Jae’Sean Tate of the Houston Rockets believes the team will shock many fans in the 2022-23 season. The team’s aggressive play could be the key. Last season, the Rockets finished dead last in the Western Conference.
While many NBA teams could use COVID-19 as an excuse, the Rockets are not one of them. Houston won just 17 games during the 2020-21 season. After James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, the team struggled to win.
Most NBA betting sites are giving the Rockets their third-lowest odds to win the championship in 2023. But there are two sportsbooks where gamblers can bet on them to make the run.
Jae’Sean Tate: “There’s a lot of teams around this league that we’re still building and we’re still trying to figure things out. All of our mindsets are going and trying to hit guys in the mouth, try to be. The forwards and I think you’ll see that this year.”
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) October 6, 2022
Additionally, the Rockets are ineligible for the postseason starting in 2020. After practice on Thursday, Jae’Sean Tate was asked about his and head coach Stephen Silas’ expectations for this season.
“There are a lot of teams around this league that we’re still rebuilding and trying to figure things out,” the Ohio State product said.
“Our whole mindset is going and trying to hit guys in the mouth, try to be offensive. And I think you guys are going to see that this year.”
In the year In 2020, Tate signed with the Rockets before the end of 2018. During his 2020-21 rookie season, the forward averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 70 games.
Jae’Sean Tate predicts the Rockets will shock many fans in the 2022-23 season.
The wing also shot 50.6% from the floor and 30.8% from beyond the arc. Tate finished 18th overall in steals (85). He was then selected to the NBA All-Rookie first team.
Then, in 78 games during the 2021-22 season, Jae’Sean Tate averaged 11.8 points, 5.4 boards and 2.8 assists per contest. Although he didn’t earn All-NBA honors, his stats gradually improved.
In July, the Ohio native signed a three-year, $20.6 million contract extension with Houston. This deal includes a 2024-25 team option worth $7,065,217 with $13,565,217 guaranteed. For an added bonus, it can’t be traded until January 15, 2023.
Although, the Rockets are better at waiting. Jae’Sean Tate turns 27 later this month. Per Basketball-Reference Stats, the forward is expected to average 15.5 points and 7.1 rebounds this season.
His colleague Garrison Matthews also echoed Tate’s comments. “I think the most important thing for us is to play hard,” Matthews said.
“I’ve never been on a team in the league that plays this hard. It’s going to be a competition for minutes when everyone is competing, and that’s what you want.
Before the new season, optimism is always a good thing. If the Rockets make the playoffs in 2023, that feat alone will surprise few fans. Jae’Sean Tate is ready to prove the doubters wrong.
