The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every defeated team leaves behind stories of promise and failure — the players who stand at the crossroads of potential and uncertainty. We’re not here to dwell on the heartbreak of a postseason exit, but to sift through the aftermath, piecing together what it means for fantasy rosters and spotlighting the players who deserve your attention.
For every team sent packing, we’ll analyze one standout player primed for growth and one major question mark that could impact the team’s fantasy value.
The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a drama-filled, rumor-laden affair. This is all about understanding what’s next, not just for the teams themselves, but for the fantasy basketball managers who are getting a pulse ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Just days ago, the Rockets had the thrill of victory. Now, it’s the agony of defeat. They battled a seasoned Warriors squad but fell short, and I left feeling that the current iteration of the Rockets, while showing flashes, isn’t built for sustained playoff success. Their roster is flush with young talent loaded with draft picks, so I expect they’ll make moves this offseason.
Amen Thompson cleared for takeoff
Thompson was a fifth-round value in 9-cat leagues, and no matter how this offseason shakes out, he will be the best fantasy player on Houston’s roster next season. He does everything but shoots free throws well, and I expect shooting to be a focus area during workouts this summer. I’ve seen him go in the early second round in some way-too-early mock drafts — so be prepared to spend up (it’ll be worth it).
The skilled centerpiece
At least we don’t have to hear Reggie Miller pronounce Alperen Şengün for a while. Still, Şengün remains the hub of Houston’s offense, so his fantasy value is safe. His lack of finishing around the rim annoys me. He ranked below league average in the paintin the regular season, and that ported right over into the Warriors’ series.
Is it time to upgrade or stick it out?
If the Rockets decide to go star hunting, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are two players I’d expect to be available. Jabari Smith Jr. showed growth in the postseason, while the latter two did not. Tari Eason playing under 20 minutes a game in the playoffs was criminal, so I look forward to any frontcourt minutes that could open up ahead of next season. Eason finished 61st in 9-cat leagues, putting up career-highs across several categories in 64 games.
The team option on Fred VanVleet’s contract is another storyline to follow, as that could free Reed Sheppard or give Amen even more ball-handling responsibilities should the Rockets decide not to re-up VanVleet.
What’s next?
Keep an eye on these Rockets’ developments. If they decide to shake things up, it could have significant implications for players like Thompson, Eason, Smith Jr and Sheppard. Not to shortchange Green, who certainly took a step forward (118th in 9-cat leagues), but the inconsistency that’s plagued him throughout his young career may have reached an inflection point.
If a deal can raise the Rockets’ floor, pivoting off the former No. 2 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft may become a reality.
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every defeated team leaves behind stories of promise and failure — the players who stand at the crossroads of potential and uncertainty. We’re not here to dwell on the heartbreak of a postseason exit, but to sift through the aftermath, piecing together what it means for fantasy rosters and spotlighting the players who deserve your attention.
For every team sent packing, we’ll analyze one standout player primed for growth and one major question mark that could impact the team’s fantasy value.
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The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a drama-filled, rumor-laden affair. This is all about understanding what’s next, not just for the teams themselves, but for the fantasy basketball managers who are getting a pulse ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Just days ago, the Rockets had the thrill of victory. Now, it’s the agony of defeat. They battled a seasoned Warriors squad but fell short, and I left feeling that the current iteration of the Rockets, while showing flashes, isn’t built for sustained playoff success. Their roster is flush with young talent loaded with draft picks, so I expect they’ll make moves this offseason.
Thompson was a fifth-round value in 9-cat leagues, and no matter how this offseason shakes out, he will be the best fantasy player on Houston’s roster next season. He does everything but shoots free throws well, and I expect shooting to be a focus area during workouts this summer. I’ve seen him go in the early second round in some way-too-early mock drafts — so be prepared to spend up (it’ll be worth it).
At least we don’t have to hear Reggie Miller pronounce Alperen Şengün for a while. Still, Şengün remains the hub of Houston’s offense, so his fantasy value is safe. His lack of finishing around the rim annoys me. He ranked below league average in the paint in the regular season, and that ported right over into the Warriors’ series.
If the Rockets decide to go star hunting, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks are two players I’d expect to be available. Jabari Smith Jr. showed growth in the postseason, while the latter two did not. Tari Eason playing under 20 minutes a game in the playoffs was criminal, so I look forward to any frontcourt minutes that could open up ahead of next season. Eason finished 61st in 9-cat leagues, putting up career-highs across several categories in 64 games.
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The team option on Fred VanVleet’s contract is another storyline to follow, as that could free Reed Sheppard or give Amen even more ball-handling responsibilities should the Rockets decide not to re-up VanVleet.
Keep an eye on these Rockets’ developments. If they decide to shake things up, it could have significant implications for players like Thompson, Eason, Smith Jr and Sheppard. Not to shortchange Green, who certainly took a step forward (118th in 9-cat leagues), but the inconsistency that’s plagued him throughout his young career may have reached an inflection point.
If a deal can raise the Rockets’ floor, pivoting off the former No. 2 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft may become a reality.
