5 NBA teams on the rise that will surprise everyone in 2023-24

1. Houston Rockets

Entering the offseason, the Houston Rockets still felt a few years away from crashing the playoff picture. Then, the team made a series of win-now moves that could propel them to blast into the postseason this year.

Here’s a quick run through what Houston did this summer: hired Ime Udoka as head coach, signed Dillon Brooks from Memphis, signed Fred VanVleet from Toronto, and drafted both Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. Not bad, right?

VanVleet and Brooks weren’t the only veterans added to the team. The timeless Jeff Green signed in Houston as well, as did Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday.

Udoka was the person who helped guide young stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to the NBA Finals 13 months ago. The way his tenure ended in disgrace can’t be forgotten, but from a coaching standpoint, the former Boston Celtics coach seems like the perfect choice to lead the Rockets.

VanVleet automatically becomes the best player on the Rockets – and is getting paid like it – but Houston’s breakthrough will be dependent on the younger players rising to meet the moment. Jalen Green hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, but he’s only two years in. The same could be said after Jabari Smith Jr.’s rookie season. Both will likely start and be relied on heavily, with Kevin Porter Jr. and Jae’Sean Tate creating a monster bench unit.

The sheer depth of the Houston Rockets alone could lead the up-and-coming team to surprise many in the 2023-24 season.