Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
Houston Rockets starting power forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
The No. 3 pick last summer, Jabari Smith Jr.’s rookie season didn’t go entirely to plan. Originally thought to be Orlando’s favorite target at No. 1, Smith fell a couple spots to Houston and ultimately struggled to shape his NBA identity. He was probably a victim of Houston’s lack of structure and discipline, same as everybody else, but there’s work to be done.
Smith has tremendous physical tools at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He displayed real upside as a weak-side rim protector and his potential as a switchable defensive big is what initially drew Houston to him on draft night. Where Smith really struggled was the offensive end. Pitched as one of the best shooters in the draft following a fruitful season beyond the arc at Auburn, Smith’s jumper simply did not translate.
He shot 40.8 percent from the field and 30.7 percent from deep. He averaged the same number of assists as he did turnovers, and more often than not he looked lost within Houston’s mimicry of a scheme. More structure and better playmakers like VanVleet and Thompson should help Smith, who was never a master of self-creation. The mechanics of his jumper remain smooth and he should develop into a consistently impactful defender over time, maybe even as soon as next season.
That said, Smith will have to prove his mettle on the offensive end to live up to expectations as a top-three pick. He didn’t just struggle beyond the arc last season. He was a poor finisher around the rim and his in-between game amounted to little more than the occasional flash. Smith looked quite good in Summer League, but most sophomores do. How he looks in the major leagues will determine his role and future with the Rockets franchise.
Primary backup power forward: Tari Eason
Is Tari Eason the better/player prospect here? It’s certainly possible. The LSU product shined in his rookie season and he looks similarly primed for success in year two after a brief but successful run in Summer League. Eason is a whirlwind presence on the defensive end, battling with intensity at the point of attack and skewering offenses with his activity level away from the ball.
At 6-foot-8, Eason is built strong with the ability to switch two through five. He crashes the glass and is unafraid to sacrifice his body for the greater good. He has a ways to go offensively, but he shot more efficiently across the board than Smith (.448/.343/.752) and he’s a sneaky good passer for his position. Eason loves to run the floor and he should be rewarded by Houston’s up-tempo scheme, especially in second-unit groups with Amen Thompson, who’s going to run like his life depends on it every possession.
Other players who could receive minutes at power forward: Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, Cam Whitmore
The Rockets ponied up $6 million to steal Jeff Green away from the reigning champs in Denver. The 36-year-old has been steadfastly playing real minutes for his entire career, and next season should be no different. He’s approaching the point of his career where he carries more value as a veteran leader than as an actual player — and the Rockets have a lot of young depth in the frontcourt — but Udoka is a coach, and coaches are always prone to cherishing wisdom and know-how on the court. Expect Green to get his quota of shocking poster dunks in next season.