Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 4 contenders who can catch up with the Golden State Warriors

By Brayden Baine

Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors players and staff pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors players and staff pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 8, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) celebrates in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Warriors defeated the Kings 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 8, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) celebrates in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Warriors defeated the Kings 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

This is an interesting matchup for the Warriors. The Rockets can’t matchup in star power but they can matchup in shooting. The Rockets love to shoot the three just like the Warriors. In fact, the Rockets just broke the single season record for most three-pointers made in a single season.

So, the Rockets can matchup with them in three pointers so what do they need? Well that’s an easy question. It’s defense. Right now they have the pesky Patrick Beverley to slow down Curry. They have MVP candidate James Harden. Ryan Anderson to matchup with Draymond Green. Clint Capela in the middle to take the advantage over the Warriors big men.

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But who do they have to match up with the Warriors best player Kevin Durant? Nobody.

They don’t have anyone to slow him down. That has to be the main goal this offseason for them. Find a wing guy who can slow down Kevin Durant. The first two guys that come to mind are Andre Roberson and Rudy Gay. I believe either guy could really help the Rockets.

Let’s start with Roberson. He had a pretty good defensive season for the Thunder. He devotes his career to defense. That’s why he is the guy guarding the opposing team’s best player. He is a liability on the offensive end but the Rockets make up for it with the offense in the starting lineup and off the bench. Roberson would be a great fit for this Rockets team.

Rudy Gay could also be a good fit. Gay is a decent two-way player that could be valued on this team. He can make a stop on the defensive end then run down the court and knock down a three or he could drive down the lane and dunk it over somebody.

Both guys could be expensive and the Rockets may have to unload a few contracts but as long as they keep guys like Harden, Beverley, Anderson, and their sixth man contenders in Louis Williams and Eric Gordon while also developing their young guys, they should be fine. Maybe this is what Rockets GM Daryl Morey is talking about when he says he has something up his sleeve.

Must Read: NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Suns snag Lonzo Ball; Heat trade up for Fox

After watching the Warriors dominate the playoffs, I’m hoping these teams will make the moves to contend. It would make the NBA more exciting to watch than it already is. I’m already excited for this offseason and the upcoming campaign, and I hope you are too.

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