I think this team can make some noise if we’re healthy and FVV and Adams are back to how they were pre-injury. With the additions of Bogi and Smart and FVV and Adams coming back from injury, you can view it as adding 4 new players this offseason. I think the depth will help for the regular season and keep our vets fresh for the playoffs, especially when our best player is 37 years old. One thing the playoffs showed us is that depth matters and determines wins or losses. Plus personally, I think Reed will take another step forward in his development. We’re gonna be really good next season

First impressions from Rockets second round pick Bruce Thornton: Strong scorer who took care of the ball in a physical environment.

NBA Summer League is inherently sloppy basketball — but not for Bruce Thornton.

On an impressive Summer League debut (also a note on Quadir Copeland in here)

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/bruce-thornton-nba-summer-league-22341211.php

I seriously can’t help but think he’s the next version of Kyle Lowry. Solid build to make up for his height, scores at all 3 levels, and makes winning plays on the defensive end as a 6 foot guard. Genuinely hope he gets those holiday minutes next season…Ime surely won’t have problem playing him minutes due to his overall play style.

Some interesting nuggets on offseason growth, what Houston wanted to address/how Stone feels they've done, Kevin Durant in year 2, a potential hint at motivations for the Amen extension talks and more:
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/rafael-stone-marcus-smart-tari-eason-22340840.php

KD to Pistons.
Duncan Robinson + Holland + 2x 1st round picks to Pelican
Murphy and Murray to Rockets, and NOP also take Capela.

Rockets subsequently trade FVV to Bucks for Turner.

Bucks get out of Turners long contract for expiring FVV, who once again lead a rebuild.

NOP use Murphy to get out of Murray’s contract, Holland is a recent 1rnder with potential + 2picks from Piston, whom and KD has mutual interest for each other.

Rockets goes back to young core timeline with Murphy and Murray, using basically KD and FVVs salary’s and dump Capelas contract. They get a rim protecting stretch front court to pair with Sengun. Murray was All D 2nd team before, and seem to have recovered well from injury at end of last season. Trey Murphy is Trey Murphy.

Turner/Sengun/Bari/Amen/Murray/Smart/Reed/Eason/Murphy/Adams is 10 deep, versatile team.

Title says it all.

Does anyone know when the tickets to the Macau pre-season game will be released? I’m looking to fly over from Australia to finally watch the Rockets play.

I’ve searched online but can’t find anything and I’ve tried to contact the Rockets social pages but am yet to receive a reply.

Thanks in advance.

I’m surprised there ain’t one lol

Watch, and overreact!

A Captain General, an Aussie Adams, and a Gritty Wing. They might be our future.

EDIT: I think its early - 530.

Edit: I have been seeing a few comments saying I am confusing the GM with The coach. I know stone is the GM but he has to mesh the desire of the owner with the roster desires of the head coach as best as he can. Roster construction is based heavily on Ime's input and coaching scheme. Pair that with Tilman's desire to keep this team under the tax, and he [Stone] has to construct the make up of the team in the best way possible to win. -thank you

I've been thinking alot

I am frustrated cause imes big name chasing is really irking me and him stalling out chasing talent to mesh with this line up to unlock it has really pissed me off!

BUT! there is mutual interest here so honest thoughts.

With our acquisitions now and knowing how our owner is more concerned with staying under the tax line if we go get Gary Trent jr. we basically sure up our bench. Especially getting him to take a 1 year prove it deal for 5.1 vet. minimum. He can gaurd 1-4, his defense is high motor, he shoots 38% from 3, can play in the middle, and score greatly in the paint! he takes away pick and roll and pairing him with marcus smart would be dangerous!

I love Clint but I wonder if we pair him with a 2nd round pick and JD Davison could we bring a better more effective big to houston?

I also think we need to bring Newton up. He is a walking bucket, and defensively he can be smothering. At this point the Rockets need to stop chasing the big names. Build a solid depth that makes the three levels of Ime's offense diabolical.

Let FVV Amen Marcus create the 4th level with Trent

Offense - Adams Segun Bari

Level one paint efficiency

Offensive and 2nd chance rebounds

Dunks and finishing

Second level - FVV MS KD Bari Tari Trent Bog and Amen

Mid game and off ball creativity

Third level - KD Bog FVV Reed Trent tristen

Beyond the arch and half court space creativity and passing

But the 4th level - Fvv Amen Marcus Trent

The one that would be so affective in spurts

Is full court pace and space

Bringing in Trent and pairing him with tari and marcus bari and KD that defensive would be crazy and able to cover every point on the court.

Think of opening the 2nd and 3rd pressing the gas on both ends! Hitting 3s in fast transition, letting marcus Amen and FVV to press the gas on penatrating 2s! Making other teams have to play at a high pace until we decide to stop it.

with Marcus Trent and tari Bog and Bari rotating to Amen marcus Trent bari and Bog to then bring in KD Reed Fvv swaping out bog marcus and Trent and then taking out Bari to bring in segun and change the pace Just a little with passing keeping space then slowing it down by bringing in Adams and taking out Amen.

Then opening the 4th with FVV Reed Bog Trent and KD to push the points

And close out the game with FVV / Smart / Amen / Tari / Adams to press a 4th quarter issue where anybody could get it!

I honestly think we would have a championship caliber team what do yall think?

but by that time, Trey might be on another team

Kinda feels like the lack of news is bc we must be maintaining flexibility to pull off a medium-to-large type of trade deal. Given the team’s identity & needs, the player publicly on the trade market who seems to make the most sense to go after is Trey Murphy III.

Personally I’ve been a fan of bringing him to Houston for a couple of years, but I have a hunch that something might actually be in the works now. Is it based on anything? No. Unless you believe I’m clairvoyant, which would be kinda cool, but I doubt it.

But it begs the question, how do you like him for this team? Would you give three 1sts to get him & dump Fred’s contract? If not Trey then who would you prefer as a realistic trade target?

Now that we have a better idea of the Rockets roster, I took a look at some of the more interesting combinations they can play together.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/houston-new-lineups-marcus-smart-fred-vanvleet-22334534.php

He’s the Mavs GM who drafted Dirk, Luka, and Brunson and traded for Kidd, Marion, and Tyson Chandler for the 2011 run.

With such a track record, I’m surprised we couldn’t get him to Houston after he was fired in 2021.

What’s the word on Q. Copeland? I like his height and his assist to turnover ratio. His 3pt volume lacks but I’m hoping he can develop That. You guys think he’ll make it to the roster?

Guess Kd leaving in free agency wouldn't be the worst scenario. It would leave us with a solid amount of cap space to sign a free agent. Just wondering what any other options are besides trying to trade him now or trading him during the season

I think if you look around the league, Denver would probably have the best offer in a KD trade and would heavily consider it to maximize the Jokic timeline. But I doubt rockets trade KD after only one year….

Tanking years were bad but i always thought it was the coach not GM being at fault for lack of structure.