Despite high expectations heading into the 2025-26 campaign, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins doesn't see a deep playoff run for the Houston Rockets. Head coach Ime Udoka calling out the Rockets' Amen Thompson is another example of the issue that has plagued Houston's season, preventing the team from reaching its full potential.
Perkins doesn't expect this from the Rockets make it out he said about the opening round of the playoffs, according to ESPN's First Take.
“The Rockets are going home in the first round,” Perkins said. "Number one, they lack high basketball-IQ. Number two, they've lost their identity defensively. They used to be a defensive-minded team. I don't know what happened. Number three, they play individual, selfish basketball."
Without a fluid offense, the Rockets would not be able to advance to the second round. And for Perkins, Thompson isn't the only Rockets player with a selfless approach to the offense.
Perkins said, "There are times when you look at Amen Thompson. He wants to be one-on-one. Show the world he can go get buckets." “There is no structure to his crime – it's the same with Sengun.”
"They play personal, selfish basketball...they'll [Houston Rockets] Will be sent home in the first round. "I guarantee you that."
Kendrick Perkins doesn't think the Rockets will make it out of the first round of the playoffs 😳
(via @FirstTech)
pic.twitter.com/koTVUHsw02- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 23 February 2026
However, above all, what bothers Kendrick Perkins the most is that the Rockets did not try to make a deal for Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.
Ime Udoka calls out Amen Thompson of Rockets
If it's not Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant's social media accusations, it's coach Ime Udoka's call to Amen Thompson that had the Rockets in the news last week. According to Kelly Echo of The Athletic, Udoka said he stopped moving when the ball got into Thompson's hands.
"The ball stopped moving, started getting a lot of separation. Same story – we've lost too many games like that. I'm telling Amen and Reed to be more demonstrative and get us into our sets; this is not the time to freestyle. Turnovers hurt, but bad offense hurts just as bad."
The Rockets will look to bounce back from a 108-106 loss to the Knicks when they host the Jazz on Monday.
