Houston Rockets: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

4. Great team chemistry

Whenever a team completes a significant, blockbuster trade, time is needed in order for the new teammates to get along. This summer, Houston not only brought in Chris Paul (by trading four rotational players) but they also signed Tucker and Mbah a Moute. The addition of Paul forces James Harden to change the way he plays, while Tucker and Mbah a Moute must find their footing in a deep frontcourt.

Although Paul and Harden have expressed their desires to play with each other, come game time things could change if the backcourt partnership sours. After all, it is Paul’s natural instinct to have the ball in his hands, and as we all know, most human beings resist significant change.

It will be up to both players as well as Mike D’Antoni to facilitate the transition and partnership in order for the Rockets to be successful. Harden and Paul must get comfortable playing alongside each other, and Paul must get used to playing with his new set of teammates.

It will be crucial for Paul to establish chemistry with Ryan Anderson and Clint Capela in the pick-and-roll/pop and get comfortable with the shooters around him in Eric Gordon, Trevor Ariza, etc. The only way the Rockets will function at their highest capability is if everyone buys in, accepts their new role, and gets along. We’ve seen teams that have loads of talent but let poor chemistry get in the way of success (I’m looking at you, 2013 Los Angeles Lakers).

In the end, when teams shake things up significantly in the summer, it often takes time for new teammates to jell. However, Houston must get everyone on the same page if they want to achieve their goals.