3 things the Rockets need to become true title contenders

Although the Houston Rockets 16-15 start to the 2023-24 season has them well ahead of schedule, Rockets coach Ime Udoka made it clear that he's not content just yet. Udoka emphasized the need for the team to remain focused on the task at hand.

"It doesn’t feel good to be .500. That means you’re (on pace for) 41-41. That would be an accomplishment in most people’s eyes. But we don’t like the feeling of that.

“We’re not comparing ourselves to past teams here. We want to set a new standard for ourselves."

Udoka continued.

"We could be 20-10 very easily. It’s not a good feeling to be 15-15."

3 things the Rockets need to become true title contenders

Udoka specifically mentioned urgency, effort, and concentration as things that need to be improved upon in order for the Rockets to reach their full potential, and while that will certainly help, there's a little more to it than that. 

From a roster construction standpoint, the team is lacking a few skillsets, which has been on display through the team's first 31 games. 

Let's take a look at the positional needs that Rockets GM Rafael Stone will need to address before the trade deadline.