The Houston Rockets’ recent performances have been a gift for fans, showcasing a blend of defensive dominance and emerging offensive potential. It’s the kind of play that sparks hope about the team’s trajectory if they can consistently excel on both ends of the court.
As we’ve discussed extensively, Rockets fans are split into two camps. One group advocates for trading for an All-Star-level scorer immediately, while the other urges patience, believing in the young talent already on the roster.
I firmly belong to the latter group. As promised in my previous piece, here are three players already on the team who, with continued development, could help the Rockets leap into contender status as soon as this season.
Reed Sheppard
The third-round pick out of Kentucky has already justified the Rockets’ belief in him, at least on the defensive end. Sheppard has a knack for disrupting passing lanes and making an impact defensively, which has earned him a spot on the NBA roster instead of in the G-League, where many fans believe he belongs.
Critics argue Sheppard should be sent down because of his offensive struggles. In 12 minutes per game, he’s shooting just 34.5% from the field and 29.7% from three-point range. It’s a far cry from the offensive promise he showed during Summer League, where he was a central figure.
With Aaron Holiday available—shooting 47% from the field and 43.6% from three while being a capable perimeter defender—the case for Sheppard’s G-League stint grows stronger. Holiday’s efficiency and fit in Ime Udoka’s defensive scheme could fill those minutes effectively.
However, if Sheppard develops into a consistent shooter and playmaker off the bench, it would add a much-needed dynamic to the second unit. Spacing the floor for Amen Thompson and a healthy Tari Eason could make the bench even more potent. While Sheppard alone wouldn’t elevate the Rockets to contender status, his development combined with other young talent could be transformative.
Cam Whitmore
Fans have long called for Cam Whitmore to get more minutes, and in Tari Eason’s absence, he has delivered. Over the past three games, Whitmore has averaged 18 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three.
Whitmore’s ceiling is sky-high. He’s one of the few players on the team with more room to grow defensively than offensively. With his size, athleticism, and strength, he has all the tools to become a star.
Whitmore’s unique combination of attributes makes him hard to compare. He has the size of Jae Crowder with the athleticism of a young Zion Williamson. If he reaches his potential—becoming a consistent shooter and mastering team defense—he could fill the All-Star-level scoring role many fans want the Rockets to trade for.
Jalen Green
Anyone familiar with my work knows how highly I rate Jalen Green. More than any other player on the roster, Green has the potential to be in the “best player in the league” conversation if he plays to his full capabilities consistently.
Green has made strides defensively under Ime Udoka, but the Rockets need him to be a dominant offensive force. He must become the player they trust in crunch time—someone who can handle physical defenses, create his shot, and finish through contact.
Green’s athleticism shouldn’t be sacrificed for strength, but a little more muscle could help him become a more aggressive scorer. While his willingness to play within the system is commendable, there are times when Green needs to assert himself offensively. Once he consistently seeks contact and finishes through it, he’ll become a true game-changer.
Patience Is a Virtue
The Rockets might have the deepest young roster in the NBA. Players like Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, and Reed Sheppard would likely see significant minutes on other teams, but on this squad, they’re waiting for opportunities.
The question is whether Rockets fans—and more importantly, Tilman Fertitta and Rafael Stone—can remain patient. Will they allow the team to grow organically into contenders, or will they look to expedite the process with trades?
Ideally, the Rockets should continue to develop their talent. With the right growth from within, this team could contend for its third NBA title without needing to make a major move.