In the next of our NBA previews, we look at the exciting, young core being built out in Houston and what the 2022-23 season may have in store for them. They won just 20 games last year en route to a top three pick that they hope can help the franchise return to its winning ways. In these previews, we will take a look at the key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key Acquisitions
The biggest addition to Houston’s roster was Jabari Smith Jr. who they drafted with the third overall pick this past summer. The 19-year-old was long expected to be off the board by three but late movement allowed the former-Auburn Tiger to fall in Houston’s lap and provide them with a talented running-mate to plug in alongside star rookie Jalen Green. At 6-10, Smith Jr. is a phenomenal three-point shooter with mouth-watering defensive upside. He averaged 16.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg in 34 games as a freshman at Auburn.
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Fantasy Stars
Green firms as Houston’s most exciting fantasy prospect after a rookie year in which he averaged 17.3 ppg on .547 TS%. Over his past 21 games, he averaged 22.7 ppg and shot 40.4% on 7.9 three-point attempts per game. Green is an absolute microwave offensively and, at just 20, has a tonne of room to grow. With player development at the forefront of Houston’s thinking, expect Green to be afforded plenty of touches and opportunities offensively which should lead to a jump in his raw numbers.
Projected Finish
As exciting as Green and Smith Jr. may be, the expectation is that the Rockets again struggle for wins. Their priority will be allowing the likes of Green, Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, Kevin Porter Jr., Tari Eason, TyTy Washington Jr., K.J. Martin and Josh Christopher to develop before earning another high pick in a loaded 2023 draft.
