During a period of resurgence, the Houston Rockets made headlines as general manager Rafael Stone secured a multiyear contract extension earlier this year, as reported by sources. Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta acknowledged the achievements of Stone and his assistant GM Eli Witus by granting them extensions in light of various organizational triumphs.
One of the key successes highlighted was the strategic drafting and nurturing of young talents such as Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson. Additionally, notable free agent acquisitions like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were credited to the team's astute decision-making. The hiring of coach Ime Udoka was also a pivotal move that significantly impacted the team's performance.
Under Udoka's leadership, the Rockets experienced a remarkable transformation, marking the league's most significant turnaround from 22 victories to 41 in a single season. Notably, the team achieved a .500 season while fielding six players aged 22 or younger, all of whom played crucial roles either as starters or contributors.
Stone assumed the role of GM in 2020 following Daryl Morey's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, with Witus also ascending within the front office hierarchy concurrently. Stone faced an immediate challenge with the James Harden trade request, which he navigated skillfully by orchestrating a deal that brought in expiring contracts, three first-round picks, and four first-round pick swaps with the Brooklyn Nets.
