Houston Rockets

The Rockets took a major step forward in the 2023-24 season, finishing the year 41-41 after a late-season surge that had them narrowly missing out on a play-in spot. Free agent additions Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks fit in nicely while their young core of Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. took sizeable steps forward in their development.

On the surface it appears the Rockets took a sizeable step back regarding team health, as the nearly doubled their total games lost from the prior season. However, 35 percent of their total games lost can be attributed to front office decisions designed to help the team. In July of 2023 the Rockets acquired the injured Victor Oladipo in a trade that jettisoned Kevin Porter Jr. from Houston. Oladipo was later flipped for another injured players when Houston acquired Steven Adams from Memphis. Combined the two resulted in 82 games lost with Adams now set to return following surgery for a torn PCL in his knee.

If the Rockets are to continue their ascension back to contention, Head Athletic Trainer Jason Biles and his staff will play a pivotal role in the year ahead. The early returns appear promising as the Rockets have avoided any major setbacks in training camp and enter the season at full strength.