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Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from the preseason

By Gavriel Wilkins

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 11: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on during a preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 11: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on during a preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 11, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images /

2. Trevor Ariza could have a career year

Despite playing a vital role in the Rockets’ success for over the last three seasons, Trevor Ariza appears to be primed and poised to take on yet another challenge.

The 32-year-old forward knocked down shots and hauled in rebounds at a high clip throughout the preseason, averaging 16 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while showing that he still has the ability to hit threes and serve as the primary defender on some of the game’s best forwards.

Although he had a down year shooting from deep last season, Ariza will have every reason to put his best foot forward to try and help Houston vie for an NBA championship this time around.

The 13-year veteran is set to be an unrestricted free agent following the 2017-18 campaign, and is seeking to get compensated next summer in what could be his last big payday. Providing the Rockets with similar production in the regular season will only help take the team to another level offensively.

Newcomers such as P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah A Moute will help to take the load off of Ariza’s shoulders minutes-wise. As a result, it should give the former UCLA star the opportunity to be fresh throughout the season, where he can seek to focus on his shot more and potentially emerge as a major weapon in D’Antoni’s small-ball lineup.

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