Houston Rockets' Rise to National Prominence: A New Era in the NBA
During the James Harden era, the Houston Rockets were a team that often slipped under the radar of national television broadcasts. The team averaged between 20 and 30 national appearances annually, often unnoticed by the wider NBA fanbase. Even in the 2017-18 season, a year that saw them on national TV 28 times, the overall impact felt minimal. Russell Westbrook's single season with the team, resulting in a whopping 38 national broadcasts, also couldn't fully change this perception.
The Post-Harden Era and the Rebuilding Phase
However, things shifted dramatically after Harden's departure in 2021. The team's rebuild saw the Rockets characterized as a promising young team, but hardly a must-watch outside of Houston. A stark contrast to previous seasons, the Rockets featured in only six national games across the subsequent two seasons – a mere four on NBA TV and just two on ESPN. This demonstrates a significant drop in national media exposure.
The 2023-24 Season: A Turnaround
The 2023-24 season marked a significant turning point. The Rockets improved by a league-best 19 games, finishing with a 41-41 record. With exciting young players like Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun leading the charge, the team started attracting more attention. This resulted in a jump to 11 national games, a massive increase from previous years. This included eight appearances on NBA TV, two on TNT (a notable return after Harden's departure), and one on ESPN.
The Impact of the NBA Cup
The Rockets' participation and performance in the NBA Cup further boosted their national visibility. Reaching the semifinals not only showcased the team's talent, but also brought them additional exposure. The team's game against the Golden State Warriors in the semifinals, televised on TNT, was a pivotal moment. The victory cemented their status as an up-and-coming team in the NBA and their national television appearances have continued to increase since.
Their semifinal game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, broadcast on ABC, was another major highlight, solidifying their rise to national prominence.
The NBA's Role in the Rockets' Increased Visibility
The NBA itself has played a significant role in promoting the Rockets. Following the win against the Warriors, the league highlighted the team's success extensively in its marketing efforts. This included social media posts, anticipatory promotions for their games, particularly their matchup against the Thunder, and wider promotion of the team's success. This proactive approach has been vital in gaining new fans nationwide.
The league’s marketing strategy, highlighting the Rockets' impressive young talent, has resonated with a broader audience, attracting fans beyond Houston's loyal fanbase. The captivating style of play and exciting young players have made the Rockets more appealing on a national level. This demonstrates a collaborative effort between the NBA and the Rockets to increase the team's visibility.
A Resurgence and a Bright Future
The Rockets' journey is a testament to their hard work and commitment, marked by a significant rise in their national television appearances. This contrasts with the low number of appearances in previous years, especially during the post-Harden rebuild phase. This success is not only reflected in their improved win-loss record but also in their growing national media coverage. Their turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable, from losing a franchise record 20 games in a row to their current position as a nationally recognized team. The team has completely transformed itself, demonstrating a phenomenal growth trajectory and the ability to compete successfully against the league's top teams. The future for the Houston Rockets looks exceedingly bright. The team is on the rise. This has been a thrilling journey to watch.
