What Does the Houston Rockets Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2021-2022 Season?

After the worst season in the franchise’s history, Houston Rockets now look to start from scratch in the roster’s rebuilding. They acquired many future assets as draft picks in return for trading away most of the starters from the previous roster. The future looks extremely bright, but only if the Rockets keep these assets in the long run.

The past trades have already resulted in four first-round picks in the NBA Draft 2021. If the Rockets grow these assets and give them the time and opportunity to garner their potential, they might have a championship-contending roster within a few years.

However, at present, there are only a few veterans available to the team and a few players with rookie-level experience. They are the ones who will most likely be a part of their starting lineup. Among young rookies like ‘Block party’ KJ Martin, All Rookie First Team member Jae’Sean Tate and ‘Snipa’ Armoni Brooks, the future of the franchise looks in safe hands.

Potential starting line-up for the Rockets

1. John Wall

John Wall joined the Rockets last season in a trade for Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. We know him for his slash style of play. If injuries do not hinder his season, he can lead the Rockets to the playoffs, at the very least.

However, to win it all, he needs a powerful center in the roster who can draw the defense inside the paint for him to get more space on the perimeter.

If one were to be forced to point out a weakness, it would be his three-point shooting, which was a mere 31.7% last season. Although his speed and ball handles along with his defensive contributions are sufficient for us to overlook that weakness.

2. Kevin Porter Jr.

Kevin Porter Jr (a.k.a Scooter) was arguably the steal of a lifetime for the Houston Rockets. For a late second-round pick that may never materialize, Houston received Kevin’s services from the Cavaliers, for virtually nothing.

Eventually, Kevin showed his value to the franchise and what the Cleveland Cavaliers missed out on. After a stellar game against the Bucks, he became the youngest player in league history to drop 50 points and 10 assists in a game.

His ball handles and scoring ability all around are something that the Rockets need to hold on to for a long time. After Eric Gordon eventually fell out as the favorite in the starting lineup, Kevin has shown enough potential to guarantee him significant minutes on the court.

READ MORE: NBA Championship or Olympic Gold Medal? Jrue Holiday Explains Which Holds More Importance

3. Jae’Saen Tate

The former Belgian League All-Star, Jae’Sean Tate, joined the Houston Rockets at the beginning of last season. He joined on a rookie contract despite already having experience with professional basketball. And he quickly became a fan favorite at Houston after notching consistent performances on both defense and offense. They named him in the NBA’s All Rookie First Team last season.

We expect him to start for the Houston Rockets.

4. Danuel House Jr.

He is the last remaining starter of the two veterans left in the roster (along with Eric Gordon) who took the Houston Rockets to the Playoffs. His last season was hindered because of injuries; he sprained his ankle and played only 36 games last season. However, his accuracy from the 3pt range and defensive athleticism make him a key part of the roster.

5. Christian Wood

Christian Wood is the one spark in this roster who took the league by surprise last season. He is a 6 foot 10 inch tall Center who was a prime contender for the most improved player in the league. It was only after Christian Wood’s ankle injury that the Rockets’ season collapsed last season.

He shot 37.4% from 3 point range. In the 41 games he played, he averaged 21 points and 9.6 rebounds. If he improves his physique to better suit the league’s style of play, he will soon become a force to reckon with in the league.

Houston Rockets season highlight from 2021