For Fertitta, Patience Is Virtue Through Rockets Rebuild

When the Houston Rockets take the court on Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they’ll kick off the second half of the second season of “Part 2” of their rebuild. By any objective measure, the current era has been a smashing success thus far. Much of that can be attributed to the patience of owner Tilman Fertitta.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Rockets occupy the fourth seed in the loaded Western Conference, possessing a record of 34-21. The team is on pace for 51 wins and before falling victim to a slew of injuries (starters Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet all have missed extended time) held a firm grip on the second seed. The Rockets were on pace for close to 60 wins at certain points deep into the year and have maintained one of the league’s very best defensive ratings consistently. All of this comes despite having one of the league’s youngest regular rotations.

And the team is set up for even more future success, possessing one of the most enviable treasure chests of trade assets in the league, headlined by future pick obligations owed from the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. The team’s two best players, Sengun, a first time All-Star this year, and sophomore wing Amen Thompson, are both just 22 years old. Indeed, the Rockets have one of the most impressive outlooks in basketball, and much of it has been due to the approach of Fertitta.

Since the team kicked off its rebuild back in January 2021, with the trade of James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, Fertitta has resisted the urge to which so many new owners fall prey. Instead of settling for the quick, short-term fix, he’s given general manager Rafael Stone space to work, and in turn, Stone has prioritized long term sustainability in each of his major moves and in his overall team-building philosophy. With the trade of Harden, Stone focused on future picks, with the thinking that asset volatility meant higher yields, incurring ridicule from media at the time. Ben Simmons was the commentariat’s preferred alternative. Unequivocally, Stone’s preference turned out to be the right decision.

And in every season since, before the draft, and at the deadline, in spite of rampant speculation from both media and his peers, Stone has held on to his draft picks and young players alike, despite being linked to every veteran player that has become available on the market. No one would have blinked had Stone made a move last season to bolster his team’s playoff odds, when the Rockets eventually finished 41-41, exceeding all expectations. And again this season, at the deadline, it would not have raised eyebrows at all, with the Rockets looking at times like a true title contender, had Stone cashed in assets to make a true postseason push, especially with Smith lost for a month due to injury. But the Rockets held firm, insisting publicly that he was in this for the long haul. Such caution and prudence would not be possible without extreme support from Fertitta.

With their signings of veterans Dillon Brooks, VanVleet, and Jeff Green two off-seasons ago, the Rockets have created a new template for a modern rebuild, emulated recently by other teams such as the Detroit Pistons. Stone was criticized for spending lavishly on those older players, when in reality, they were acquired as stabilizing pieces to help aid in the young core’s growth, but not impede progress.

With head coach Ime Udoka steering the ship, Houston is building something to last. When the second half of this season kicks off for the Rockets on Friday, they will need to close out strong and prove they are for real; there are few doubts remaining. There will be many more critical decisions for Stone in the near future, such as extension eligibility for Smith and super-sub Tari Eason this summer and the future of shooting guard Jalen Green. Either or both of Suns All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker could be available on the trade block, with the Rockets expected to be in position to pursue, if they choose. Because of Fertitta’s patience, Stone has built something that can last for the long haul. That should be commended. Many other owners by now would have chosen the easier route.