Houston Rockets: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength: Defensive versatility

Just a year after acquiring offensive-minded players such as Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, the Rockets have re-tooled their roster to become one of the more versatile defensive teams in the league.

Last season Houston only had Trevor Ariza, Beverley, Nene and Clint Capela to truly rely on for quality defensive play. However, they were still able to be essentially a league-average defense. Boy how things have changed this summer.

Enter P.J. Tucker, Luc Mbah a Moute and Tarik Black.

Last year, Mbah a Moute posted a 1.6 defensive box plus-minus and was ninth in the league among power forwards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus, posting a 2.32. Mbah a Moute is a very versatile defender, and at 6’8″ he is able to guard a variety of positions, from guards to power forwards.

Meanwhile, last season Tucker posted a defensive box plus-minus of 1.9 and a defensive real plus-minus of 1.78, good for 12th in the league among small forwards. Just look at some of the plays Tucker makes on the defensive end in a game against the Boston Celtics last season:

On several plays Tucker simply shut down opposing guards, forcing them into tough shots or turnovers. Mbah a Moute is certainly capable of doing that as well.

Adding those two players to the other above-average defenders on the roster such as Paul, Ariza, Capela and Nene give Houston several long, physical defenders to throw at a team like the Warriors.

All of a sudden, the Rockets have the defensive pieces to jump into the top 10 in total defense, while still maintaining a top-three offense. Bravo, Daryl Morey. Bravo.