Following the Game 7 loss, Jalen Green expressed his support for Amen Thompson in the locker room, a gesture that reflected the overall feeling of the team after their first playoff appearance in five seasons.
Coach Ime Udoka and General Manager Rafael Stone shared the same vision, focusing on the team’s growth after their matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
We have become more consistent, and that was a big goal we set at the beginning of the season. We have taken important steps. That was reflected not only in our record, but also in the growth and understanding of the players. We always want more, we are ambitious as a coaching staff and as a team. Although we are not happy with how it ended, we feel that we should keep playing. But there is a lot of learning experience that will help us in the future.
Ime Udoka
The Rockets, with a young and talented roster led by Green, Alperen Sengun, Thompson, and Reed Sheppard, are at a crucial point. Management is evaluating the possibility of acquiring a key offensive piece through a trade, or if it’s better to continue developing the existing talent.
The team owner, Tilman Fertitta, supports the plan that is decided, trusting in the group’s potential to achieve success.
The goal is to build a championship team, and clearly, we are not this year. I know this is the favorite team he has had. He also has the opportunity to be close to our players day after day. They are good guys, and I think he appreciates them not only for the players they are, but for the people they are. He is very involved in this group and thinks this group can take us where we want to go. I trust our players, we have a lot.
Rafael Stone
With nine first-round picks in the next seven years, the Rockets are looking to consolidate their progress. The team went from 22 wins in Udoka’s first season to 41, and then to 52 wins this season.
The development of Thompson and Tari Eason’s shooting, along with the improvement in Green’s scoring efficiency, are key aspects to work on. The team could also benefit from the addition of a “3&D” forward and a defensive-minded backup center.
I see all these guys as my little brothers, except they’re not babies anymore. They grew up a lot this year and made great progress. It’s one of my favorite seasons I’ve been a part of, and I think everyone should be excited about the future and what’s to come.
Fred VanVleet
Continuity is expected to be a significant factor in the organization’s decisions, with the possible contract extension for VanVleet and the continuity of Steven Adams. Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. are also eligible for extensions.
I’ll give you an inside tip on betting that I think continuity is very, very likely.
Rafael Stone
While continuity is valued, management does not rule out bold moves if these propel the team towards the championship.
Udoka believes that the experience of playing against a team like Golden State in the playoffs will be valuable in the future. The team will seek to capitalize on the lessons learned in their next postseason appearance.
The next time we’re in the playoffs, we need to start running from Game 1, not take a step back. I think we found our rhythm midway through the series, but we let some opportunities slip early. With the series under your belt, a very contested series, you can reflect and go back to those lessons you learned. I think our guys will be better for it, no doubt.
Ime Udoka
Green, despite his ups and downs, led the team in scoring and had a three-point percentage of 35.4%, the best of his career. The player emphasized the importance of learning from experience and improving in the future.
