Houston Rockets: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day

1. Mike D’Antoni is committed to defense

Throughout his time as a head coach, Mike D’Antoni has never been known to stress improvement on the defensive end. As the 66-year-old who has been known to create some of the game’s most revolutionary offenses, D’Antoni is now searching to help his team make strides on the other side of the floor to win a championship.

During Rockets Media Day, the 2016-17 NBA Coach of The Year who helped guide the team to the Western Conference semifinals last season, stated they must seek to improve on defense in order to come out of the Western Conference this season.

"“I think the guys that are back, and the ones who are here know that we have to be better,” D’Antoni said. “Daryl (Morey) and his staff have added very good defensive players…we need to be in the top five defensively…Otherwise, we won’t win.”"

Last season, Houston finished 18th in overall defensive efficiency, finishing below four non-playoff teams as it allowed 106.4 points per 100 possessions.

While it is surprising to see D’Antoni paying attention to the team’s defense, the signings of Tucker and Mbah A Moute will help the Rockets in their quest to pursue his goal for the team. Chris Paul will also help there as a seven-time All-Defensive First Team selection.

Next: Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day

The loss of Patrick Beverley may not help, but if D’Antoni can get Harden to play defense like this again, then it could happen.