After coming up short against the Golden State Warriors, the Houston Rockets are trying to finish the job this season.
It was so close they could taste it. Whatever context you want to throw on the series, the Houston Rockets came within a couple possessions of defeating the Golden State Warriors last season.
But as Chris Paul watched from the sideline and 27 consecutive threes went wayward, the Rockets hopes of a championship slipped through their fingers. With Chris Paul and Clint Capela signed to new contracts, the Rockets are hoping they can run their core back and finally get over the hump.
The offseason was a somewhat underwhelming one for the Rockets. Both Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute left in free agency. Ryan Anderson and second round pick De’Anthony Melton were sent to Phoenix in exchange for Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss. Plus Carmelo Anthony and James Ennis were brought in to help replace their departures.
While Carmelo is certainly capable of being an instant offensive option for the Rockets, questions linger about how the team’s defense will hold up without Ariza and Mbah a Moute.
That being said, while concerns remain this is still a 65 win team that brought back it’s three most valuable players. James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela all are back and they are still surrounded by a deep supporting cast.
Whether that cast will be enough remains to be seen. But to help gauge exactly where the Rockets stand heading into this season, let’s dive into where they stand and what storylines will come to define their season.