As the Houston Rockets prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season, Jalen Green is motivated to lead his team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After a strong close to last season, he believes the group discovered a winning formula that could propel the Rockets forward by picking up where they left off.
During the Rockets’ breakout stretch in the second half of last season, Green showed off explosive potential — placing him at the center of a young squad loaded with promise. Despite missing out on the postseason, Green believes Houston has found a winning formula that can carry the squad forward.
A key factor in the Rockets’ resurgence after the All-Star break was an 11-game winning streak, with Green playing a pivotal role. In March, he averaged 27.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range on nearly 10 attempts per game. This impressive run showcased Green’s ability to reach that extra gear, but as he acknowledges, the next step is sustaining that level of play over a full season.
“We went out last season with a bang. We’re all on the same page, know what it takes to win,” Green said via the Houston Chronicle. “I think we know what we have to do going into this season from the beginning to the end, so hopefully, that leads us into the playoffs.”
Green’s determination to guide the Rockets to the playoffs is clear, with Houston sitting at +120 on DraftKings Sportsbook to make the postseason. Despite the odds favoring another postseason miss (-145), Green remains confident in his leadership and the chemistry within the team.
For Green, the ultimate goal is playoff success, but his individual trajectory is important to monitor. Green currently holds +70000 odds to win MVP on DraftKings Sportsbook, a long shot, but that could rapidly change if he reaches the next level in his development.
Building Around Green and Sengun
A significant debate for the Rockets revolves around who they should build their team around — Green or Alperen Sengun. Both players are eligible for rookie extensions, and each brings a dynamic skill set to build around, which naturally, raises some questions about what direction the team is headed.
Sengun, who finished third in Most Improved Player voting last season, averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Green’s scoring numbers dipped slightly, but he still displayed flashes of stardom. While both players have room for improvement — Green’s consistency and Sengun’s defensive presence — their talent is undeniable.
While Sengun was sidelined for most of the Rockets’ close to the season, Green was experiencing being the focus of the opposition’s game-planning efforts while the group often deployed Amen Thompson as a small ball center option. The team deployed heavily athletic lineups that overwhelmed many teams that deployed a traditional big man. Houston needs all of its core pieces to thrive together.
Green still has room to elevate his game in several key aspects of half-court offense, which is essential for a top option. While his efficiency in pick-and-roll and handoff situations has been solid, there’s untapped potential as an isolation scorer and off-ball screening actions. To take the next step, Green can improve his decision-making when facing aggressive defensive approaches, finding ways to remain impactful even under pressure. Developing into a more consistent tough shot-maker and refining his ability to pick his spots will be crucial areas for growth as he continues to evolve into a more complete offensive threat.
Regardless, the Rockets must decide if they want to commit to both players long-term or maintain flexibility for future moves. Sengun’s cap hold as a restricted free agent would be $16.3 million, while Green’s would be just over $31 million, making this a pivotal decision. However, if both players improve and succeed together, it becomes an easy decision.
A Promising Young Core
Beyond Green and Sengun, the Rockets have built an exciting young core that includes Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore and recent lottery pick Reed Sheppard. Sheppard, selected with the No. 3 overall pick acquired from the Brooklyn Nets, brings elite shooting to the Rockets. He posted an impressive 52.1% from beyond the arc during his lone season at Kentucky. His arrival should help address a key weakness for Houston, which ranked 23rd in the league in three-point efficiency last season.
Sheppard also enters his rookie season with +700 odds to win Rookie of the Year on DraftKings Sportsbook, trailing only Zach Edey (+600). As the Rockets focus on developing their young talent, Sheppard’s potential to make an immediate impact could help boost the team’s playoff chances.
With the veteran presence of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks added to the mix, the Rockets have a blend of experience and youth that sets the stage for growth. Green is determined to lead the team on a postseason run, but the progression of this roster around him will be key.
“My main focus is the season ahead of me with the players that we have, go to the playoffs, and go as far as we can,” Green said. “We’re building that team camaraderie, who we are. That’s the main focus right now, and everything will work itself out.”
Rockets’ Outlook
The 2024-25 season should represent a turning point for the Rockets, who are eager to end a postseason drought before it reaches a half-decade. With Green at the forefront of a talented young core, and the impact of key veterans, Houston is positioned for significant improvement. If the Rockets fall short again, however, it may be time to reassess the direction of this group.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
