Houston Rockets: It’s Bad In Houston, But How Bad Is It Really?

By Duncan Smith | Nov 2, 2015

Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) is pressured by Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) talks with an official during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) talks with an official during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Ty Lawson Isn’t Working Out…Yet

Granted, it can be harder than it sounds to incorporate another star into an already established and deep roster, but the Rockets are making this seem way harder than it needs to. So far this season, Lawson is shooting 28.6 percent from the floor and averaging nine points, five assists and four rebounds per game to go with 2.7 turnovers.

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He’s averaging two makes on seven shots per game, he’s hitting 70.6 percent of his free throws, and he boasts an average +/- of -16.7 per game while playing 36.6 minutes per game. Overall, these are underwhelming-to-bad numbers from a guy who was expected to be the offensive catalyst that this team was missing.

What’s more, so far the Lawson and Harden backcourt combo hasn’t panned out. Through three games, the Rockets are averaging just .842 points per possession as a team when Lawson and Harden are on the floor together while surrendering 1.18 points per opponents possession.

That differential is so staggering it almost seems like it has to be an aberration that will normalize, but if it’s not, that’s a gaping wound in the Rockets’ flesh.

Next: Howard

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