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NBA: Predictions For The Southwest Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Harden
Apr 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Houston Rockets

2015-16 Record: 41-41 (4th in Southwest Division) 

2016-17 Prediction: 38-44 (4th in Southwest Division) 

Like Anthony Davis, James Harden is a ridiculously talented superstar on a lackluster team.

Despite intense scrutiny for his perceived lack of leadership, abysmal defensive effort and supposed inability to make his team better, Harden is developing into one of the elite stat sheet-stuffers of all time.

Last season, The Beard averaged a career-high 29.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, playing all 82 games while dragging a Rockets team that dealt with everything from an early coaching change to various injuries and locker room tensions.

As a result of his otherworldly production over the last two seasons, general manager Daryl Morey and company had a Harden-centric offseason this summer. He brought in an offensive guru in Mike D’Antoni and revamped the supporting cast in the image of D’Antoni’s Seven Seconds or Less offensive philosophy, catering to the Beard’s array of talents with the signings of former Pelicans Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon.

With such a brilliant offensive mind at the helm and shooters helping to spread the floor, Harden’s stat line will only get more ridiculous in 2016-17. A great year for one player doesn’t always equal a great year for the team though, and that looks to be the case for the Rockets last season.

D’Antoni is as infamous for completely ignoring the defensive side of the ball as he is famous for being revolutionary on the offensive side of the ball, and defense was kind of Houston’s biggest problem last season as they gave up the fifth most points per game last season with 106.4 a contest.

Although point guard Patrick Beverley and center Clint Capela are capable defenders, the Rockets will likely be worse on that end in 2016-17. Even a potentially lethal offense led by a perennial MVP-caliber player in Harden can’t overcome that.

Next: No. 3