Houston Rockets - Power Ranking

Week Rank Rating Team Record Comment

16 18 39 Hou 5-7 A conundrum wrapped in a riddle. Vitticus was recently pegged as a collector of shiny things in a recent article. A better comparison I cannot find (Art of negotiation expert perhaps) The Rockets boasted 3 players over 90 at one stage, but now only have one. Just the best player in the NBA. But this is the NSL, where a high basketball IQ will only get you so far. Depth and the right role players are required around your stars, and im still not sure the fit is right. Although I can see that Vitt is trying to find them. The Rockets are nicely placed despite some recent losses without the Joker.

15 13 56 Hou 7-5 "Betty Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes This track paints a vivid picture of a captivating and enigmatic woman whose charm and allure are reminiscent of actress Bette Davis. The song delves into themes of fascination and the magnetic pull of a mysterious personality, highlighting the power dynamics in attraction. A team and GM that has their targets and only has eyes for them. They will wait years to get their man but you can always feel them watching.

14 8 65 Hou 8-4 8. Houston Rockets (Italy) The Rockets, much like Italy's 'fashion industry,' are known for their 'flashy designs' and 'high-risk, high-reward' strategies, aiming to 'capture the market' with bold moves. Jokic struts the NSL catwalk with precision each and every outting - Playoffs are calling!

13 10 55 Hou 7-5 Food Poisoning- A bit like the hidden camera footage from the 6th Sense, GM Vitty gets his foe when they're unsuspecting with their guard down. A delicious meal with a strange after-taste could be a sign that you're about to be the next victim. He moves subtly and is clever in his calculations which means he's often not the most suspected killer. Make no mistake, he is dangerous.

12 9 67 Hou 8-4 Houston Rockets - "Black Betty" – Ram Jam (1977) A raw, energetic rock song that never gets old; Houston have an 8-4 run under their belt and haven’t wavered since the beginning of the season. The Rockets are hard hitting and fierce. There is no cover version here. It is the original and still the best. This organisation has a clear leader and lead tune in Jokic, that everyone wishes they had - in the same way that Black Betty still holds up in its instant recognition.

11 4 74 Hou 9-4 The Elder Titan 🌋🗿 Why? The Rockets orbit around the gravitational force of Nikola Jokic, a celestial entity whose all-around dominance reshapes the game like tectonic plates. Their 9-4 record reflects the unstoppable, slow-burn power of a primordial titan. Titan’s Core (Jokic’s Mastery): Jokic’s anchors the team like a mountain, crushing opponents with MVP-level playmaking, scoring, and rebounding. Tectonic Plates (Supporting Shifts): Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton act as seismic shockwaves, amplifying Jokic’s vision with speed and shooting. Lava Flows (Depth): Role players like Paul Reed and Noah Clowney bubble up unpredictably, scorching opponents who ignore Houston’s underbelly.

10 3 92 Hou 11-3 Soyuz - Considered to be the most effective, efficient and reliable rocket of its kind, the Soyuz is a marvel of the space engineering world. Currently that is the Houston Rockets, as they have been able to build a roster that has shown the most consistently and progress of any Vitticus lineup. The rocket is led by the engine room that is Nikola Jokic - a powerful big capable of anything and everything. An much like the word Soyuz suggest 'union', the union of Jokic with the Tyrese twins has been exceptional. Which the rocket itself reaching an impressive 50 metres, the orbital module (the Tyrese twins) are just as impressive. Continuing to cause chaos on both ends, and put teams in a haze, daze, you name it! This rocket is cleared for take off!

9 6 68 Hou 9-5 Arya Stark - The unsung hero of the whole saga, who pretty much single handedly took down the knight king, when no one else could even get close to him. Her story is definitely a unique one. Leaving Westeros and her family behind in pursuit of next level training, with one goal in mind. Revenge. From what I have seen she will be getting her own spin of series about her adventures after the Game of Thrones.

8 11 63 Hou 8-5

7 24 23 Hou 4-8 Pinocchio - Houston A wooden boy with an unbreakable nose for the truth. While telling the true and lying shows definitive proof; currently the Houston Rockets seem to have a long nose. 24th in the Power Rankings seems a lie when you look at this lineup and roster. The Rockets have seen a slump, consider it a time of juvenile misleadings (ala Pinocchio). Still learning the right way to live life and achieve ‘real boy’ status, the Rockets are in a funk. Listening to their conscience will prove vital - Jiminy Cricket will need to work his magic to move this team to its rightful place in the top tier of the PR.

6 12 46 Hou 6-6 Crush (Finding Nemo) - A man who has no peer in the NSL, who bobs his head to a personal and spiritual rhythm all of his own, Vitticus has a special niche in the NSL ecosystem. There are two traits that see Crush as a perfect Vitt' avatar in the Pixar world: wisdom and flow. Vitticus is quite selfless in terms of how he runs his team and the impact he has on the environment, as he seems to enjoy the existence of his Rockets just as much as their performances. Like Crush riding the East-Australian Current, Vitt is happy to go where each week of NSL games and transactions takes him, learning and analysing as he goes. Vitt is most vocal when handing out advice and analysis, sharing unbiased statements that help other GMs get to where they are wanting to go and giving lost GMs a place to start. It's not about how many words Vitt says, it's what he says. RIGHTEOUS!

5 10 64 Hou 8-4 The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers) - Dormant, waiting, calculating, the Creeper waits, every 23 years, he feasts. The Rockets are feasting and it’s due to the Joker, and two sidekicks - the Tyreses. The force and power of the trio is excruciating, and they have torn teams limb from limb. The Rockets have been hurting teams, with an impressive body county. In looking at the schedule, teams look to this match up knowing in the heart of hearts, “It’s going to be you next.”

4 4 88 Hou 10-2 Jon Snow - The Game of Thrones. Similarly to Aragorn, Jon didn't want to be a leader and although he was unaware at the time, hid from his birthright to the throne. No matter where or what Jon was doing he was a leader. He almost immediately rose to the top of the Nights Watch at Castle Black and when captured by the Wildlings, he also gained their trust and had them following him in no time. He was named the King Beyond the Wall after he left the watch and almost all that came before him in his quests began to believe in him. Even his lover and queen could not control her jealousy of his natural leadership and claims. Maybe that is fitting for Houston's leader in Nikola Jokic, who often seems to not even enjoy basketball, but regardless has risen to a leader of the league.

3 2 90 Hou 10-2 Week 3 saw Nikola Jokic average 20ppg on 67% shooting. How do you stop that? And even if you could, Maxey and Halliburton will still drive you nuts.

2 3 56 Hou 6-2 "Rocket Man"- Elton John- Hard to not give this one to them since they are the Rockets, but they are starting off hot. Vitty has always stuck with his vision and the Tyrese's and Jokic are doing well. The money to keep all of them together is the hardest part as they are all max players.

1 3 27 Hou 3-1 The Names Burks, Alec Burks. My goodness, has there been a better free agency add (and fit) than Alec? On what is a very shallow Houston team, Burks appears to be a godsend, looking like prime CJ McCollum in the red and white Houston uniform. The Rockets have three very big, expensive bananas, and they now got a juicy plum to add to the fruit bowl.

	CHA	89
	GS	109

	CLE	112
	DAL	99

	MIN	98
	PHI	89

	ORL	90
	NO	115

	CHA	94
	MIL	92

Week	Rank	Rating	Team	Record	Comment
16	18	39	Hou	5-7	A conundrum wrapped in a riddle. Vitticus was recently pegged as a collector of shiny things in a recent article. A better comparison I cannot find (Art of negotiation expert perhaps) The Rockets boasted 3 players over 90 at one stage, but now only have one. Just the best player in the NBA. But this is the NSL, where a high basketball IQ will only get you so far. Depth and the right role players are required around your stars, and im still not sure the fit is right. Although I can see that Vitt is trying to find them. The Rockets are nicely placed despite some recent losses without the Joker.
15	13	56	Hou	7-5	"Betty Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes This track paints a vivid picture of a captivating and enigmatic woman whose charm and allure are reminiscent of actress Bette Davis. The song delves into themes of fascination and the magnetic pull of a mysterious personality, highlighting the power dynamics in attraction. A team and GM that has their targets and only has eyes for them. They will wait years to get their man but you can always feel them watching.
14	8	65	Hou	8-4	8. Houston Rockets (Italy) The Rockets, much like Italy's 'fashion industry,' are known for their 'flashy designs' and 'high-risk, high-reward' strategies, aiming to 'capture the market' with bold moves. Jokic struts the NSL catwalk with precision each and every outting - Playoffs are calling!
13	10	55	Hou	7-5	Food Poisoning- A bit like the hidden camera footage from the 6th Sense, GM Vitty gets his foe when they're unsuspecting with their guard down. A delicious meal with a strange after-taste could be a sign that you're about to be the next victim. He moves subtly and is clever in his calculations which means he's often not the most suspected killer. Make no mistake, he is dangerous.
12	9	67	Hou	8-4	Houston Rockets - "Black Betty" – Ram Jam (1977) A raw, energetic rock song that never gets old; Houston have an 8-4 run under their belt and haven’t wavered since the beginning of the season. The Rockets are hard hitting and fierce. There is no cover version here. It is the original and still the best. This organisation has a clear leader and lead tune in Jokic, that everyone wishes they had - in the same way that Black Betty still holds up in its instant recognition.
11	4	74	Hou	9-4	The Elder Titan 🌋🗿 Why? The Rockets orbit around the gravitational force of Nikola Jokic, a celestial entity whose all-around dominance reshapes the game like tectonic plates. Their 9-4 record reflects the unstoppable, slow-burn power of a primordial titan. Titan’s Core (Jokic’s Mastery): Jokic’s anchors the team like a mountain, crushing opponents with MVP-level playmaking, scoring, and rebounding. Tectonic Plates (Supporting Shifts): Tyrese Maxey and Tyrese Haliburton act as seismic shockwaves, amplifying Jokic’s vision with speed and shooting. Lava Flows (Depth): Role players like Paul Reed and Noah Clowney bubble up unpredictably, scorching opponents who ignore Houston’s underbelly.
10	3	92	Hou	11-3	Soyuz - Considered to be the most effective, efficient and reliable rocket of its kind, the Soyuz is a marvel of the space engineering world. Currently that is the Houston Rockets, as they have been able to build a roster that has shown the most consistently and progress of any Vitticus lineup. The rocket is led by the engine room that is Nikola Jokic - a powerful big capable of anything and everything. An much like the word Soyuz suggest 'union', the union of Jokic with the Tyrese twins has been exceptional. Which the rocket itself reaching an impressive 50 metres, the orbital module (the Tyrese twins) are just as impressive. Continuing to cause chaos on both ends, and put teams in a haze, daze, you name it! This rocket is cleared for take off!
9	6	68	Hou	9-5	Arya Stark - The unsung hero of the whole saga, who pretty much single handedly took down the knight king, when no one else could even get close to him. Her story is definitely a unique one. Leaving Westeros and her family behind in pursuit of next level training, with one goal in mind. Revenge. From what I have seen she will be getting her own spin of series about her adventures after the Game of Thrones.
8	11	63	Hou	8-5
7	24	23	Hou	4-8	Pinocchio - Houston A wooden boy with an unbreakable nose for the truth. While telling the true and lying shows definitive proof; currently the Houston Rockets seem to have a long nose. 24th in the Power Rankings seems a lie when you look at this lineup and roster. The Rockets have seen a slump, consider it a time of juvenile misleadings (ala Pinocchio). Still learning the right way to live life and achieve ‘real boy’ status, the Rockets are in a funk. Listening to their conscience will prove vital - Jiminy Cricket will need to work his magic to move this team to its rightful place in the top tier of the PR.
6	12	46	Hou	6-6	Crush (Finding Nemo) - A man who has no peer in the NSL, who bobs his head to a personal and spiritual rhythm all of his own, Vitticus has a special niche in the NSL ecosystem. There are two traits that see Crush as a perfect Vitt' avatar in the Pixar world: wisdom and flow. Vitticus is quite selfless in terms of how he runs his team and the impact he has on the environment, as he seems to enjoy the existence of his Rockets just as much as their performances. Like Crush riding the East-Australian Current, Vitt is happy to go where each week of NSL games and transactions takes him, learning and analysing as he goes. Vitt is most vocal when handing out advice and analysis, sharing unbiased statements that help other GMs get to where they are wanting to go and giving lost GMs a place to start. It's not about how many words Vitt says, it's what he says. RIGHTEOUS!
5	10	64	Hou	8-4	The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers) - Dormant, waiting, calculating, the Creeper waits, every 23 years, he feasts. The Rockets are feasting and it’s due to the Joker, and two sidekicks - the Tyreses. The force and power of the trio is excruciating, and they have torn teams limb from limb. The Rockets have been hurting teams, with an impressive body county. In looking at the schedule, teams look to this match up knowing in the heart of hearts, “It’s going to be you next.”
4	4	88	Hou	10-2	Jon Snow - The Game of Thrones. Similarly to Aragorn, Jon didn't want to be a leader and although he was unaware at the time, hid from his birthright to the throne. No matter where or what Jon was doing he was a leader. He almost immediately rose to the top of the Nights Watch at Castle Black and when captured by the Wildlings, he also gained their trust and had them following him in no time. He was named the King Beyond the Wall after he left the watch and almost all that came before him in his quests began to believe in him. Even his lover and queen could not control her jealousy of his natural leadership and claims. Maybe that is fitting for Houston's leader in Nikola Jokic, who often seems to not even enjoy basketball, but regardless has risen to a leader of the league.
3	2	90	Hou	10-2	Week 3 saw Nikola Jokic average 20ppg on 67% shooting. How do you stop that? And even if you could, Maxey and Halliburton will still drive you nuts.
2	3	56	Hou	6-2	"Rocket Man"- Elton John- Hard to not give this one to them since they are the Rockets, but they are starting off hot. Vitty has always stuck with his vision and the Tyrese's and Jokic are doing well. The money to keep all of them together is the hardest part as they are all max players.
1	3	27	Hou	3-1	The Names Burks, Alec Burks. My goodness, has there been a better free agency add (and fit) than Alec? On what is a very shallow Houston team, Burks appears to be a godsend, looking like prime CJ McCollum in the red and white Houston uniform. The Rockets have three very big, expensive bananas, and they now got a juicy plum to add to the fruit bowl.