The Houston Rockets, once among the worst NBA teams, have completed a successful rebuild under coach Ime Udoka and veteran leadership from Fred VanVleet. Returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they secured the second seed in the Western Conference and are set to face the Golden State Warriors in a first-round series.
After a downward spiral following James Harden's departure and subsequent trades, the Rockets revamped their roster with a mix of young talent like Jalen Green and seasoned players like VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. The team's improvement, solidified by a winning culture instilled by VanVleet, has led to a playoff-worthy season and a renewed sense of belief in their championship potential.