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NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Ty Lawson (3) during player introductions before the game against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

Is Ty Lawson Better Off As Starter Or Sixth Man?

Just like they were last year, the Houston Rockets are legitimate title contenders. And just like they were last year, the Rockets don’t quite get the same respect they deserve because so many people dislike either James Harden or Dwight Howard (or both). That being said, Houston has the defense, perimeter shooting and depth to win a championship, even with the West being the bloodbath that it is.

However, there’s one hurdle that needs to be overcome before the Rockets can truly come together and win the West, and it involves the team’s biggest offseason acquisition, Ty Lawson. Lawson finished third in the league in assists last year, averaging 9.6 per game for the Denver Nuggets.

But he also struggled with drinking problems off the court, being charged with two DUIs in just a couple of months. If Lawson has overcome his own inner demons, the Rockets still need to figure out whether he and Harden — two ball-dominant guards — can coexist in the same backcourt, or whether Houston would be better off starting Patrick Beverley and letting Lawson run rampant off the bench.

Next: Indiana Pacers