NBA Early Season Contenders vs Pretenders
Nov 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward
Trevor Ariza(1) shoots during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Houston: Pretender
The Houston Rockets have yet to put it all together. Now, while they might look promising, you never know what will happen in the playoffs. One day they’ll look like they’re getting ready to challenge for the playoffs, the next they’ll be getting bounced out thanks to Damian Lillard.
Houston might take the No. 1 seed in the West, but do they have enough to last in the playoffs? Will coach Kevin McHale get his game together come playoff time? Also let’s not forget what’s happening with Dwight Howard, and his ongoing child abuse scandal that might come to haunt him down the road.
You just can’t tell if Houston is ready for a deep playoff run until they can prove they have what it takes to actually get to the Western Conference Finals, let alone win the whole thing.