After going 3-1 in the preseason, the Houston Rockets are ready to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday for their first home season opener since 2019.
The Rockets finished last season 41-41 after going 22-60 in 2022-23 and look to improve upon that record and make the playoffs, which Houston hasn't done since 2020.
General manager Rafael Stone joins "The Matt Thomas Show with Ross" to preview the upcoming season and discuss signing Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun to contract extensions as the pair enters the final season of their rookie contracts. "We are a very attractive market," and the Rockets were able to "provide them with some flexibility" with different contract lengths and structures, Stone said.
Sengun agreed to a five-year, $185 million extension that includes a player option for the fifth season in 2029-30. Green agreed to a three-year, $106 million extension, which includes a player option for the third year, giving him the ability to opt out of the contract before the 2027–28 season to become a free agent. Green has shown "a much greater level of consistency," Stone said. "You either work hard or you don't, and both [Sengun and Green] definitely do."
While both Green and Sengun took big steps forward in their player development last season, many expect the same from younger players such as Amen Thompson. The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft averaged 9.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg last season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. "He's just blessed with athletic gifts that no one has," and "I think he's going to be a huge part of what we do every game."
Rookie Reed Sheppard started four games at the NBA Summer League in Vegas, averaging 20.0 ppg, and has earned an established role in the Rockets rotation. "I think he's going to play right away," Stone said. "He's not a static guy on defense" because "he's trying to make plays."