Dec 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (right) and guard James Harden (left) talk during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
5. Houston Rockets
Key Additions: Ty Lawson, Montrezl Harrell
After an unlikely Western Conference Finals run a year ago, the Houston Rockets were practically gift-wrapped Ty Lawson this past offseason. Now, with the addition of Lawson, the Rockets might actually have the best overall roster in the West – at the very least, they’re certainly one of the deepest.
With the MVP runner up, James Harden, and arguably one of the best centers in the NBA, Dwight Howard, the Rockets have one of the best one-two punches in the NBA. Add that to one of the best supporting casts, which now includes an all-star caliber point guard coming off the bench (at least to start the season), and you can see why many are excited about the Rockets’ possibilities this season.
The only concern with the Rockets is whether or not they’ll be able to solve the Golden problem that they couldn’t last season. The Warriors owned the Rockets – in the regular season and in the playoffs.
If the Rockets are going to be true championship contenders, they’re going to have to find success against the Warriors. I’m not sure they can, though. It’s just a bad matchup.
Next: Oklahoma City Thunder