Could Houston Rockets' Additions Push Them Into the Play-In?

With the improvements and additions that the Rockets made this offseason, could they make a bit of noise in the postseason.

The Houston Rockets finished last season 18 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who clinched the final play-in spot for the 2022-23 season. With the improvements that they have made, could the Rockets close that gap?

Perhaps the most notable addition that the team made in the offseason was all-star guard Fred VanVleet. He signed the max three-year, $130 million deal to join the Rockets on the first day of free agency.

The Rockets are a fairly young team, and bringing on a smart point guard like VanVleet could really help with Houston's on-court decision-making.

Fred VanVleet will be a key contributor to the Houston Rockets' success this season / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Another key addition for the Rockets is Dillon Brooks. The defensive-minded forward was dealt to Houston in a sign-and-trade deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks' relationship with the Grizzlies was broken beyond repair, so a move was best for his career moving forward.

With all of these additions, plus the improvements to their young roster, Houston is in a better position than last season. That begs the question, with all of these things in mind, could they make the postseason play-in tournament?

The last time the Rockets qualified for the postseason came during the 2019-20 season, James Harden's final full year in Houston. They were eliminated in five games by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals. 

In a competitive Western Conference, the Rockets are going to have a tough road ahead. They will have their first chance to show their improvements as they open their regular season Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from the Amway Center.