Houston Rockets · Franchise era 8 of 8
The young-core rebuild: the Houston Rockets story
Franchise era
2020–21—present
The young-core rebuild
Houston Rockets
The story in one sentence
After Harden's departure, Houston accumulated young talent and shifted from open-ended rebuilding toward defense, internal growth and another playoff chase.
Draft development after the superstar cycle
Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2020–21
What came before
The 2012 trade made Harden a franchise player. Houston kept rebuilding the roster around his creation until the 2018 team came within one win of the Finals.
2025
Western Conference First Round: Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors
2026
Western Conference First Round: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core