Rockets Notes: Sengun, Adams, Green, Trades

Rockets centers Alperen Sengun And Steven Adams could combine to serve as one of the NBA's top center tandems in 2024-25, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. Substitute, big man Jock Landale They may also compete for minutes at the five, but as long as Sengun and Adams stay healthy, it's likely that either the rising star or the long-time starter will be on the court most of the time.

“We are damn solid” Adams said. “The guys here are pretty good. That's more on paper. We didn't play a game. It doesn't matter what it looks like on paper. Whoever is best connected will be the deepest team.”

As Feigen notes, the Rockets as a franchise have a long history of great Hall of Fame men. Feigen points out that Sengun neared possible All-Star status during his breakout 2023-24 season and still has room for improvement this year.

There's more from Houston:

• As he got fit for his first game in nearly seven months, Sengun showed the kind of growth that Houston insiders and fans were undoubtedly hoping for, Feigen writes in a separate story. Sengun appears to have added catch-and-shoot triples to his arsenal. During the team's 122-113 preseason loss to the Jazz, he showed speed and activity never before seen in his game, Feigen notes.
• Missile shooter Jalen Green It flourished last year after Sengun was sidelined with an ankle injury in March. Feigen writes in another article for The Chronicle that Houston believes its late-season surge is sustainable in the long run. Green credits film sessions with Rockets coaches that began last December for helping him figure out how best to refine his game. “I think it will make it a lot easier to pick up where I left off.” Green said. “It’s more about what I have to do: play defense, play rebound. Like I said, besides just scoring goals, being able to contribute to the team.”
• The Rockets have plenty of young players, future draft picks and veterans on solid but moveable contracts. Houston could be the most intriguing trade team in the league this season, says Michael Pina of The Ringer. Pina points out that the Rockets could go in many directions – they could try to package a few young players in a franchise-altering deal or could trade some veterans for more young guys and draft equity.