Houston Rockets Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAWESTERN CONFERENCESouthwest DivisionHouston Rockets

Oct 17

Our Houston Rockets preview 2021 observes that after eight straight seasons of making it into the postseason, the wheels came off the bus last season. Note, in four of those seasons, this team finished first in the division. Last year, the Houston Rockets (17-55) finished last in the division and in the conference. Unfortunately, the 2021-2022 season doesn’t look much better for this team. However this young team, which includes five rookies and three other players with three or fewer years in the NBA, does have a lot of exciting, young talent.

Rockets Frontcourt

The paint will be the purview of 6’10” scoring forward Christian Wood. Last season the five-year vet averaged 21.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.2 BPG. He shot 51.4 percent from the floor and 37.4 percent from downtown while averaging 32.3 MPG. This year, he starts at center. Rookie center Alperen Sengun, a Turkish player with a lot of potential, backs up.

Our Houston Rockets preview 2021 observes that small forward Eric Gordon is the veteran anchor upfront. Last season, Gordon, who has 13 years of experience, averaged 17.8 PPG while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor. Second-year small forward Jae'Sean Tate, who last season as a rookie contributed 11.3 PPG and grabbed 5.3 RPG over 29.2 MPG, should also see plenty of action. Productive power forward Daniel Theis, who’s a 55 percent field-goal shooter, will start. Last season with the Bulls, he averaged 10 PPG. Very capable second-year player Kenyon Martin Jr. will come in to contribute quality minutes.

Houston Rockets Preview – Backcourt

Kevin Porter Jr., formerly of the Cavaliers, gets the start at point. Last year, in his second NBA season, Porter completed 42.5 percent of his field goals. He dished off 6.3 APG and scored 16.6 PPG. Also, Porter hit 31.1 percent of his three. D.J. Augustin, a 13-year veteran, subs at the point, offering premium minutes. Talented, athletic rookie shooting guard Jalen Green possesses great shooting chops and fine footwork. Gordon, who plays in front, can also come in to lend a hand at shooting guard.