Houston Rockets: Absorbing The Blow Of Josh Smith’s Departure
Conclusion
It may not seem like it, but the 2015 Western Conference Finals might not be as good as it gets for this current Houston Rockets team.
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At age 29, Howard’s game will be the first to start declining, and Ariza (30) won’t be effective forever either. But in the grand scheme of things, that leaves the Rockets with 2-4 years to contend with this current core, and general manager Daryl Morey will be prepared to replace Howard and Ariza down the line.
Even when that day comes, a core of Harden (25), D-Mo (24) and Jones (23), supplemented by Patrick Beverley (27), Capela (21), Kostas Papanikolaou (24), K.J. McDaniels (22), Sam Dekker (21) and Montrezl Harrell (21) should be more than enough to keep the Rockets competitive, even in the brutal Western Conference.
The departure of Josh Smith will take a toll on the Rockets in 2015-16. But with so many power forwards on the roster, Houston is as well poised to overcome his absence as anyone else would be. It’s a little daunting that Smith took less money to play on another team he perceived as a more likely contender, but even if the Rockets take a step back next season, they’re well positioned for the long-term.
Next: Golden State Warriors: 10 Steps To Winning The Title
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