NBA Power Rankings: The Southwest Division

Feb 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard

(13) and center

(12) react after defeating the Washington Wizards 113-112 at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Houston Rockets

Record (Last Season): 54-28

Key Addition(s): Trevor Ariza, Nick Johnson

Key Losses: Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin, and Team Chemistry

This was not an easy call to make. It’s been a tough summer for Houston, who briefly entertained superstar lineups featuring Carmelo Anthony and then, Plan “B”, Chris Bosh. Neither option materialized and Bosh, who has admitted that he was close to joining Houston, forced the Rockets to clear cap space by trading away Lin and basically being hated forever in his hometown.

The Parsons debacle stings just as bad, as the restricted free agent played the game perfectly to join the rival Mavericks while Houston played the waiting game with Bosh.

But the biggest reason for the drop to fourth in this list is obnoxious comments made by “stars” Dwight Howard and James Harden, who continue to display an immaturity and lack of awareness that has plagued both players in their careers.

Ariza, who’s history with contract years is well documented, might never match last season’s production. But rookie Johnson could be a steal of the draft, using his athleticism to get minutes at both guard positions and giving Rockets fans hope for the future.