Cavs: 3 teams they will definitely be better than in 2021-22 NBA season
Cavs: 3 teams they will definitely be better than – Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets aren’t used to being in this position. They are a franchise that has maintained a certain level of competence for years, finding ways to add talent without bottoming out to find it in the NBA Draft. Prior to last season Houston finished with a losing record just twice in 18 seasons, and never with fewer than 34 wins.
That changed last year, as trading away James Harden meant a race to the bottom to keep their lightly-protected first-round pick. They succeeded, using the pick that became the second in the draft on Jalen Green, who balled out in NBA Summer League and looks like a future star.
Houston stayed busy in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft, taking three more players in the first 24 picks: Alperen Sengun, the Turkish center with a polished offensive game; Usman Garuba, one of the draft’s best defenders as an undersized big man; and Josh Christopher, a wing brimming with two-way talent but raw in how to put it together.
That combination, alongside the roster’s other young talent, is a recipe for another low win total. This team does have John Wall, Eric Gordon and Christian Wood, but each will likely see their minutes reduced as the young prospects are given room to play and develop. With the sheer volume of teenage talent this team will roll out, they are a lock to be at the bottom and should finish below the Cleveland Cavaliers next season.
Next. Taking a look at who should be Cavs' starting power forward. dark
The Cavs have plenty of talent, and could certainly finish above other teams in the league. These three, however, are a near-lock to be on the bottom looking up at Cleveland by season’s end.