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The Houston Rockets are committed to a long-term vision despite recent playoff exits, focusing on their young core and future draft picks. Patrick Fertitta emphasizes a patient approach rather than immediate win-now moves.
The Houston Rockets are coming off a second consecutive exit in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, but that doesnât necessarily mean that a major win-now transaction is coming in the 2026 offseason.
On ESPNâs latest Howdy Partners show, Tim MacMahon and Michael C. Wright indicated that a longer-term vision remains in place.
Houston has five first-round picks on its roster from the 2021 through 2024 draft classes (Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard), and the focus is on what the team hopes is an extended window of contention.
Even with Kevin Durant turning 38 years old in September and still in All-Star form, itâs the young core that reportedly remains the priority.
On Thursdayâs show, MacMahon and Wright said:
The Rockets are prioritizing a long-term vision and are not planning major win-now transactions for the 2026 offseason.
The Rockets' young core includes Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard.
The Rockets have five first-round picks from the 2021 through 2024 draft classes.
Kevin Durant, who turns 38 in September, remains in All-Star form, but the Rockets are focusing on their younger players as a priority.
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Wright: If youâre surveying the landscape and seeing what these juggernauts (around the NBA) have done, and how theyâve built it, I think the patient approach is probably the best way to go. But you know how it goes, these billionaire owners want to compete. You want to get there as quick as you can, and maybe you can get there, but then your window is shorter.
MacMahon: They have Rafael Stone and Patrick Fertitta, Tilman Fertittaâs son. They have preached patience to Tilman. When you talk about ownership with the Rockets, Tilman is the owner, but Patrick is the day-to-day presence. Heâs the guy who is really hands on, at the practice facility on a regular basis, and with the team. Heâs the one whoâs running the team, side by side with Rafael Stone. I can just tell you, Patrick has a very patient approach, which is a little surprising. Heâs in his early 30s.
Going back to the (James) Harden trade and the painful rebuild and all that, heâs the one who has really been able to convince his dad, âWe have to be patient. We have to take a long-term view.â I can just tell you, heâs not wavering off of that.
Wright: Thatâs great to hear because thatâs a little security for Rafael, and I really like the way heâs done things. Heâs exercised some restraint. Theyâve got some young talent that looks like it can be something, but theyâve got to cultivate it. Itâs up to them to develop it.
MacMahon: Itâs up to the young guys.
Elsewhere in the show, the hosts named Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell â but not Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo â as someone the Rockets could be aggressive to try and land via trade, should he become available.
Mitchell, 29, is more than two years younger than Antetokounmpo. He also has significantly less injury history and will make a bit less money next season ($50.1 vs. $58.5 million).
With Mitchell as just one example, itâs clear that Fertitta and Stone havenât foreclosed the possibility of a major move this offseason. Itâs just not something theyâre desperate to do, and itâll likely require the right player coming available at the right price point, in terms of assets.
The complete episode can be listened to here.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ESPN: Rocketsâ Patrick Fertitta ânot waveringâ from patient approach