What awaits Rafael Stone in 2024-2025?

Houston, Texas – November 24: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets and Houston Rockets General … (+) Manager Rafael Stone observes the NBA pre-season tournament game against the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center on November 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this image, User consents to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

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2023-2024 was a good year for Rafael Stone. The Rockets general manager oversaw his team’s 19-win improvement after developing key young prospects and production based on franchise veteran acquisitions, and was rewarded by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta with a multi-year extension. Now Stone can probably see through the fruits of his labor.

Indeed, in 2021, Stone inherited a mess. After taking over from his predecessor, Daryl Morey, the team’s resident superstar, James Harden, was in talks with management asking for a trade. The team’s asset locker was dry, there were no young prospects on the roster, and the draft war chest was depleted after Russell Westbrook’s ill-fated draft a year ago. Stone signed a blockbuster contract with Harden with the Brooklyn Nets and initiated a rebuilding of the organization that continues to this day, in its third phase.

This summer, Stone cashed in on one of the draft picks given to him in the Harden trade, selecting Kentucky sharpshooter Reed Sheppard third in the draft. He then moved his team’s schedule further by converting most of Brooklyn’s remaining obligations owed to the Phoenix Suns to future picks of that franchise. With Kevin Durant aging and Phoenix facing serious financial problems, Stone is betting on the Suns imploding.

So what’s next for Stone in 2024-2025? It is widely believed that Stone and owners are ready to make a blockbuster move that will win the franchise and catapult the franchise back to the postseason. In fact, Stone may bide his time, relying on the internal development of his “Core 7” prospects to build on the team’s 41 win total. If key players reach their potential, Houston could organically threaten to reach 50 wins.

Stone has some key decisions ahead of him. He will need to monitor the form and development of 2021 draft picks Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, who will most likely start the season without contract extensions even though they are eligible to sign such contracts. Some of the reasoning behind these decisions is related to Houston’s ability to open up maximum cap space next summer when several free agents leave the team. (The Rockets were recently rumored to be interested in Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon). Stone could use cap space to bring in a free agent and then bring back homegrown Sengun and Green, similar to the move the 76ers made this summer to sign Paul George and re-sign Tyrese Maxey.

This is Stone’s world now. The Rockets are one of the teams to watch in the NBA this season, with many experts expecting another big improvement. He did the hard work laying the foundation for lasting success. He has acquired the chips to be able to play aggressively if he so chooses or if the opportunity arises. Or he can be patient and see what he has built until it comes to its natural conclusion.