The defense will want to keep an eye on Jabari Smith Jr.. Jabari Smith Jr. is a 2-year NBA veteran who attended Auburn, plays big man and weighs in at 220 pounds. Originating from the United States, he has a birthdate of May 13, 2003 and comes in at 6-11. Jabari Smith Jr. has a tally of 6,503 mins and has taken the court in 209 contests in his pro basketball career. Jeenathan Williams is another guy that will be a major contributer. Jeenathan Williams comes in as a 6-5 combo guard that weighs 205 lbs and is a product of the United States. He is a 2-year NBA veteran being born on February 12, 1999 and played his college basketball at Buffalo. Furthermore, Tari Eason is another player that should be accounted for. Born on May 10, 2001, Tari Eason steps onto the court as the wing, while he’s a 2-year vet in pro basketball. The United States born product weighs 216 pounds and stands 6-8. When it comes to making his teammates better, Eason has a tally of 186 assists, in addition to adding 218 steals and 110 blocks.
2024-25 Houston Rockets Roster
| Player | Exp | Pos | Height | Weight | Birthdate | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 2 | PF | 6-11 | 220 | May 13, 2003 | Auburn |
| Jeenathan Williams | 2 | SG | 6-5 | 205 | February 12, 1999 | Buffalo |
| Tari Eason | 2 | SF | 6-8 | 216 | May 10, 2001 | Cincinnati |
| AJ Griffin | 2 | SF | 6-6 | 222 | August 25, 2003 | Duke |
| Jeff Green | 16 | PF | 6-8 | 235 | August 28, 1986 | Georgetown |
| Reed Sheppard | R | SG | 6-2 | 185 | June 24, 2004 | Kentucky |
| Jack McVeigh | R | PF | 6-8 | 215 | June 27, 1996 | Nebraska |
| Jalen Green | 3 | SG | 6-4 | 178 | February 9, 2002 | No college |
| Alperen Sengun | 3 | C | 6-11 | 235 | July 25, 2002 | No college |
| Amen Thompson | 1 | SF | 6-7 | 209 | January 30, 2003 | No college |
| Jae’Sean Tate | 4 | SF | 6-4 | 230 | October 28, 1995 | Ohio State |
| Dillon Brooks | 7 | SG | 6-6 | 225 | January 22, 1996 | Oregon |
| N’Faly Dante | R | C | 6-11 | 230 | October 19, 2001 | Oregon |
| Steven Adams | 10 | C | 6-11 | 265 | July 20, 1993 | Pitt |
| Jock Landale | 3 | C | 6-11 | 256 | October 25, 1995 | Saint Mary’s |
| Aaron Holiday | 6 | PG | 6-0 | 185 | September 30, 1996 | UCLA |
| Cam Whitmore | 1 | SF | 6-7 | 232 | July 8, 2004 | Villanova |
| Fred VanVleet | 8 | PG | 6-0 | 197 | February 25, 1994 | Wichita State |
The Houston Rockets have a rich and storied history that dates back to their inception in 1967. Founded as one of the first expansion teams of the NBA, the Rockets are known for their explosive style of play and their dedication to building a winning culture. The Rockets began their inaugural season as the San Diego Rockets, playing at the San Diego Sports Arena. However, after just two seasons, the team relocated to Houston and was rebranded as the Houston Rockets, playing at the newly-built Coliseum (now known as the Toyota Center). In their early years, the team struggled to find success, posting a record of 23-59 in the 1967-68 season. Despite this, the team continued to build through the draft and began to show signs of improvement in the 1968-69 season, narrowly missing the playoffs with a 37-45 record. The Rockets experienced a turning point in the 1970-71 season, winning their first-ever division title and making their first appearance in the playoffs. Led by players like Elvin Hayes and Calvin Murphy, the Rockets continued to build on their success throughout the 1970s, making the playoffs six times in nine seasons. In 1984, the Rockets had the chance to draft Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest centers of all time. With Olajuwon leading the way, the Rockets experienced a resurgence in the mid-1980s, making the playoffs five times between 1986 and 1990. The Rockets’ greatest achievements came in the mid-1990s when they won back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Led by Olajuwon and fellow Hall-of-Famer Clyde Drexler, the Rockets defeated the New York Knicks in a thrilling seven-game series in 1994 before narrowly defeating the heavily-favored Orlando Magic in 1995. After Olajuwon’s departure in 2001, the Rockets entered a period of rebuilding, struggling to regain their previous success. Key players like Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady were added in an attempt to bring the team back to the top, but sustained success remained elusive. In 2012, the Rockets acquired All-Star guard James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden quickly emerged as the team leader, leading the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances and individual accolades. Under Harden’s tenure, the team adopted a fast-paced, high-scoring playing style that earned them the nickname “Lob City”. Although the James Harden era came to an unexpected end in 2021 with his trade to the Brooklyn Nets, the Houston Rockets continue to strive for success. The team’s current roster is centered around young talents such as Christian Wood, John Wall, and Kevin Porter Jr., among others. The Houston Rockets’ legacy extends far beyond their NBA championships, as they are known for continuously striving to build the best possible team. With a strong fan base and a rich history of success, the Rockets remain a formidable force in today’s NBA. The Houston Rockets have a long and impressive history that is marked by dedication, perseverance, and a passion for excellence. From their early struggles to their recent successes, the Rockets have always sought to be the best, and their fans eagerly await the day when they can once again bring glory to the city of Houston. As the team continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the NBA, one thing remains constant: the Rockets’ unwavering commitment to bringing a championship back to the Bayou City. Looking ahead, there’s no doubt that the Houston Rockets have what it takes to write the next chapter in their illustrious history.
