NBA: Power Ranking Each Team’s Starting Five Entering 2016-17

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Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts while playing against the Golden State Warriors in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts while playing against the Golden State Warriors in the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Golden State Warriors won 121 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

15. Houston Rockets

Projected Starting Five: Patrick Beverley, James Harden, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, Clint Capela 

Losing Dwight Howard might hurt the Houston Rockets on paper, but it was a necessary move. They don’t lose much by sliding in Clint Capela, even if that has more to do with what the team wants its center to do.

The backcourt returns, and there really isn’t an issue there. Though, it’s going to be interesting to see how Beverley fits in Mike D’Antoni‘s scheme. The real question is with the team’s frontcourt, where Trevor Ariza is coming of a horrible season and there are legit questions around free agent signee Ryan Anderson and Capela.

Nevertheless, because of James Harden, the Rockets are always going to have a shot.

Next: New York Knicks