This is what growing pains look like in the NBA.
The Houston Rockets began 2022-23 looking to take a step up the Western Conference standings, pairing their talented backcourt with a number of intriguing frontcourt pieces. Their plans haven't come to fruition thus far.
The league's second-youngest team (behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder) sits at a Western Conference-worst 3–12 despite Wednesday's win in Dallas, and given the state of the current roster, we are unlikely to see the Rockets make a run toward the play-in anytime soon. As the organization places a premium on developing its young talent, another 60-loss season may be the consequence.