Houston Rockets: Find a new identity
This may be viewed as somewhat of a hot take, but I’m going to fall down this hole anyway. If there’s something we’ve learned over the last seasons, it’s that the Houston Rockets need to find a new identity. James Harden is great, don’t get me wrong. But he simply doesn’t equate to big-time playoff success.
He’s a regular-season legend but simply flops in the playoffs – whether that be due to fatigue or his playstyle not translating to a more slowed down game. Whatever it is, it’s time the Rockets realize it simply isn’t working.
Indiana Pacers: Get Victor Oladipo healthy, and then extend him
Even though the Indiana Pacers have been without Victor Oladipo to start the season, in which they have raced off to the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, there’s no question that this team’s ceiling is raised when their all-star leader is heathy.
But it’s not only getting a healthy Oladipo back; this team needs to extend him. His contract ends after the 2020-21 season, but it would be great if they could extend him before he hits the open market. Or, at the very least, get a strong commitment from him.