5. Houston Rockets
Last season: 53-29, 4th in Western Conference
Notable additions: Russell Westbrook, Tyson Chandler
Notable subtractions: Chris Paul
Houston only made one real move this offseason, but it was a big one. Former teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden have been reunited in Houston, now with an MVP trophy each and the pressure to win in the playoffs mounting.
The two are certainly not a natural fit together, as they are among the most ball-dominant players in the league. Harden has led the NBA in usage rate (min. 30 games) for the past two seasons, while Westbrook topped the league in the season prior to that.
The Rockets will likely use Westbrook in a similar manner to Chris Paul, staggering his minutes with Harden’s and having one of the two on the court at most times. Last season, Harden played just under 21 minutes per game alongside Paul; that was less than both Harden (23.8) and Paul (21.3) played with third guard Eric Gordon.
With an elite lead guard on the court at all times, Houston’s complimentary pieces should be allowed to thrive in the niche offensive roles they are suited to. Clint Capela can remain a rim runner and lob target, PJ Tucker can spot up and cut hard, Gerald Green can be a catch-and-shoot gunner and the rest of the roster can stand in the corner out of the way (just kidding).
The Rockets struggled defensively last season, ranking in the bottom half of the league for defensive rating. Westbrook has the potential to be an upgrade on that end over Paul, but despite his physical advantages he still shows few signs of interest in using them well. If a change of scenery helps to motivate him, though, he could be a terror for opposing guards.
If not, Houston will continue to rely on Tucker and Capela to mop up the mess. Tucker emerged as one of the league’s most malleable players and defenders, able to cover any position and switch endlessly. Capela may have been played off the court against the Warriors, but he was still an effective rim protector in most other matchups. With the Warriors now semi-disassembled, he’s set for a bounce-back year anchoring the Rockets defense.
Full disclosure and this may have trickled through in some of my Westbrook analysis – I’m a self-confessed Russ hater. I’d like to think it’s founded, as he refuses to do the little things like move off the ball or play hard on defense, but if you disagree I totally understand.
This season is Westbrook’s chance to prove me, and a lot of others, wrong. If he can start to develop as an all-around player and co-exist with Harden, the Rockets have a chance to be a serious title contender this season. A part of me wants that to happen, even if it means I end up liking the guy.