Rockets Face Crucial Offseason Decisions Amid 3-1 Playoff Deficit

The Houston Rockets are facing elimination after falling behind 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors, with inconsistent guard play and offensive struggles undermining their postseason efforts. Jalen Green, despite a standout 38-point performance in Game 2, has largely underperformed, prompting both internal support from teammate Fred VanVleet—who believes Green's upside is second only to Anthony Edwards among shooting guards—and external criticism from figures like Tony Allen, who suggests the team should consider trading Green while his value remains high. VanVleet himself rebounded with a strong Game 4 showing after struggling in earlier games, but the Rockets still collapsed in the second half and now confront a tough decision on whether to exercise VanVleet's lucrative team option. Meanwhile, rookie guard Reed Sheppard, noted for his shooting potential, has seen limited playoff minutes despite calls for him to help address the team's three-point shooting woes. With the season on the line, some analysts argue Houston should gamble on Sheppard's shooting to spark the offense, even if his inexperience is a concern. As the series returns to Houston, the team must weigh immediate survival against longer-term roster decisions, including the futures of Green, VanVleet, and emerging talents.