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The Houston Rockets have bolted out of the gates with a 6-1 record, sitting second in the Western Conference and prompting questions about whether they are the most complete team in the NBA. A close look at their roster reveals few weaknesses, especially compared to last season when the team struggled with backcourt depth after Fred VanVleet suffered an ACL tear.
VanVleet is back and has been steady in his first five appearances, providing the ball-handling and playmaking the Rockets sorely lacked. The addition of Marcus Smart further bolsters the backcourt; despite missing a few games, Smart has gotten off to a solid start and offers energy and two-way ability off the bench for an already stout defense.
Houston's roster is a well-balanced mix of young talent, veterans, and stars. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. continue to develop each season, while All-Stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun are performing at a high level. The bench features veterans like Steven Adams (who has played just one game) and Bogdan Bogdanovic, whose shooting and scoring provide a spark, along with Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason.
The Rockets have excelled on both ends of the floor, leading the NBA in offensive rating and ranking ninth in defensive rating. Their scoring is remarkably balanced, with four players averaging over 16 points per game. Sengun puts up 22.8 points on 61.2% true shooting, Durant 22 points on 65.5% true shooting, Smith Jr. 19 points on 64.6% true shooting, and Thompson 16.3 points on 57.7% true shooting. The Philadelphia 76ers are the only other team with four qualified players averaging more than 16 points per game.
Key Analysis
When a team ranks in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating, it signals true championship contention. The Rockets' depth and star power make them a difficult matchup, and with the Western Conference landscape shifting due to injuries to the Thunder's Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace, as well as Anthony Edwards being sidelined for an extended period, the path is opening up. Houston's main competition may come from in-state rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, but the Rockets have the tools to control their destiny. This team is poised to make a serious run and could very well secure the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs.