4 Individual NBA awards that could go to Houston Rockets in 2024-25

This Houston Rockets team feels connected.

As a fan, it's a nice feeling. There's cohesion in the messaging that comes from this organization. The Rockets are focused on defense. They're prioritizing wins over individual success. They want to make the playoffs at any cost in 2024-25.

Let's kill the vibe a little bit.

Jokes aside, it's nice to prioritize team success over individual awards. Still, individual awards often go to players on successful teams. If the Rockets make a playoff push this year, a few of their guys could be in line for awards.

Here are four we could see them taking home.

1. Amen Thompson - All-Defensive Team

There was some temptation to name Thompson as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but we're not sure if he'll even be the sixth man. Thompson has an opportunity to earn a starting nod with the Rockets in 2024-25.

No matter where he lands in the rotation, Thompson is likely to see significant minutes. He's also likely to be among the best defensive wings in the NBA. Thompson already flirted with that status as a rookie - as a sophomore, he should look to solidify it.

The competition will be stiff. The All-Defensive teams are positionless, and big men will be prioritized. Still, Thompson's ability to guard across positions and create events on that end of the floor could put him in the running for an All-Defensive team position.

2. Jalen Green - Most Improved Player

The Most Improved Player award has been much maligned in recent years. It used to typically go to players who made unexpected strides. Recently, it's been awarded to star players who got - well, starrier.

Would Green be bucking that trend? It's a bit subjective. He's a star in terms of name value, but he hasn't produced at a star level yet. If he changes that in 2024-25, he could be the league's Most Improved Player.

Investing in Green is terrifying. Rockets fans have been watching him for three seasons now, and he's seldom returned the favor. Still, his potential remains intact. Green is entering his second season in a structured NBA environment:

He could make major improvements as a result.

3. Reed Sheppard - All-Rookie First Team

Rookie of the Year feels a bit ambitious for Sheppard.

That's not a knock on the kid. Sheppard could be the best player in his class someday. As a rookie, he'll face obstacles that some of his classmates won't. It will be harder for Sheppard to earn minutes on a win-now team.

Even some of his peers on win-now squads will have more defined roles. Zach Edey will be the Grizzlies' starting center. The Hawks will hope to return to the playoffs, but Zaccharie Risacher has a clearer path to starter minutes than Sheppard.

So, we'll take an All-Rookie First Team designation. Sheppard may start the year slowly, only to pick up the pace. If he can carve out a meaningful role in Houston, he should be rewarded in the process.

4. Alperen Sengun - All-Star

In 2023-24, Sengun garnered All-Star consideration. In 2024-25, it's time for him to seal the deal.

Once again, it won't be easy. The Western Conference is stacked. Sengun will have to leapfrog some talented players in order to make this dream a reality.

He can do it. Sengun was close last year, and improvement is the expectation for a fourth year player. If Sengun's preseason shooting translates into the regular season, he should be a lock for an All-Star appearance. Even if it doesn't, Sengun is a highly productive young player who could find himself in the big dance this year.

Just don't expect him to put that possibility ahead of the team.