Rockets Poised for NBA Title Contention After Offseason Overhaul

The Houston Rockets are set to embark on an exciting 2025-26 NBA season, having made a series of impactful offseason moves that have propelled them into the upper echelon of the league's power rankings. According to The Athletic's annual NBA Power Rankings, the Rockets have been ranked 6th, placing them firmly in the "In a good place" tier, just behind the top contenders.

The Rockets' offseason overhaul was headlined by the acquisition of superstar forward Kevin Durant, who was brought in via a trade that sent Brooks and Green to another team. To further bolster their defensive prowess, the Rockets also added Dorian Finney-Smith from the Lakers. Additionally, the team secured the return of Clint Capela, solidifying their depth at the center position.

Alongside these veteran additions, the Rockets' young core of Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun is expected to play a crucial role in the team's quest for an NBA title. The Rockets are also counting on a significant leap from second-year guard Reed Sheppard, who is poised to see an increase in playing time this upcoming season.

Head coach Ime Udoka, known for his defensive-minded approach, has praised the Rockets' defensive capabilities, which are expected to be a key factor in their success. With the combination of Durant's scoring prowess and the team's defensive identity, the Rockets are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run in the loaded Western Conference.