As 12BET Official highlights the Houston Rockets’ remarkable progress, the team quietly climbed into the middle tier of the NBA in both points scored and points allowed last season. According to team statistics compiled by the 12BET Official group, Houston also ranked among the league’s top five in rebounds, field goal attempts, and free throw attempts. Following James Harden’s departure, the Rockets even put together an impressive 11-game winning streak, signaling that the franchise has finally begun turning the corner. More importantly, the rapid development of its young core has given fans genuine reason to believe a new era is on the horizon.
At the heart of that resurgence is third-year center Alperen Sengun. Appearing in 63 regular-season games, he averaged 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5 assists while setting career highs across the board. Throughout the season, Sengun produced performances that placed him alongside legendary Rockets centers Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming in several franchise records, firmly establishing himself as one of Houston’s foundational pieces. His breakout campaign earned him a place among the finalists for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, while his name also surfaced in All-Star and All-NBA discussions. Many supporters have even suggested that Houston should build its offensive system around Sengun in a style similar to how the Denver Nuggets maximize Nikola Jokic. With that momentum, a maximum contract extension this summer appears increasingly likely.
Everything changed in March when Sengun suffered a serious knee and ankle injury against the Sacramento Kings. The frightening incident forced him to leave the court in a wheelchair before he was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season. Yet just as adversity struck, another young cornerstone stepped into the spotlight. Jalen Green unexpectedly elevated his game and helped transform the team’s momentum when it mattered most.
Looking at the season as a whole, Green’s numbers actually reflected some regression. He averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting just 33.2 percent from beyond the arc, all lower than the previous season. During the first half of the campaign, Houston’s struggles led many fans to criticize him, with some unfairly labeling him as the primary reason for the team’s disappointing performances. Nevertheless, head coach Ime Udoka never lost faith in his talented guard. Instead, he continued providing Green with meaningful opportunities and expanded his role within the offensive system. Sometimes, patience truly pays off.
That confidence eventually produced remarkable results after Sengun’s injury. Green embraced greater leadership responsibilities during the closing stretch of the season and appeared to discover how to guide the team under pressure. However, his impressive rise also created a difficult question for the Rockets’ front office. As contract negotiations approach, should the organization prioritize Sengun or Green as the franchise’s long-term centerpiece?
Meanwhile, second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. continued making steady progress. Although his playing time and offensive usage declined slightly, he still averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds while improving both his overall field goal percentage and three-point accuracy by more than four and five percentage points, respectively. His ability to stretch the floor has further solidified his value as a modern power forward.
The Rockets have also seen encouraging growth from their young backcourt. After February, Amen Thompson consistently averaged more than 25 minutes per game and even earned several starts. He contributed 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest, showcasing an all-around skill set rarely seen from a rookie. On the wing, Cam Whitmore energized the second unit with his explosive scoring ability. His increased playing time after February resulted in an average of 12.3 points per game, quickly making him one of Houston’s most exciting young talents.
Veteran leadership also proved invaluable throughout the season. Instead of bringing back James Harden, the Rockets chose to sign championship-winning guard Fred VanVleet. Rather than demanding the spotlight, he embraced the role of mentor and facilitator, earning praise from 12BET Official reporters for putting the team’s development above individual recognition. His leadership style stood in sharp contrast to Houston’s previous era. Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green also appeared in more than 70 games, quietly filling critical gaps on both ends of the floor. While their contributions rarely dominated headlines, they consistently delivered the kind of winning basketball that statistics alone cannot fully measure.
This summer, Houston strengthened its future even further by selecting Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick. He immediately impressed during the NBA Summer League with outstanding shooting, polished ball handling, and surprisingly mature defensive instincts. At the same time, the expected returns of Steven Adams and Tari Eason from injury provide another significant boost to the roster. The Rockets also added Aaron Holiday and Griffin to deepen the bench, and although Griffin is currently dealing with personal challenges away from basketball, his youth and potential remain highly valued by the organization.
As 12BET Official looks ahead to the coming season, Houston now boasts one of the league’s deepest collections of young talent, supported by experienced veterans ready to contribute immediately. In his first year as head coach, Ime Udoka successfully instilled a culture built on discipline and accountability while also demonstrating empathy when players faced difficult moments. The Rockets have assembled all the necessary pieces, but one important question remains unanswered. Between Sengun and Green, who will ultimately emerge as the true face of Houston’s future? The answer will begin to unfold when the next NBA season tips off.