There were a few constants during the Houston Rockets’ rebuilding years. The Rockets struggled from 3-point range, lost the ball more often than anyone else in the league, and were at the bottom of the defense.
With the addition of Ime Udoka and free agents Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, everything started to change. The Rockets improved in all three areas last season, and the improvement that probably contributed most to the 41-41 record came on defense.
In the last three seasons under Stephen Silas, the Rockets ranked 27th, 30th, and 28th in points per game. It’s no surprise that they won just 61 games during that span. The Rockets had terrible communication and a lack of focus on defense, which was reflected in their record.
When the Rockets hired Udoka, they wanted to improve their reputation in the league both on and off the court. Udoka made it clear in his first press conference that toughness and defense were his top priorities.
All players expressed this sentiment, especially the newest Rockets, VanVleet and Brooks. Brooks mainly talked about his defensive intensity and how he wants to be the defensive anchor of the team.
The new hires and free agent signings paid off. The Rockets were one of the worst defensive teams in the league, finishing in the top 10 in defense and 14th in points allowed per game. They allowed five fewer points per game than the previous season.
The Rockets improved not only in points per game or defensive rating, but in overall defense, including defending three-point shots. To be successful in today’s NBA, you have to shoot the basketball at a high rate from distance and defend beyond the arc.
Last season, the Rockets went from 28th in opponent three-point shooting percentage to 1st in the NBA. That’s a huge jump for any team, especially one that spent years near the bottom of the league in every defensive category.
Looking at last season’s numbers, the only area the Rockets can improve in next season is points per game. For the Rockets to go from being a good defensive team to one of the best in the league, they need to at least break into the top 10.
With another season under Coach Udoka and if players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith can improve their overall defense, the Rockets could rise to the top five defenses next season.
Consider that this was without one of their best defenders, Tari Eason, who missed most of the season. Add in Steven Adams and you can see the path to an elite defensive team.
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