Rockets Determine to Break Free of Consistent Losing: Media Day Notebook

With training camp set to begin on Tuesday, the Houston Rockets have their eyes set on moving past three consecutive years of losing.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets are ready to move past the losing that has plagued the organization over the previous three seasons. And similar to each press conference throughout the summer, the Rockets are ready to enter phase II of their rebuilding project.

"I've talked about it since day one — internal growth is going to be the biggest step for us," coach Ime Udoka said. "Guys who have been here and gone through the rough times, we need to see growth and improvements from them. 

"It starts with me holding guys accountable and coaching them a certain way. The growth of our young guys and the addition of our veterans will help us take the next step."

The Rockets held their annual media day Monday morning inside the Toyota Center. And for the first time since 2019, winning was the main topic of conversation.

But instead of declaring their desires to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy with James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Rockets displayed a mindset of a rising team aiming to play competitive and organized ball for the next seven months.

The veterans the Rockets added to their roster will help establish a winning mentality. But in addition to adding more victories, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green and Fred VanVleet will take the helm as teachers.

"I am here to help them grow," VanVleet said. "I am here to help them develop and learn. My professionalism and work ethic will translate over. It has been a great summer with the time I've spent with some of the guys. But now, I am looking forward to having the whole team together to start this journey."

The Rockets will begin to build the groundwork for a successful 2023-24 campaign Tuesday afternoon at McNeese State University’s Legacy Center, which will mark the first of a four-day training camp trip in Lake Charles, La.

Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic (51) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for a picture at Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Green's third-year development

The Rockets have made winning a top objective entering the new season. But Houston's success will rely upon the growth of their second-and-third-year players.

Alperen Sengun expressed his desire to improve his play on the defensive side of the ball, while Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. acknowledged their respective mental improvements. But Jalen Green remains at the forefront of Houston's youth. 

"It's about the little things for me when showing growth," Green said. "Showing that I can win and contribute to winning, no matter what it is. I just don't have to score. But I can play defense. Communicate. Do all of the things to help this team get better." 

Green has shown the potential to become a top-tier player who could be in the running for league MVP. But on the flip side, he has also demonstrated the potential to be a high-level scorer who doesn't impact winning.

But the third-year guard's mindset coincides with the mentality of the team. Udoka expressed excitement ahead of his first season working alongside Green but emphasized the importance of becoming an all-around player. 

"It's all about him being more well-rounded," Udoka said. "He is a natural scorer. But we want him to do everything. He has the ability to defend. He has the ability to get to where he wants on the court. For a guy who is as talented as him, the goal is to become more well-rounded."

Rockets to take major leap on the defensive end?

Houston has ranked near the bottom of every statistical category since the start of their rebuild in 2021. But their struggles on the defensive end may have been the most problematic.

While going 22-60 last season, the Rockets had the second-worst defense in the league. Houston gave up an average of 118.6 points with a defensive net rating of 118.6.

Under Udoka, the Rockets' defense will become a point of emphasis amid transitioning the organization into the next phase.

"We struggled in a lot of areas defensively," Udoka said. "We have guys who have that natural defensive mentality. We have the players. And when you add the pieces that we have added to that end of the floor, it raises the level of competitiveness on that end."

Udoka established himself as one of the top defensive coaches during his lone season with the Boston Celtics. 

While helping the Celtics reach the 2022 NBA Finals, Boston finished the regular season with the league's top defense under Udoka. The Celtics gave up an average of 111.4 points while possessing a defensive net rating of 106.2.