Season Outlook
While many expected the Rockets to go into full-rebuild mode this offseason after reports surfaced about both Westbrook and Harden wanting out of Houston, the Rockets seemed to go in the opposite direction. Their ownership and management still believes they can contend with James Harden at the helm of their roster and by going out and getting veteran, former All-Stars in John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets could have a sneaky good team, assuming both of these guys can still play at an All-Star level.
John Wall has not played in an NBA game since 2018 and DeMarcus Cousins has not played since the 2018-19 season. Both guys offer a great upside in production, but it all depends on if their injuries have hindered their ability to play. If they can come back and still contribute at a high-level alongside James Harden, the Houston Rockets could easily wind up as one of the Top 5 teams in the Western Conference.
As discussed earlier, trading Russell Westbrook only helps this team and with key role players like P.J. Tucker, Eric Gordon and Danuel House still on Houston’s roster, they have the looks of a playoff team in the Western Conference. Not to mention, they held onto James Harden this offseason as he looks to capture his fourth consecutive scoring title.
The Rockets could win anywhere from 30 games to 45 games this upcoming season and it all hinders on whether or not John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins can still contribute. James Harden cannot carry the Rockets on his own, especially since the Western Conference keeps getting stronger and if either of these two former All-Stars do not contribute at a high-level, the Rockets could miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season.
This season could wind up being the Rockets final chance at getting James Harden to commit long-term and if they fail to make the playoffs, they might as well pack his bags for him because Harden would be on the first plane out of Houston. This season, the Houston Rockets must produce and make it past the first-round of the NBA playoffs, otherwise, their rebuild will begin.
