NBA: Looking At What Lies Ahead This Summer For Every Eliminated Playoff Team

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and center Dwight Howard (12) between plays during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and center Dwight Howard (12) between plays during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

The key for the Rockets is to play defense. They had the fourth most points per game in the NBA at 106.5, but they had just the 15th best +/- for the 2015-16 NBA season. This is not good enough for a team that has Dwight Howard, who was once the Defensive Player of the Year.

This starts with rebounding the ball, they were 30th in defensive rebounding this season which is absolutely pitiful for the potential they have.

They need to convince Dwight to stay and hopefully they can add some talent to their bench this starts by signing a playmaker to help James Harden. Even Turner is one of the better looking fits for them on paper. He does not command the ball to much, can play off the ball, and will do a good job attacking the pain for a second unit.

Defensively, it is partly about health. Terrance Jones and Patrick Beverly, if healthy, will both be huge factors for the Rockets next season, if they plan on becoming contenders again in the wild, wild West.

Basically when it comes down to it, they need better chemistry and a little more depth. After the firing of their coach, chaos emerged as their biggest culprit.

Next: Dallas Mavericks