Like last season, the fight for the playoffs will be incredibly close and intense in the West. On paper, only Portland and Utah do not seem able to join the race for the playoffs, and that gives 13 teams for eight places! Like the Spurs, the Rockets want to end several drought seasons, and Ime Udoka's players could play spoilsport this season.
“We have a group of hard workers”, insists the Houston coach. “The one thing we have always had is great intensity and collective effort. I never had to question that. There is no one we need to push to do more. On the contrary, we must slow them down. This is what characterizes our group. Then, when we have success and we want even more. »
The Rockets experienced success at the end of last season with a great comeback in March and April, finally finishing at the foot of the play-in. This is due to a few stupid defeats that must be avoided this season.
To read >> Presentation of the Houston Rockets 2024/25
“Everyone is determined”confirms Jabari Smith Jr. “Everyone has the same goal: to win. We want to win as many matches as possible. We know what to do. We know how many matches we missed last year. We are approaching this season with a completely different mindset. We know what we have to do to win, and we know what we have to do. »
Players aligned with the ambitions of the franchise
Convinced of already having the workforce to return to the playoffs, management barely recruited this summer. Steven Adams arrived at the end of last season, and Reed Sheppard is a serious candidate for the title of best rookie. “It makes my job easier” testifies Fred VanVleet, about the determination of his teammates. “I don’t have to motivate anyone. I just have to play and guide them. In the squad, there are some of the hungriest players I have played with in nine years. »
” Hungry “. This is the adjective that comes up most often in statements from the Rockets, players and managers included.
“They are extraordinarily hungry” even specifies GM Rafael Stone. “Franchises always talk about the roster (of players and the franchise). I think we are aligned in our desire to really, really perform and ultimately win the title. That’s definitely what motivates me. I believe deep down that this is what motivates Tilman (Fertitta, the franchise owner) and his family, as well as Ime. From a franchise perspective, winning at the highest level is the one and only priority. We look for the same motivation in all the guys. It is certain that when we evaluated each of them, we were happy to see that they were driven by an inner desire to become the best players possible and to be part of a franchise that wins and prospers. »
