Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 7 biggest beneficiaries of the 2018 summer

By Kyle Crabbe

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Head coach Tyronn Lue (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Head coach Tyronn Lue (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets

Key Additions: SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Michael Carter-Williams, SF James Ennis, PF Marquese Chriss, PG Brandon Knight, SF Bruno Caboclo

Key Subtractions: SF Trevor Ariza, SF Luc Mbah a Moute, PF Ryan Anderson

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The 2017-18 Houston Rockets won a league best 65 games and found themselves one game away from the 2018 NBA Finals, but then proceeded to dominate the 2018 offseason.

The Rockets made a number of great moves to improve their team in the 2018 offseason but one move in particular makes the Rockets legitimate championship contenders. If we go back to the start of the 2017 NBA season and trade SF Trevor Ariza, SF Luc Mbah a Moute and PF Ryan Anderson for Carmelo Anthony, that would have been a major victory for the Rockets.

Fast forward one year and that’s exactly what Rockets great GM Daryl Morey did. Contrary to popular belief that Carmelo and Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni didn’t work in New York; Carmelo one of NBA greatest scorers ever, posted his best offensive rating in his career under Coach Mike D’antoni (27 games, 2011).

Carmelo will play with two of the best passing guards of his generation in Chris Paul and 2018 NBA MVP James Harden this season. But adding Carmelo Anthony wasn’t the only home run move that Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets were able to swing. Morey also was able to sign former 2014 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams to play back-up point guard.

Houston also signed James Ennis who can be summed up as a five-year younger version of Trevor Ariza. To seal up an dominate offseason, Morey and the Rockets were able to land a trade for two former Top 10 picks from the Phoenix Suns in PG Brandon Knight and PF Marquese Chriss.

Related Story. NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should try and trade for Jimmy Butler. light

After the 2018 NBA offseason, I feel no other team helped their chances to improve more in the NBA. Therefore, the 2018-19 Houston Rockets are one the few favorites to win the 2019 NBA Championship.

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