New role for Rockets veteran heading into 2022 season

Jae'Sean Tate isn't just going to be another starter for the Rockets in 2022. His role is going to expand far beyond that scope as the Rockets eye a complete rebuild.

As exciting as the Rockets are going to be in 2022 as they get younger and move on from most of their veterans from the past, there are some holes on a roster that could still be one of the worst in the NBA.

This is obviously not a long-term projection, but even the face of the franchise is still trying to find himself in some parts of the game, so it is fair to say that a rocky year is coming.

Growth should be the main focus for everyone who watches this team, and the good news is that this goal is very attainable. The young core for the Rockets is going to turn heads with their long-term projections if this season goes as expected, but there is still one area where this team will lack; veteran leadership.

Sure, the Rockets have Eric Gordon and a few other veterans who will come onto the court for sporadic minutes, but there is currently a new obvious veteran leader amongst the starters in Jae'Sean Tate.

It almost feels weird to write that. This isn't a bad thing-it just shows how young this team is outside of names like Eric Gordon.

If the Rockets are going to continue growing and developing during a season that is sure to be tough, Tate is going to have to play up to his most recent deal and be a leader both on and off the court.

Houston needs someone to bridge the gap between Eric Gordon/Christian Wood and Jalen Green.

The good news for the Rockets is that their veteran forward looks more than up to the task.

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