Rockets GM hints at brilliant decision in press conference

The Houston Rockets were disappointed to lose in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Expectations can be difficult to temper. Heading into the season, anyone would have agreed that making the playoffs and losing to the Warriors would be an acceptable outcome. After winning 52 games, the tone shifted. Rockets fans suddenly raised their expectations.

Depending on who you ask, the season was a rousing success or an abject failure. It seems that Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone falls into the former camp.

He wants to run the roster back next season.

Rockets GM gives hint about next year's plan

"Continuity is likely for next season."

-Rafael Stone

Straight from the horse's mouth. Rockets fans with big dreams of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant may want to think twice.

That's not to rule anything out. NBA general managers engage in subterfuge every summer. Stone may have the ink dried on the Antetokounmpo deal as we speak.

That said, if you've been paying attention, this has been Stone's line for a long time. It seems to be the Rockets' modus operandi. This organization understands that sacrificing a young core for an aging superstar fails (at least) as often as it succeeds.

Still, there are no fail-safe plans in the NBA. If there were, everyone would have the same plan.

Is this the right plan for the Rockets?

Rockets wise to be patient

More or less.

There's a caveat. He's about 6'4", seems like a great kid, has arguably the quickest first step in the NBA, and can't create offense for himself consistently, regardless.

The caveat is Jalen Green.

Trading him due to a dreadful showing in the 2024-25 NBA playoffs would be a knee-jerk reaction. Trading him after four full seasons of NBA basketball, where he's failed to impact winning, would be a different matter.

Stone shouldn't rush to trade Green to his first suitor. He doesn't need to trade him, but it's not hard to imagine a situation where moving him is beneficial.

Perhaps Green will improve. It's hard to imagine him improving in Houston. If Green is a downhill guard with a shaky jumpshot, this roster doesn't have sufficient spacing to help him succeed. Green should be paired with a floor spacing big.

Otherwise, prioritizing continuity is smart. Antetokounmpo doesn't fit with this roster. Durant probably doesn't make them a serious contender, and he'll be out of the NBA in a few years. Spending assets on him could be a regrettable choice in hindsight.

The Rockets should add a rookie this summer. They could also stand to upgrade their guard rotation with a low-cost veteran. They should make some roster moves, but there's no pressing need to do anything drastic. If they stagnate - or even regress - they'll have the assets to take a big swing next summer. If an age-appropriate superstar who fits with what's already working for them shakes loose, they can pounce.

That should get them out of the first round.