Latest power rankings keep Houston Rockets in middle of pack

The Houston Rockets made major progress in the 2023-24 season. After spending the previous three years at the bottom of the standings, the Rockets finished the season with 41 wins, their most since James Harden arrived.

The Rockets will continue their progress next season, which coincides with coach Ime Udoka’s second year. And after a quiet offseason that saw the Rockets add Reed Sheppard as their biggest acquisition.

However, Bleacher Report believes the Rockets will remain in the middle of the pack next season after their 2-2 record at Summer League in Las Vegas and minor roster changes.

“They were .500 last season and had a positive point differential when their starting five was on the court. And that group includes three young players in Alperen Şengün (who was in the All-Star mix last season), Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.

“Add in potential breakout candidates off the bench like Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, and it’s easy to be intrigued by the potential of this team. But then you add in that top-three pick. Houston was 23rd in three-point percentage in 2023-24, and that allowed Reed Sheppard to earn a spot in the draft. He was the top shooting prospect in that class and made 52.1 percent of his three-point attempts as a freshman at Kentucky,” according to Bailey.

The Rockets will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night in the final game of the 2K25 Summer League tournament.

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