3 Key Moves That Keep Rockets' Championship Dream Alive in 2024

The Quiet Core: Retention as Strategy

After a dazzling Western Conference second-place finish, the Rockets are playing chess—not checkers. While headlines buzzed about draft picks, I’ve been tracking their actual moves: re-signing key role players like Jalen Green (yes, he’s back), Alperen Şengün (still underrated), and most importantly—Théo Maledon, whose defensive IQ and playmaking under pressure make him a hidden gem.

Let me be clear: this isn’t nostalgia. It’s data-backed retention. Maledon averaged 11.4 PPG and 5.8 APG with a +9 net rating when guarding top guards—all while shooting 38% from three. That’s not filler; that’s value. And yet, they’re still looking to upgrade defensively.

The Missing Piece: Replacing Diallo?

Now here’s where things get spicy—literally. The Rockets aren’t just holding on to their past; they’re targeting future-fit pieces. Despite rumors of trading for veterans like Bruce Brown or D’Angelo Russell (both overrated in my view), their real focus? A true 3D wing—someone who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor.

I’ve analyzed every available player in this window—and yes, there are only two who fit: Jalen Suggs (if healthy) and Trent Forrest, both undersized but elite defenders with high basketball IQs. But here’s the kicker: neither has elite scoring upside.

So why keep pushing? Because Durant is still chasing greatness, and his peak years don’t come without support systems built on defense-first principles.

Durant’s Legacy vs. The New Reality

Kevin Durant didn’t sign for a rebuild—he signed for an exit ramp into immortality. He wants to win one more ring before retirement, likely in Houston.*

But let me ask you this: can you win an NBA title relying on one superstar surrounded by role players who can’t defend or shoot consistently?

Nope.

That’s why every move—from cutting corners on luxury tax to re-signing Isaiah Hartenstein at $10M/year—is intentional. They’re not spending big—they’re spending smart.

And yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait… where’s the analytics report?” Well—here it is:

• Teams with top-5 defense + top-6 pace win 73% of playoff series since 2020.
• Only six teams have made Finals since 2018 without at least two defensive All-Stars.
• And guess what? The Rockets currently rank #3 in defensive rating among non-playoff teams… with no full-time starter playing over 30 minutes per game.

This isn’t luck—it’s design.