Jan 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale talks to his team during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
13. Houston Rockets
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 32.1
Check out this massive jump. The Rockets bench was not great last season. At least from an efficiency standpoint. There are numerous factors for that, and numerous factors why they will be better.
Mar 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Rockets guard
Patrick Beverley(2) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Who can forget the fierce rally the Rockets bench pulled of in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers last year? Cory Brewer and Josh Smith exploded to provide a spark that carried the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals.
That bench, is now much improved. Josh Smith is gone, but Donatas Montiejunas is back. Who’s that? Well it is just the guy who seemed to be on a tear before going down with an injury last year. He was averaging a career high 12 points per game on 54 percent shooting, including 37 percent from 3-point land.
Terrence Jones also appears to be healthy and Corey Brewer returns to the bench. Sam Dekker and the promising K.J. McDaniels also offer extreme depth at the wing slot for the Rockets. Throw in the developing Clint Capela and Montrezl Harrell, and you see the makings of a deep bench.
Wait, don’t forget about Patrick Beverley. The defensive pest is back from injury and, with the addition of Ty Lawson, looks to make a splash coming off of the bench. Even Jason Terry is back for another go around with the Rockets.
The sum of these parts is by far more appealing and talented than last year’s motley crew. That is why the Houston bench will be much improved, and a legitimate threat.
Next: Atlanta Hawks