NBA: 10 way-too-early predictions for the 2019-20 season

The Rockets will take a significant step back

It was no secret that the Houston Rockets were looking to make a splash this summer, whether it was finding a way to land Jimmy Butler or getting in the game for one of the other big-name free agents. In the end, they made their splash via trading for a disgruntled Russell Westbrook.

The Rockets managed to improve (on paper) this season while also getting ride of Chris Paul and his massive contract. Whether Westbrook is an upgrade over Paul is a debate to be had, now is not the time for that specific topic. Nevertheless, the duo of Westbrook and James Harden – back together once again – will certainly be a sight to see.

Whether it will work or not is an entirely different topic. While I love both James Harden and Russell Westbrook as individual players, I’m not exactly sure if I love them as a backcourt duo for the Rockets. Considering that Harden loves to control the tempo and has been more on-ball than ever before over the last two season, I’m not sure Westbrook is an ideal backcourt mate.

I predict that the Rockets will take a step back this season, mostly due to the fact that Westbrook and Harden won’t exactly mesh seamlessly. Perhaps they could find the right formula in the playoffs, but it will be tough sledding from the get-go, and I’m not quite sure it’s something that they’ll be able to overcome as a team.