NBA: Predicting 4 teams that will take the biggest step back in 2021

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers defend James Harden (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets

If it’s not clear by now, there’s a very good chance that the Houston Rockets are a complete dumpster fire this season. Unless they sort out the James Harden situation sooner rather than later, the Rockets will be entering the season with a huge elephant in the locker room.

As it currently stands, the Rockets will be leaning on the duo of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. While that may not sound terrible, the fact that it’s no 2010 is an issue. Both players may still have plenty left in the tank, but both are coming off multiple significant injuries.

There’s a very real chance that the Rockets fall out of the playoff picture in the Western Conference this season, and will likely do so if they trade James Harden (sort of acquiring Ben Simmons, from the Philadelphia 76ers) in the process.

Buckle in, Houston fans, this could end up being a long season.