Why the Rockets’ operational strategy could prove to be a mistake

The Houston Rockets will be back to work next season, in terms of personnel and roster construction. Almost all of the players from last season are expected to return, with the exception of Reggie Bullock, who was not exactly a key player for the franchise last season.

In many ways, this approach makes a lot of sense, as the team posted a respectable 41-41 record (a 19-win improvement from last season) despite numerous injuries to Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, and Alperen Sengun. One can only imagine how much better the team would have fared with a healthy roster.

Sure, the Rockets would love to have a superstar on their roster, but so would everyone else. That’s the game.

The Rockets have reportedly put together a list of trade targets (Zion Williamson, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell), but none of them are available at the moment. Therefore, the franchise has opted to take a patient approach and essentially wait for them to become attainable.

But will it work in the end?

The Rockets will have a wealth of draft picks to offer, but it would be fairly easy for another team to outbid them.

Especially if they offer a star-level player.

The Rockets appear to be hoping to retain their core of young prospects, and rightly so. If they have to part ways with one (or more) of their key youngsters, the team could be worse off.

And the longer they wait to go after their star man, the more likely that player could end up with a contract extension, making him even more unavailable.

(Hello, Donovan Mitchell).

It will certainly be something to keep an eye on, as their quest for a star will not end any time soon. The only question is whether it will ultimately be too late.

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