Houston Rockets: 4 Keys to taking another progressional step in 2022-23

Houston’s defense must improve

The Rockets’ defense was just downright disgraceful last season as they finished with the second worst unit in the NBA. They were first in points allowed, allowed the fifth most offensive rebounds, allowed the most total field goals, and were last in opponents’ field goal percentage. There are three players in the Rockets’ frontcourt who should be able to improve the overall defense.

Let’s take a look at Alperen Sengun. He’s a decent rim protector and also has good instincts. He’s a severely underrated defender and a good positional defender as well. He can be a difference maker if he can stay out of foul trouble. Once he adapts to the physicality and playing style of the NBA he could very well become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate someday. Numbers don’t lie as Sengun finished last season second in blocked shots amongst rookies. The only other rookie who finished with more was the Cleveland Cavaliers Evan Mobley. Sengun also finished sixth among rookies in steals per game.

Usman Garuba is another player who could improve the defense. He possesses fantastic defensive instincts and has a motor that can’t be taught. He has the athleticism and lateral quickness to defend properly without committing unnecessary fouls. He can also defend in the post and has the ability to guard players on the perimeter. Garuba is defensively sound with a huge wingspan with good footwork and great timing. He is always patient and in control and plays defense until the shot clock expires. His defensive potential is through the roof and he will be one of the major reasons this team improves defensively.

The Rockets signed Willie Cauley-Stein in the offseason and it was considered a low-risk but much-needed acquisition. He should serve as a legit rim protector coming off the bench and his ability to clog the paint making it difficult for guards to get to the rim should help out a lot. He will provide quality at the center position but won’t bring much on the offensive end meaning that his minutes could very well be dictated by situations during games.

Overall this was still a good signing for the Rockets. Cauley-Stein provides height, good shot blocking, and rebounding as he should be able to create a role for himself on this team. If he refines his footwork, he could be a much-improved player. He has always had the heart and has always been willing to hustle on the defensive end and make his contributions to the team on that end of the floor.