The Houston Rockets used the No. 4 and No. 20 picks in the NBA Draft to select Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. While Live Cricket BPL notes that picking Thompson came as no surprise, landing Whitmore at 20 was a pleasant and unexpected bonus. Once projected as a top-five pick, Whitmore’s stock fell due to health concerns, but his talent never wavered. Ironically, he had already expressed interest in joining the Rockets — a twist of fate that turned a draft slide into a perfect match.

With the addition of Thompson and Whitmore, the Rockets now boast a roster brimming with raw talent. From Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün to Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., and Tari Eason, the team is stacked with young, high-upside players. But as Live Cricket BPL analysts point out, talent alone won’t lead to wins — what the Rockets lack is a clear leader. Many fans have begun calling for a return of James Harden to fill that void. Life without him may seem quieter, but it’s missing a spark.

There were rumors earlier this year that Harden might return to Houston. While some current players were reportedly unhappy with the idea, fearing he would dominate the ball, critics may be missing the point. Harden has evolved. After stints in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, he’s no longer just a scoring machine — he led the league in assists last season. Fans now hope Harden could return not just as a player, but as a mentor to help develop the team’s youthful core. He still has business interests in Houston, and both ownership and the fan base remain fond of him.

This offseason, Harden has the option to decline his player option and test free agency, giving him significant control over his next move. He could stay in Philadelphia, join another title contender, or come full circle by returning to Houston — a move that would likely mean sacrificing championship hopes to give back to the franchise that shaped him into a superstar.

With such a young roster, new head coach Ime Udoka faces a steep challenge. He must decide who becomes the primary ball handler, who gets starter minutes, and who emerges as the face of the franchise. If the team falls into a battle over touches, Live Cricket BPL warns that it could stunt the growth of even the most promising talents.

In the end, whether Harden returns or the team leans into developing its youthful roster, one thing is clear — Houston is rebuilding with intent. And if managed properly, the Rockets may soon rise from the ashes, with a future as bright as the Texas sun.