Rockets Redefine Offense with Nostalgic Approach
This season’s Houston Rockets are turning heads with a style of play that feels reminiscent of basketball’s bygone era. Unlike the high-octane, three-point heavy offenses that characterized the previous Rockets teams during the James Harden-Mike D’Antoni-Daryl Morey era, this squad is charting a distinctly different course.
A Departure from the Norm
While those earlier Rockets often led the league in three-point attempts, this year’s team is taking a contrarian approach, launching the fewest shots from beyond the arc. The absence of a traditional facilitating guard is notable, as the roster lacks a player who can orchestrate the offense in the way Harden once did. Instead, this iteration of the Rockets has embraced a unique strategy: they are utilizing multiple centers, a move that has proven beneficial in securing extra possessions on the offensive end.
In stark contrast to their predecessors, who eventually moved away from employing a big man in their lineup, this year’s team is capitalizing on size. This shift is paying dividends, as more rebounds translate into increased scoring opportunities. Remarkably, the Rockets have achieved the league’s best offensive rating this season, despite ranking near the bottom in assist rate. Their dominance on the boards is further underscored by their position as the leaders in both total and offensive rebounds.
A Throwback Strategy
The Rockets’ approach has drawn attention for its old-school flavor. In a recent discussion on the Kevin O’Connor Show, Yahoo Sports senior analyst Tom Haberstroh elaborated on the team’s unconventional strategy, envisioning head coach Ime Udoka’s vision.
“Imagine you’re Ime Udoka and you’re presenting your vision on the Rockets this season,” Haberstroh explained. “You’re looking to build your offense around a 37-year-old. Instead of embracing the three-point trend, you plan to rank last in three-pointers attempted. You say, ‘Let’s focus on post-ups and mid-range shots.’ We’re going to have the second-highest post-up frequency in the NBA and the lowest assist rate. We’re going to revolve around a 37-year-old.”
Success Amidst Skepticism
Despite the skepticism surrounding this retro approach, the Rockets are enjoying tangible success. The team’s offensive efficiency is a testament to their unique style, reminiscent of 90s basketball. Haberstroh noted that the Rockets are effectively flipping the script on what constitutes a modern offense, challenging prevailing notions of how to achieve success in today’s game.
While the veteran presence of Kevin Durant, at 37 years old, has seen a decline in his usual scoring prowess—averaging 24.6 points, the lowest since his rookie season—the Rockets are still posting impressive results. They currently sit fifth in the Western Conference, proving that their distinctive strategy is yielding fruit in a league that increasingly prioritizes perimeter shooting.
The Houston Rockets are rewriting the offensive playbook in a way that defies conventional wisdom, and as they continue to embrace this nostalgic style of basketball, they are making a compelling case for the effectiveness of a throwback approach in a modern game.
