4. Houston Rockets
A new offensive system brought in by Mike D’Antoni will bring a high volume of scoring especially led by the newly anointed “points guard”, James Harden.
Harden will have free reign to pull any and every open shot opportunity presented to him. Harden has been one of the league’s top scorer since arriving in Houston, and that will remain even if there is not as much talent surrounding him.
Averaging 29 points per game in 2015-16, I fully expect him to eclipse the 30-point mark, maybe even challenging Kobe Bryant’s 35.4 ppg scoring title performance in 2005-06.
To be honest, outside of Harden there is little to be excited about. D’Antoni bringing the 7SOL offense to Houston may help the Rockets sneak into the playoffs.
Ryan Anderson will need to stay consistent beyond the arc. Clint Capela HAS to improve his free throws, which he may due to a new underhand approach. Harden will get teammates open shots, they just have to convert them.
The decision to start either Eric Gordon or Patrick Beverly will be fascinating one as if Beverly is not among the starters, there will be little defense outside of an aging Ariza and Harden when he wants to. Fantasy basketball players, Capela is worth drafting for blocks alone.
I am a sucker for a good red and black color combination. The three alternate jerseys that Houston unveiled last season are some of the best in the NBA, plus the organization enhanced the design of the court.