5 Reasons Why The Houston Rockets Can Win The West

Veteran Contribution

The key offseason acquisitions of Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson and Nene have proven to be more valuable than the Rockets could have ever imagined.

Gordon is having a resurgent season after falling under the radar the past few seasons. He is averaging a solid 17.3 points per game and filling the shooting guard position perfectly for the Rockets.

He has been a great addition for the Rockets after moving Harden to the point guard position and looking for the shooting guard position to be filled with production.

Houston Rockets

Along with Gordon’s presence on the court this year, Ryan Anderson has been another huge piece of the puzzle. His ability to stretch the floor has made the Rockets offense even more dynamic. Harden can drive amongst the best of them but also find teammates too.

This is where Anderson steps in. He’s been knocking down 40.3 percent of his three-point attempts this season which is key. The Rockets are a live-by-the-three, die-by-the-three type of team, so shooting 40-plus percent from three has proven huge.

Nene has been an enormous add as well. It’s safe to say the Rockets knew what they were doing this offseason.

Nene has started a handful of games this season during Clint Capela’s absence but has come off the bench for most of the season. He hasn’t dazzled anyone with his numbers but he’s doing exactly what the Rockets need him to do.

His 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game don’t jump out at you. But his rim presence and leadership has been what the Rockets have looked for and needed this year.

Veteran leadership goes a long way in the postseason so look for the Rockets to stay disciplined heading down the final stretch of the regular season.