Houston Rockets: 5 goals for Ryan Anderson in 2017-18

2. Improve on defense

In order for the Houston Rockets to win a championship this season, they must call upon Anderson to become a better defender over the next several months.

This is an area of the floor where the team’s fourth-leading scorer from last season often struggles. Anderson, who is known more for splashing threes, recently expressed that he wants to make strides on the defensive end in 2018 to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

"“I want to be better defensively,” Anderson stated to Feigen prior to the Rockets preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. “I want to be better about communicating on the floor. These are the things I’m going to focus on.”"

Last season, the Rockets finished 18th overall in defensive efficiency, and while they have added Paul, P.J. Tucker, and Luc Mbah A Moute to help them try and turn the tide, a defensive-minded Anderson would serve as an added benefit to Houston in the Western Conference. The Rockets will seek to ask the nine-year veteran to defend power forwards such as Draymond Green, LaMarcus Aldridge and Carmelo Anthony down the stretch in the regular season and playoffs.

While Anderson is not known for possessing a high degree of athleticism, he could improve by taking out the time to become a solid defender guarding specific positions, and learning how to be where he needs to be within given sets in order to succeed. Even having a hand up to defend passing lanes, or making sure not to bite on pump fakes could help make a difference.

If he does improve on defense, Anderson could possibly find himself as a permanent mainstay with the Rockets moving forward, as the player who was once viewed as a luxury due to his shooting ability could become a major necessity as the franchise seeks to capture the Larry O’Brien Trophy.