Even though the Astros’ golden era is slowly diminishing, there are still several Houston teams that have a chance to win it all.
On July 6, Kevin Durant, a top-tier player in the NBA for almost 20 years, was traded to the Houston Rockets. With two NBA Championships, one MVP award and 15 All-Star selections to his credit, Durant, a seasoned veteran, brings his experience and great leadership to the team.
“Because of the Kevin Durant trade, I think we have a really well-rounded team, especially in comparison to last year,” junior Carter Debow said. “Kevin Durant really fits the team well, and last year, he was still one of the best players in the league.”
With the addition of Durant, the Rockets are bound to make it further in the playoffs and perhaps win an NBA championship.
“I think the Rockets have an outstanding chance of getting to the NBA finals,” history teacher and middle school basketball coach Jack Soliman said.
The last time the Rockets won an NBA championship was in back-to-back seasons, against the Knicks in 1994 and Orlando Magic in 1995. Houston hopes to celebrate a third franchise championship in this upcoming season.
Not only do the prospects for Houston’s professional basketball season look hopeful, but Houston’s collegiate team is also looking stronger than ever. Kelvin Sampson, coach of the University of Houston basketball team, is known for building a dominant team and leading them through a long March Madness run. In order to return to the final four in Indianapolis, UH needs to have a great regular season to get a higher seed in the playoffs.
“He is a top-10 talent coach. I believe in his ability to put people together,” history department chair Russel Hardin said.
With Kelvin Sampson’s exceptional coaching ability and three new five-star recruits—Chris Cenac Jr., Isaiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings—the Houston community is hyped for the upcoming season.
Taking a look at Houston’s football scene, the Texans have been in the process of rebuilding their roster for years. Fans think this could be the year the Texans prove that they are not only playoffs, but also Superbowl ready.
“They can definitely get to the AFC championship game; beyond that, that’s going to be hard,” Soliman said.
Quarterback CJ Stroud has led the Texans to the playoffs for the last two years. With a stacked roster composed of players like Stroud, Joe Mixon and Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans have the hope of being a strong playoff contender.
Houston teams are looking incredible compared to years past. The community is excited for a shot at several different championships. Maybe the Astros can still turn it around in years to come.
