Rockets Transform from Rebuilding to Offensive Powerhouse
After trading away their franchise cornerstone, James Harden, during the 2021 season, the Houston Rockets embarked on a challenging journey of rebuilding. This transition was marked by a series of growing pains, as the team faced difficulties on both ends of the court, resulting in a disheartening record of just 61 wins over three seasons. For the Rockets, this period was characterized by an identity crisis, with young players struggling to find their footing and teams easily dismissing them as automatic wins.
A Shift in Strategy and Leadership
Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, the Rockets set their sights on evolving from a rudderless rebuilding project to a competitive squad capable of winning consistently. This transformation began with the hiring of Ime Udoka, one of the NBA’s premier defensive minds, as head coach. Udoka’s reputation for instilling discipline and a strong defensive mindset aligned perfectly with the Rockets’ vision of a tougher, more resilient team.
To bolster their roster, the Rockets also brought in seasoned players like Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Both are known for their relentless work ethic and tenacity on the court. Their presence had an immediate impact, propelling the Rockets into the upper echelon of defensive and rebounding teams in the league. As the current season unfolds, Houston continues to establish itself as a formidable defensive unit while showcasing a dominant rebounding game.
Shooting Surge: A New Offensive Identity
This season, however, the Rockets have taken their evolution a step further, emerging as one of the most potent shooting teams in the NBA. Once considered a mediocre shooting squad, Houston is now boasting one of its best shooting seasons in franchise history. The team’s three-point percentage has skyrocketed to first place in the league, a remarkable turnaround from their struggles in recent years.
Houston’s current 42 percent from beyond the arc would mark the second-best shooting season in NBA history, trailing only the 1996-97 Charlotte Hornets. This statistic is even more impressive given the context: the Rockets previously languished in the bottom ten for three-point shooting in recent seasons. Their free throw percentage has also seen a significant uptick, improving by nearly six percentage points from last season, when they ranked last in the league.
Unexpected Success Despite Challenges
The addition of Kevin Durant, one of the greatest offensive talents in NBA history, certainly contributed to this surge. Yet, skepticism remained about the Rockets’ ability to maintain offensive consistency, particularly after VanVleet’s injury. Despite these obstacles, the Rockets have defied expectations, showcasing their offensive prowess and surprising many around the league.
While it’s true that the season is still in its early stages—just 15 games played—the Rockets’ performance thus far is telling. Although shooting percentages are likely to regress as the season progresses, the fact that they’ve reached this level so early is one of the most significant surprises in the NBA. Their newfound shooting ability is a critical factor in their impressive start, positioning Houston among the best records in the league.
As the Rockets continue their quest for respectability and relevance, they are proving that the journey from rebuilding to contender is not only possible but can also yield explosive results.
