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Ryan Hollins is an ex-NBA veteran and knows what it takes to succeed in the league. Hollins has successfully transitioned from basketball to broadcasting after playing for Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and more for ten years.
He currently serves as a respected analyst for the Houston Rockets, bringing a combination of firsthand experience and sharp insight into one of the NBA’s most intriguing young teams. Hollins spoke with RG recently and discussed how the Rockets evolved during the 2023–24 season, the maturation of their young core, and the significant cultural shift led by head coach Ime Udoka.
Defense Defines Houston’s New Identity
Hollins noticed a difference in the Rockets this past season that wasn’t solely about statistics, but also about their identity.
“You had a group that fully bought in on the defensive end,” Hollins said. “They said, ‘We’re going to win the ugly games.’ And when you can win those—those gritty, grind-it-out ones—you give yourself a real chance.”
Throughout the season, the commitment to defense became evident, particularly with the return of forward Tari Eason. The Rockets’ closing lineups were strengthened by his defensive intensity.
“Closing out games defensively with Tari Eason was huge,” Hollins noted. “He was able to guard guys and disrupt offenses the way he wanted, and that presence was something they really missed last year. His return gave even more freedom to guys like Amen [Thompson] and Jalen [Green] to be aggressive on both ends.”
Player Development Across the Board
The Rockets have a talented roster, and Hollins attributed internal growth to the team’s progress.
“The young guys also just got a year older—more experienced,” Hollins said.
Jalen Green became the team’s primary scorer, scoring an average of 21 points per game and ranking 13th in the league. Big man Alperen Şengün anchored the frontcourt, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game, which is eighth in the NBA. Amen Thompson, who was just starting out, made an impression as a shot-blocker by averaging 1.3 blocks and finishing in the top 15 league-wide in that area.
“Jabari [Smith Jr.] was much improved defensively, and that made a big difference,” Hollins added. “Now you could keep him on the floor without having to trade off defense for offense. He embraced his role and played it well.”
Veteran’s presence also played a significant role. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks were added to stabilize the team and provide on-court leadership during tough moments.
Udoka’s Impact: Culture Over Flash
Despite the evident talent on the floor, Hollins cited the cultural shift brought on by Coach Ime Udoka as a game-changer.
“This wasn’t about trying to be flashy or about putting up numbers,” Hollins said. “This was about building a team that can win now and win later.”
Udoka, who assumed the role of head coach in 2023, emphasized accountability and defense, which had a strong impact on the Rockets’ young group. The Rockets began to build the competitive DNA needed to thrive in the postseason under his leadership.
“The difference is that you can feel the buy-in,” Hollins emphasized. “It’s no longer about who’s getting the most touches or who’s taking the last shot. It’s about getting stops, playing together, and doing the dirty work.”
Looking Ahead
The Rockets are becoming a team to watch with their revamped culture, maturing core, and defense-first identity. Hollins is confident in Houston’s direction, even though he knows there’s still work to be done.
“They’re turning a corner,” he said. “And when you’ve got talent and toughness, that’s a dangerous combination.”
The Rockets are looking forward to another offseason and a new chapter in their rebuild, and one thing is certain: the days of easy wins against Houston are long past. The grind has officially commenced—and they’re ready for it.