Houston Rockets: 2017-18 NBA season preview
2017-18 Roster
Ryan Anderson, PF
Trevor Ariza, SF
Tarik Black, C
Bobby Brown, PG
Clint Capela, C
Eric Gordon, SG
James Harden, SG
Nene, C
Christopher Johnson, SF
Luc Mbah a Moute, SF
Cameron Oliver, SF/PF
Chinanu Onuaku, C
Chris Paul, PG
Zhou Qi, C
Tim Quarterman, PG
Isaiah Taylor, PG
P.J. Tucker, SF
Troy Williams, SF
Offseason additions:
Chris Paul (trade, Los Angeles Clippers), P.J. Tucker (free agent, Toronto Raptors), Tarik Black (free agent, Los Angeles Lakers), Luc Mbah a Moute (free agent, Clippers)
Offseason subtractions:
Patrick Beverley (trade, Clippers), Sam Dekker (trade, Clippers), Lou Williams (trade, Clippers), Montrezl Harrell (trade, Clippers)
Quick Thoughts
Many Rockets fans have worried or complained about the depth Houston gave up to acquire Paul. Yes sending out four rotational players to acquire just one in return seems like a lot, but A) it’s Chris freakin’ Paul and B) the Rockets built their depth back up through free agency.
The Rockets only added four players this summer, but their team (and rotation) will look very different this season. Gone are defensive liabilities such as Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, and in come solid defenders in Tucker and Mbah a Moute.
Daryl Morey was able to build the bench depth back up while also improving the defensive versatility of the team. And he did all this while not sacrificing on the offensive end, as Tucker and Mbah a Moute can be average (or slightly above-average) 3-point shooters in the corners.
The pairing of Paul and Harden in the backcourt is one of the most interesting experiments and duos in recent memory, but it’s more important that one of the two will always be on the floor, which allows Houston to have an elite offense for 48 minutes.
The Rockets are just as deep as last season, except this year they boast a squad that has another all-time great point guard and a lot of defensive versatility, a crucial ability to have in today’s NBA. Houston won’t just have to outscore opponents this season. From time to time it’ll be able to get some stops to secure victories.