Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from slow start

2. Defensive communication has been an issue

Although it is a safe bet that the Rockets’ offensive woes will come to an end within the coming weeks, one can only hope to say the same about their current struggles on the defensive end. This franchise that finished among the top 10 in defensive rating a season ago has not generated the same success to start the new season.

Through the first six games, Houston has proven to be among the worst half-court defensive teams in all of basketball, giving up a league-high 59.3 points in the paint and allowing opponents to score over 116 points per game in the process.

The Rockets have granted several opponents the ability to exploit them via driving or taking advantage of mismatches off pick-and-roll switches en route to finishing off a series of dunks and layups.

"“We’ve got to go back to the drawing board and figure out what’s going to be the best solution for this team,” Rockets point guard Chris Paul told the media following the team’s 20-point loss to the Clippers on Oct. 26. “Comparing last year and this year, you can’t do it.” “This is its own team, and we’ve got to figure out its identity…we’ve just got to be better.”"

It remains to be seen how Houston’s defense will look with a healthy cast in the next several weeks, but establishing a stronger line of communication may be what’s needed to help spark a potential turnaround. Players like Paul and P.J. Tucker could use more assistance when calling out opposing schemes in the Rockets’ switch-heavy attack.

Opponents are making a conscious effort to pull Rockets big men such as Clint Capela away from the painted area of the floor prior to initiating a given play, and as a result, it’s leading to the rim being unprotected more times than not.

Should the Rockets find a way to all work together, help their three key defenders by talking on the floor, and help the Swiss Roll down around the perimeter during post-ups or rolls around the rim, then there is a strong possibility they could avoid allowing so many shots within six feet or less around the rim.

Giving up fewer easy scoring opportunities would help Houston’s defense evolve yet once again, while finally allowing Houston to put a complete game together.