EVERY-THING SPORTS
Here's what lies ahead for Houston Rockets after scoring big on Draft night
Jun 23, 2023, 1:51 pm
The Rockets drafted Amen Thompson number four overall. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images.
The Houston Rockets are attempting to turn the corner. Gone are the days of trusting the process. No more lovable losers. So long to constantly scouting the NCAA, G League, overseas, and any other haven for young talent. There will be no more last, next to last, or closest to last place finishes. It's time to look towards the play-in slots, playoff positioning, playoff tickets, themes for playoff game giveaways, and all that comes with winning.
While they didn't win the lottery to draft French Ralph Sampson, they got another very high pick and took Amen Thompson at number four, then got what most consider a steal in Cam Whitmore at number 20. Neither guy is franchise altering. I expect both should be contributors on a team competing for at least a seven to 10 spot in the Western Conference this season. Adding them to a young core that's growing and getting better while mixing in a good young coach in Ime Udoka, who's proven to get the most out of his players, is a recipe for success.
Amen Thompson has been described by some as one of the best athletes in the draft. He's a big guard who loves pushing the ball and can find his teammates. He's an adept passer that always wants to make the right play. His outside shooting needs work. At 6'7 and 215lbs, he has an NBA body and played last season in Overtime Elite (a pro league for 16-20 year olds looking to get to the next level outside of college, Europe, or the G League). His work ethic is evidenced by his backstory. His family created a vision board for he and his twin brother Ausar (picked at number five by the Pistons). They followed the plan, which consisted of dad and the twins moving to Florida to further pursue their ultimate goal. That type of work ethic and dedication in a 20-year-old rookie is what you want to see in a guy you draft this high.
Cam Whitmore is a 6'7 232lb forward who can do a number of things. Seen as a top five talent before the draft, falling to number 20 should undoubtedly motivate him. He was one of four Power Five freshman last season to record at least 25 dunks and 25 threes. The other three guys were also drafted in the first round (Jarace Walker at eight, Taylor Hendricks at nine, and Noah Clowney at 21). He fell in the draft due to some effort and intensity concerns at workouts and practices. There were also some medical concerns. When it came time to play, he always stood out. I think once Whitmore gets around other young pros and sees how competitive it is, he'll blossom. Udoka will know exactly how to get the best out of him and where to use him most effectively.
I can see Thompson being the lead guard this team has been looking for. If they bring in a vet through free agency, I could see him being another athletic wing, and/or lead guard of the second unit. Whitmore will play a Tari Eason/KJ Martin role on this team. He'll be the switch wing defender who can shoot the spot up three, or slash and make highlight reel dunks. A real three and D guy with a frame big enough to handle the rigors of the league.
Getting two top five talents with the picks they had was good work by the organization. Now it's up to the players and staff to maximize each guy's potential. I'm looking forward to seeing this team and what they can do. Pieces are coming together nicely. We're seeing athletic guys who can play and defend multiple positions, while having more skills than just being really athletic. Free agency is up next. My guess is the team will continue to add the right pieces. My hope is that the price is right.
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Oct 22, 2024, 3:10 pm
C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans are looking for answers after their passing game couldn’t get going in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Houston’s passing attack had been a strength all season, and the Texans ranked fifth in yards passing per game through their first six games. But on Sunday at Lambeau Field, Stroud was limited to a career-low 86 yards in the 24-22 loss, which snapped a three-game winning streak.
Stroud was 10 of 21 and didn’t have a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The second-year player was under duress for much of the day and was sacked four times and hit seven other times.
“We have to go back to the drawing board and see what those issues were,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “As we watch the film, we’ll see what happened, starting for me the communication and just guys being on the details of the job.”
'Everything is on the table. We have to get it fixed' #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on offensive line and if personnel changes are being contemplated @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/AwK0rqeU2z
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 21, 2024
The Texans scored a season-high 41 points in a win over New England a week earlier in which Stroud threw a season-best three touchdown passes despite being without star receiver Nico Collins.
They were unable to replicate that success Sunday with Collins out for the second of at least four games after a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve.
Stefon Diggs led the team with five receptions against the Packers, but they only amounted to 23 yards. Tank Dell, who the Texans expected to step up with Collins out, was targeted four times but didn’t have a catch.
Stroud discussed the importance of getting Dell more involved in the offense.
“We have to find a way to try and get him the rock early and often and then go from there,” he said. “It has to be a focus for us, not only just him, but the whole offense clicking early. That is really my job to get the ball out on time and to where it is supposed to go. So yeah, that definitely has to be fixed.”
Ryans spoke about his confidence is getting Dell going.
'I have all the faith in Tank' #Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed confidence in Tank Dell ability to get back to making explosive plays again as he did as a rookie @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/bojBEx3lYo
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 21, 2024
What's working
The Texans have forced seven turnovers combined in their last two games after they hadn’t caused any in their previous three games.
Houston scored 16 points off three turnovers Sunday. The Texans had two interceptions and recovered a fumble on a punt. In their win over the Patriots, they scored 17 points off a season-high four turnovers.
What needs help
The Texans won’t get to where they want to be this season if Stroud doesn’t get back on track. Before Sunday, last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was averaging more than 262 yards passing a game, giving the team confidence that the problems in the passing game are fixable.
Ryans knows the line must give Stroud more time to throw and said the coaching staff will focus on improving in that area this week.
Stock up
RB Joe Mixon continued to shine Sunday in his second game back after missing three games with an ankle injury. Mixon, who is in his first season in Houston after a trade from Cincinnati, had 25 carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay.
Mixon is confident the Texans will rebound this week if they quit making mistakes.
“Does it look I’m worried? I’m not worried at all,” he said. “Like I said, we got a ... good football team. At the end of the day, we are our own worst enemy.”
Stock down
Dell was unable to help Stroud get the passing game going. The second-year player had a solid rookie season with 709 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 11 games before breaking his leg. But he hasn’t been able to build on that success this year and has just 194 yards receiving with one score in six games.
Injuries
LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), LB Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and S Jimmie Ward (groin) all missed Sunday’s game and it’s unclear if any of these starters can return this week.
Key number
3 — Safety Calen Bullock had his third interception Sunday to tie Dunta Robinson and Jumal Rolle for most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history through the first seven games. He leads NFL rookies in interceptions this season and is tied for third-most among all players.
Next steps
The AFC South-leading Texans (5-2) return to division play Sunday when they host the second-place Colts (4-3), who have won two in a row and four of five.