Latest news with #Rockets'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jabari Smith Jr. wants to sign a $122 million contract extension with Houston Rockets for five years through 2031
(Image Source - Getty Images) At just 22 years old, Jabari Smith Jr. isn't just putting pen to paper on a deal—he's committing to be the face of Houston 's future. The Rockets' move to offer him a fully guaranteed $122 million speaks volumes. He's more than just a promising forward now; he's a foundational piece of the franchise. After a playoff run and a Durant trade that didn't involve him, one thing is clear—Smith is at the heart of Houston's ambitious plans. Houston Rockets bet big on youth by locking in Jabari Smith Jr through 2031 The extension is said to include a massive $122 million commitment over five years—completely guaranteed—putting Smith among the highest-paid young forwards in the league. At only 22, Smith is already seen as a key piece of the Rockets' future plans, especially after the big trade that brought Kevin Durant to Houston. In fact, the Rockets turned down offers from Phoenix to include Smith in the trade, making their stance clear. Last season Smith averaged a respectable 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 57 games and that was with a broken left hand during the month of January keeping him off the court to a large extent. More surprising is the way he played in the playoffs, shooting 45.5% behind the arc in fewer than 20 minutes per game, which proves that he can do more when needed. His rim-protecting ability, particularly his ability to stretch the floor, is what makes him the perfect stretch-four of the present era. This announcement is a piece of a wider early offseason activity by the Rockets. Besides locking in Smith, Houston has also extended Fred VanVleet, Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, and even coach Ime Udoka. Smith's extension not only maintains stability on the court but also establishes a foundation for Houston to grow, even as they aim for titles with superstars like Durant. Still, this agreement carries increased expectations. A total guarantee indicates that the organization has faith in Smith to evolve into a dependable two-way contributor. With his shooting on the rise and his defensive instincts still sharp, this extension isn't just a precaution—it's a wholehearted acceptance of his potential. Also Read: James Harden stuns at Paris Fashion Week amid legal issues and a $36M Clippers deadline ticking fast Smith's extension is way bigger than the usual rookie deals and raises the stakes for his next performance. He's got to keep up that playoff shooting vibe and steer clear of the ups and downs that marked his regular season. If he can juggle scoring, rebounding, and shooting while keeping fit, Smith might turn into the player Houston hoped for when they picked him No. 3 overall in 2022 from Auburn. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Knicks must stop trying to poach rival coaches
For the June 11th, 2025 edition of the Morning Take, Brandon London sounds off the Knicks repeatedly getting denied opportunities to interview the Timberwolves' Chris Finch and the Rockets' Ime Udoka for New York's vacant head coach position.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockets rumors: Houston's backup target if ‘priority' Steven Adams leaves
The post Rockets rumors: Houston's backup target if 'priority' Steven Adams leaves appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Houston Rockets head into the 2025 offseason looking to continue their ascent in the Western Conference. Following their early exit in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, the focus is continuing to build towards being a contender. That includes addressing the Rockets' own players, such as Steven Adams, once the free agency period rolls around. Advertisement Steven Adams is reportedly the top priority in the offseason in terms of the Rockets internal free agency options, as per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. But Iko reports that if Adams should opt to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Rockets could turn their attention to another two-way caliber big man. 'If Adams leaves, team sources said the Rockets could reignite their interest in Brook Lopez,' Iko reports. 'The 37-year-old, who averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game shooting 37 percent from 3 in Milwaukee last season, was previously a target for Houston and would theoretically be a fit, given his two-way production and health.' Following Adams' strong showing the playoffs, the veteran center is sure to draw interest on the free agent market from opposing teams. In the Rockets' seven playoff games, Adams averaged 5.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots while shooting 60 percent from the field. He would be a solid addition for any team looking to add frontcourt depth. But per Iko, the Rockets are heading into the offseason working under the assumption that Adams has strong interest in re-signing with the team. Advertisement But in the event that Adams does depart in the offseason, Brook Lopez would not be a bad replacement for the Rockets. The former lottery pick has transitioned into becoming one of the top stretch-bigs in the NBA. His overall numbers took a hit in the playoffs during the Bucks' opening round exit against the Indiana Pacers. But during the regular season, Lopez shot 37.3 percent from the three-point line and 50.9 percent overall. He put up 13.0 points, which is close to his career average of 15.9. In more of a backup role with the Rockets, Lopez could thrive. In any case, it's going to be an important offseason for the Rockets if they wish to mold themselves into a West contender.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Fought with grit, heart, and determination': Steven Adams reflects on Rockets' season
'Fought with grit, heart, and determination': Steven Adams reflects on Rockets' season 'We fought with grit, heart, and determination, displaying the kind of resilience that goes beyond the court,' veteran center Steven Adams says of the 2024-25 Rockets. The 2024-25 NBA season didn't have the desired postseason ending for the Houston Rockets, but it was a largely successful one for veteran center Steven Adams. After missing all of last season due to knee surgery, Adams worked his way back into form in 2024-25 and took on a massive role in the 2025 playoffs, finishing as Houston's most impactful player (by many metrics) in its first-round series against Golden State. Days after Houston lost its winner-take-all Game 7, the 31-year-old took to Instagram to thank fans of the team. The Rockets concluded the regular season at 52-30 and No. 2 in the Western Conference, representing their best finish this decade. Via Instagram, Adams shared his thoughts on the journey: Houston, thank you. The energy, passion, and unwavering support you brought to the arena this year were nothing short of incredible. I hope we represented this city with the pride and resilience that define what it means to be a Houstonian. Going to battle with the brothers was an honor. We fought with grit, heart, and determinationdisplaying the kind of resilience that goes beyond the court. Proud of the boys and everything we learned together. Adams will be an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming 2025 offseason, though there appears to be mutual interest in a return to Houston. In seven contests against the Warriors, Adams averaged 5.7 points (60.0% FG), 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 22.1 minutes per game. Beyond his on-court contributions, the New Zealand native is also extremely well regarded for his leadership skills and locker-room presence. More: As free agency looms, Rockets hopeful of reunion with Steven Adams
Reuters
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Warriors-Rockets G7: Preview, Odds & Prop Picks
May 4 - The critical junctures during which the Houston Rockets stumbled in this Western Conference first-round series were routinely and rightfully chalked up to their collective playoff inexperience. But as the series extended, the Rockets settled in. A blowout victory at home in Game 5 shifted the series back to the Bay Area, and when the Golden State Warriors -- and not the Rockets -- came apart down the stretch in Game 6, it showcased just how far Houston has come in a short period. The Rockets' 115-107 victory on Friday evened the best-of-seven series and set the stage for Game 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET in Houston on Sunday. The Rockets turned an 86-84 lead entering the fourth quarter into a 17-point cushion with 4:40 left and confirmed that they were no longer nervous. "Obviously, Game 1 was full of jitters," said veteran Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, who posted 29 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in Game 6. "Game 3 was similar being on the road for the first time. Once you get that initial shock out of the way, being able to settle in and play basketball the way we've played all year and we have been one of the better teams all year. Just being able to execute and play our game at a high enough level." THE ODDS The Rockets were a consensus 2.0-point favorite as of mid-day Sunday. However, the line was holding at 2.5 at both DraftKings and BetMGM, where the Warriors had drawn 64 percent of the spread-line money while the total bets were nearly split. The Over on the low 205.5 total points line was among the most popular plays, drawing 92 percent of the money and 87 percent of the total bets since opening at 200.5. PROP PICKS --Fred VanVleet Under 17.5 Points (-115 at BetMGM): The Rockets' guard has averaged 19.0 points through the first six games of the series, and has been instrumental in Houston staying alive with 26 and 29 points in the past two games. However, VanVleet averaged only 11.3 points through the first three games of the series. --Stephen Curry Over 20 Points (-575 at DraftKings): The payout here isn't enticing, but that hasn't stopped this from being the most bet NBA player prop at the book on Sunday. Curry is averaging 24.3 points through the first six games and is coming off a 29-point effort in Golden State's Game 6 loss. You can bet Curry isn't going down without his best fight. THE NEWS At first blush, the Warriors would appear to have the advantage on Sunday. Curry and Draymond Green have played in five Game 7s each, while Jimmy Butler has participated in four. VanVleet, Steven Adams and Dillon Brooks provide playoff mettle for the Rockets, but the remainder of their core will experience their first Game 7. Emotionally, the Rockets will have a steep hill to ascend. To their benefit is a defensive might that hasn't vacated them in moments, good or bad. "Defense travels, and our awareness and physicality has improved in the series," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. "And in general, our young guys are not really fazed by things. They just continue to play through it. They have really good veterans that steady them at times." Instead of shying away from the physical play, the Rockets have embraced it and put the Warriors on their heels. Golden State has one more chance to prove that experience matters. "Just got to meet force with force, execute the game plan," Green said. "Everybody will be excited. It will be hyped in there. It will be loud. Then the game starts, and there's just basketball. You got to execute your game plan, stay the course." THEY SAID IT "Staying together will not be an issue. This team has been connected and has been through everything. There's no question the frustration (Friday) set in. I could see it -- the body language. We can't have that. We can't afford that in Game 7. "We've got to stay tight whole way through. Like I said, I like our chances. I've seen what this group can do over the years. We've been in a lot of Game 7s, I believe, had a lot of success." --Warriors coach Steve Kerr
