Jae'Sean Tate Makes Bold Claim Regarding the Houston Rockets' Rebuild

At media day, Jae'Sean Tate suggested that the Houston Rockets are done rebuilding and will finally start to win some games.

At Media Day Monday afternoon, speculation was abuzz as to whether the Houston Rockets would go all-in under new coach Ime Udoka or if the 2023-24 season would be a bit of a transition year. Jae’Sean Tate, the longest-tenured Rocket, had some words to quell some minds.

“I think the rebuild is over,” Tate said. “This is a whole new team, a new era of Rockets basketball. I think hunger is the right word.” 

Tate did not say that the Rockets are ready to win this season. While the Rockets may be done adding pieces after signing veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, this is still one of the youngest teams in the league. 

Jalen Green and Amen Thompson will surely be some of the most electric young backcourts, but the excitement doesn’t always transition to wins. Jabari Smith Jr. needs to take a leap for the team to compete. While Tate, a proclaimer of good things to come, is fighting for a spot on the roster.

Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tate’s assertion isn’t totally wrong. The Rockets have their core moving forward, and will only be adding talent in the draft and free agency to bolster their young group. 

VanVleet and Brooks seem to have bought into the new era of Houston basketball, and Udoka is the no-nonsense coach to lead a young team.

Before entering win-now mode, most rebuilding teams have a time of moderate success as they find their bearing in a competitive landscape. 

The Milwaukee Bucks under Giannis Antetokounmpo did, as well as the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry. If the Rockets are building long-lasting success, 2024 will be a bridge season before they can make shots at deep playoff runs for years to come.