Houston Rockets: 2015-16 Season Outlook

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Apr 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) guard Jason Terry (31) and guard Corey Brewer (33) celebrate during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Best-Case Scenario

James Harden’s numbers take a slight step backward with the addition of Ty Lawson to the backcourt, but the Beard puts together another MVP campaign, leading the Rockets to another top-4 seed in the West. Lawson wins Sixth Man of the Year while Patrick Beverley retains his starting job as the superior defender and spot-up shooter in the backcourt.

Donatas Motiejunas perfectly replaces Josh Smith, while Terrence Jones finally has the breakout season everyone’s been waiting for. Dwight Howard stays healthy all season and reminds everyone he’s still an elite center in this league. With home-court advantage, Harden’s finest postseason yet and a little injury luck, the Rockets emerge from the West and defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

Worst-Case Scenario

Lawson’s insertion into the starting lineup is a disaster, with Harden and the former Nuggets point guard failing to build any chemistry on offense and getting regularly smoked on the defensive end. By the time McHale changes it up, Houston has lost too much ground in the ultra-competitive West and Lawson is unhappy with his new bench role.

Motiejunas and Jones are unable to stay healthy once again, while Howard begins to show real signs of his age. Houston finishes behind the Warriors, Spurs, Clippers and Thunder in the standings, ensuring they face a brutal first round opponent. Between the injury problems, Howard’s physical regression and the sheer talent they’re facing, the Rockets implode in the first round.

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