Houston Rockets change stance and must move to look for stars

This past Wednesday, 31st, behind-the-scenes rumors of NBA claim that the Houston Rockets wants to go after some stars to complete the squad for the rest of the season. The journalists Shams Charania It is Kelly Ikofrom “The Athletic”, reported that the club’s franchise Texas is exploring swap scenarios took some by surprise. The team is in 11th place in the Western Conferencewith 22 wins in 46 games in 2023/24.

The news also revealed some reasons for the Rockets’ new approach to the market. The main thing would be the coach’s will Ime Udoka in competing and reaching the playoffs. Furthermore, the Texans see themselves in a good position to make a super trade soon. “They have proven to themselves that they are capable of competing at a high level. They beat the Denver Nuggets, current NBA champion, three times. They also triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, defeats to teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls showed that there are still gaps in this squad. Coach Udoka is frustrated with this inconsistency.”said the journalist.

“The desire to compete faster, accelerating the reconstruction process, has been a keynote of his work since he was hired. Therefore, Houston wants to be a buyer and not a seller at this trade deadline. And, by the way, they see themselves in a great position. After all, they have draft pick capital and also several promising young players. Several of them could be on the table in the event of a trade for a high-caliber player.”, he completed. The Rockets took a step forward in 2023/24 towards reconstruction, with the arrivals of Fred VanVleet It is Dillon Brook.

As much as the team was able to qualify for the postseason, the team’s best performance against the strongest was achieved. Unlike the times of Stephen Silas, when the Texans were having a hard time winning. However, Udoka is not satisfied and has made this gain strength among the Rockets’ managers and owners. “While everyone was satisfied with more natural progress throughout this first year, Udoka sees the current scenario as mediocre. Your appetite for victories is great. This was recognized and developed in his time as an assistant to Gregg Popovich, as well as in his stints in Boston (head coach), Brooklyn and Philadelphia (assistant).”said the journalist.

“After coming close to the title with the Celtics, his priorities haven’t changed, even if the Houston window is a little different. This is also present in the Fertitta family, which runs the franchise. The 2017-18 team that came within one game of the NBA Finals in its first year is remarkable for the owners. Silas’ dismissal after 2022/23, in fact, was a reflection of how angry they were with the direction of the franchise. They demanded changes. Udoka then, marry this mentality”he completed.

Finally, Kelly Iko highlighted how this also reached the Rockets GM, Rafael Stone. Trained for the role while working with the always aggressive, Daryl Moreywhich is currently in Philadelphia 76ersthe team leader Houston it also likes to develop faster, bringing strength to rumors.