Houston Rockets: 5 Reasons They Could Be Western Dark Horses

5. Developing Youth

One of the chief concerns for the Rockets heading into 2016-17 was the power forward position and how it would affect the team’s bench. Ryan Anderson was clearly the team’s best 4, but he’d made his money over the last few years as a sixth man. How would the Rockets play this one out?

Houston didn’t flinch, starting Anderson all 25 games. Though he’s only averaging 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per game, he’s shooting 39.4 percent from three-point range and brings floor spacing to an offense that thrives on the open lanes it provides for James Harden.

Just as beneficial: the team’s frontcourt youngsters stepping up their contributions, and that extends far beyond starting center Clint Capela.

It’s mostly been Houston’s selections from the 2015 NBA Draft class rising to the occasion with Anderson in the starting five. After being limited to just three games in his rookie season because of a back injury, Sam Dekker has made the most of his chance to prove his worth as the 18th overall pick.

Though his numbers — 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game — don’t leap off the page, Dekker has been extremely efficient in D’Antoni’s rotation, shooting 50.7 percent from the floor and 38.2 percent from downtown. He may also be wanted for the murder of Enes Kanter:

In what is basically his rookie season, Dekker is averaging more minutes off the bench than any Rockets player not named Eric Gordon. They’ve come to rely on his steady shooting hand and his surprisingly solid defense, plus his ability to play the 3 or the 4 in small-ball lineups helps Houston maintain its versatility no matter who else is on the floor.

There’s also Montrezl Harrell, the 32nd overall pick from 2015. He’s only averaging 6.4 points and 3.1 boards in 13.1 minutes per game, but when he’s been in the game, he’s shown flashes of being a future contributor.

Harrell is only 6’8″, but has the size to play the 4 and the brute strength to play the 5 in smaller lineups. He’s an animated dunker and brings bursts of pure energy whenever he checks in. Though he was one of the older rookies of his draft class, he still has plenty of room for growth at age 22.

Neither one is a go-to backup just yet, but for the time being, they’re holding down the fort and providing plenty of encouraging signs they can be a part of this team’s long-term future.