B- for the Houston Rockets. They overpaid but landed the two veterans they desperately needed.
Would've been a B+ if they had acquired Clint Capela via trade. Missed out on Brook Lopez too.
They have an amazing young center but they lacked a veteran center with defensive strengths.
And I just don't consider Jock Landale the missing piece to my puzzle. I love his first name though.
I'm loving that new look Rockets backcourt of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet!
Jabari Smith Jr. is a monster and going to take the next step in his second year.
Amen Thompson is the next superstar point guard in the league. Cam Whitmore reminds me a little of Draymond Green at MSU.
20-year-old Alperen Sengun (Baby Jokic) is ready to dominate if Coach Udoka runs the offense through him like Mike Malone does with MVP Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets. Beyond that it was all about adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. They both defend and bring something to the table that the Rockets didn't have before. A level of toughness and leadership mostly.
You take it in totality. What the Rockets did in free agency was huge for taking the next step. I don't care what other teams did. The Rockets had a major need and addressed those needs. Overpaid. Fine. It's not an A grade. But what the Houston Rockets have is a loaded NCAA championship caliber team. Problem is it's not college basketball. Most of their roster are college-aged kids playing in the NBA against grown men.
Just don't be surprised when the Houston Rockets build a dynasty from 2025-2035.
Give them two years to really liftoff! Appreciate the process.