force in the league.
