I am going to go through the new team vs the old team and give a percent on how much I think we have gotten better. For example a 100% increase would mean double the production
FVV vs KPJ: Even without KPJ being a prick, this is arguably our second biggest upgrade for this season. An actual PG who tries on defense is unheard of. I will say maybe 75%
3rd year JG vs 2nd year JG: It is no secret that Jalen hasn’t been efficient in his career so far but this year I think that changes. Having a real PG should significantly increase his efficiency, but I don’t expect that much of a PPG increase, maybe 23-24 PPG, but a big jump in playmaking, efficiency and defence. I’ll go with 50% increase
Dillon B vs KMJ: People who think DB was a bad signing are casuals. Overpaid? Maybe but he is everything we need. KMJ could legit do one singular thing; dunk. I like KMJ but he cant be starting regularly to make the playoffs. DB is an all-nba defender and his downsides I expect Ime to get control of. This is a huge upgrade and I’d say about a 60% increase
2nd year JSJ vs 1st year JSJ: This is when we see the real JSJ, the touted no.1 pick JSJ. His confidence is up, hes hitting his shots, this man is about to prove everyone wrong. 70%
3rd year ALP vs 2nd year ALP: This is probably the smallest jump from our starters, but still a significant one. I think he will become more confident from three and better defensively, while still doing his usual ALP things. 30% increase
Amen vs Nix/TyTy: I forgot how bad our backup PG was last year. Our rookie is going to be sm better immediately even being raw. I don’t even need to explain, 100%
Whitmore vs EG: This is our only downgrade this season, while I do believe in Cam, he will not be more productive than EG. I would say -50% but EG didnt play full season so I’ll say -30%
Tate vs Tate: I mean, basically the same player so I’ll just assume he will progress slightly so I’ll say 5%
2nd year Tari vs 1st year Tari: Obvious progression for the GOAT but I don’t think it will as much as the other young guys, 25%
Jock vs Usman: A decent addition and more than likely better than Usman was, 35%
Ime vs Silas: This is the most impactful addition to our team by far. I am including all of the background staff and team direction. Going from arguably the worst coach oat to a coach thats never missed the playoffs is huge. The fact that we are not actively tanking is such a huge swing in wins its unbelievable. I am going to say 400%
If you are keeping count, on average that is a 73% increase which would turn our 22 wins into 38 wins
I feel as if that if the west wasnt as strong we would a perrenial playoff team
TL;DR: We will get better at an average of 73% turning our 22 wins into 38.
The Rockets will definitely be better than last year but I think you can say that about a lot of WC teams.
I think it’s fair to say they will be better than the Trailblazers and probably the Spurs and Jazz but they’re both good. Past that you’re looking at surpassing the Mavericks, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Thunder which is really tough.
I’d guess the Rockets logical ceiling this year is the 9 seed maybe? But honestly that isn’t half bad given the WC this year