The Houston Rockets are supposed to be bad this year. There’s no doubt about it. You’re not going to find anyone credible predicting them to make the playoffs or even the play-in tournament. That said, it is reasonable to believe they should be getting better.

On an individual level, a lot of that’s certainly happening. Jalen Green has started the season much better than he started last year. Kevin Porter is making his contract extension look even more team-friendly than it was already. Even Spanish forward Usman Garuba has carved out a nice little niche for himself. As a team, however, the Rockets look just as lost, if not worse than they were last year.

Rockets last season:

Offense: 26th in the NBA

Defense: 30th in the NBA

Net: 29th in the NBA

Rockets this season:

Offense: 28th in the NBA

Defense: 26th in the NBA

Net: 30th in the NBA