Oladipo predicts 'better days' for Rockets after loss in debut

The Houston Rockets didn't pick up the win on Monday in Victor Oladipo's first game with the team, but he still believes the best is yet to come for the new-look franchise.

"I know that better days are ahead for the Houston Rockets, and I'm looking forward to being a part of those special days," he told reporters after Houston's 125-120 defeat to the Chicago Bulls, according ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Though the Rockets didn't emerge with the victory, Oladipo fared well individually. The 28-year-old guard led his new team with 32 points on 13-of-23 shooting from the field to go along with nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes.

But with point guard John Wall out due to a knee issue, Oladipo was entrusted with much of the team's ball-handling duties and finished with seven turnovers.

Rockets head coach Stephen Silas believes Oladipo - who was officially acquired Saturday as part of the four-team trade centered around the outgoing James Harden - will return to his best once he gets settled in.

"It started off a little bit shaky, which is natural, but you could see what we can be with him on the floor," Silas said. "We can see that he can be a primary scorer, he can make plays for others, he can really get after it on the defensive end. So we're excited about him and the prospects of what he can do and what he can be."

Houston is next scheduled to play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.