The Houston Rockets have performed better than the 2023-24 NBA season, capturing the second seed in the Western Conference with a 27-21 record. Last season, they didn’t finish in the top 10 and had a 41-41 record, which put them in 11th place.
They’ve become one of the biggest surprises in the 2024-25 season. With the way they’ve played this season, they can make a return to the postseason after missing out in four straight years.
Former Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins is one of many people who believe in what the Texas-based team can do. Initially, Perkins thinks a playoff appearance would be the ceiling of this year’s roster. However, his opinion has changed his perception of the Houston team because of how they have played.
On Wednesday, the 2008 champion revealed his take on the Alperen Sengun-led team.
“Before the season I had the Rockets picked to make the playoffs… but that’s an understatement. Their ceiling might just be the conference Finals, but I need to see just a bit more before actually put my stamp on that,” Perk posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Before the season I had the Rockets picked to make the playoffs… but that’s an understatement. Their ceiling might just be the conference Finals, but I need to see just a bit more before actually put my stamp on that.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 16, 2025
One fan argued that Houston performed similarly to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Perk countered the fan and cited the veteran players for the Rockets, who could play an important role in their postseason journey.
“This team actually have veterans that lead. Fred V who’s an NBA Champion and Brooks who’s had his share of playoff battles.”
This team actually have veterans that lead. Fred V who’s an NBA Champion and Brooks who’s had his share of playoff battles
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 16, 2025
Houston has maintained a good balance in their approach as the team is in the top 10 offensively and defensively.
Rockets are linked to a four-time All-Star
The Rockets have a decent young core right now and pursuing an established star could ruin their dynamic. After all, they’ve led the team to the top three in the West without help from other stars. However, there is belief that Houston will soon pursue a star player, presumably a high-level scorer.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, there is an internal understanding that pursuing a star in the future could improve their chances of becoming a contender. Devin Booker, a four-time All-Star, is one candidate that Houston has liked.
“The Rockets have an internal understanding they will eventually need to pursue a star scorer to take the leap to contender,” Evan Sidery posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Two players to monitor in the future as potential trade targets for Houston: Devin Booker and De’Aaron Fox.”
The Rockets have an internal understanding they will eventually need to pursue a star scorer to take the leap to contender, per @espn_macmahon (https://t.co/87XU7vB71K).
Two players to monitor in the future as potential trade targets for Houston: Devin Booker and De’Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/BUPbDvid4k
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 15, 2025
There haven’t been reports about Booker’s plans after this tumultuous season with the Phoenix Suns.
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Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
