Houston Rockets: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day

3. Ryan Anderson has slimmed down

Ryan Anderson’s name was involved in a host of trade rumors in the offseason. As the man who was once considered as the primary piece in a deal to land All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, Anderson is returning to Houston in the best shape of his life.

Anderson, who averaged 13.6 points per game and shot 40.3 percent from 3-point range in his first season with the Rockets last year, lost 10 pounds over the summer and is elated to be back with the team after signing a four-year, $80 million deal last summer.

"“People speculate,” Anderson said to reporters at Rockets Media Day. “I just wanted to be positive and ready to go. We (Anderson and his wife) didn’t want to be traded.  We love it here.”"

While Anderson comes at a hefty price tag of $20 million this season, he possesses the ability to shoot from long range at a solid clip, and can play at either the 3 or 4-slot for the Rockets next season.

The 29-year-old forward has never shot below 35 percent from beyond the arc in his career, as playing alongside of Chris Paul could be just what he needs, to get a wide range of open looks from downtown and running the floor. Getting in tip top shape can give Anderson the opportunity to put together his best season in Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offense.