3 Houston Rockets Named ‘Best of the NBA’s Next Generation’

The Houston Rockets are at a crossroads.

It’s a young team, but it also has some key veterans. They could trade for a star player to complement these veterans, or let their young core develop.

For what it’s worth, there’s a lot of young talent on this roster. It seems The Ringer agrees. They named three young Rockets to a list naming the top 25 NBA players aged 25 or younger.

The first name on the list was Jabari Smith Jr. He completes the list at 25.

“Imagine Aaron Gordon, except give him Jaden McDaniels’ arms and a silky jump shot. That’s Smith’s promise”

– Isaac Levy-Rubinett, The Ringing

This seems like a fair ranking for Smith Jr. His offensive game still needs some fine-tuning. Still, it’s easy to imagine its potential — and The Ringer agrees.

Next we have Jalen Green coming in at 22 years old. On the contrary, it could be generous. The Ringer rightly points out that Green has only thrived in specific circumstances so far.

“Green’s rise occurred in the absence of Alperen Sengun, whose absence gave Green greater runway to attack the rim”

– Seerat Sohi, the ringtone

Another fair analysis. Green’s torrid March 2023-24 occurred during Sengun’s absence. Jabari Smith Jr. played the 5th.

As it stands, Smith Jr. is too skinny to handle the 5 full time. Finding a bulkier 5 who shoots as well as Smith Jr. won’t be easy. If Green has to play next to a big man to look like a star, it will severely limit the Rockets’ team-building options.

Finally, Sengun ranked 12th on this list. It’s impressive. It seems The Ringer is very high on him.

“Sengun will be an MVP finalist at some point in the next five years”

– Michael Pina

Is there another Rocket that belongs on this list?

Not yet.

It’s not hard to imagine Amen Thompson being on this list by the end of next season. Cam Whitmore also has the potential to make it happen. Even Tari Eason could prove to be such an elite player that he forces his way into the under-25 top 25.

None of them have reached this level yet. The Rockets’ 2023-24 rookies find themselves in a precarious situation. They join the team just as it shifts into win-now mode. Unlike Smith Jr., Green and Sengun, they had to earn their time.

This is what happens when you come to a crossroads.