Ben DuBose, editor of The Rockets Wire, joins Next Up following the Houston Rockets defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 116-105 on the road Sunday to finish their season with a 41-41 record. This is the first time the Rockets have finished with at least a .500 season record since 2019-2020.
The Rockets were unable to make the postseason as this year's Western Conference was the first conference in NBA history to have 11 teams without a losing record.
With the team heading into the offseason, DuBose explains that the Rockets are "already pretty set with the young guys" as the NBA draft and free agency period approaches.
DuBose also reflects on veteran point guard Fred VanVleet's first season with the Rockets, saying "Fred was a homerun signing," as well as Dillon Brooks, who "set a tone" with his "competitive edge he brings to the table."