Houston Rockets: Criteria for a good 2019-20 season

On the heels of a systemic alteration of their lineup, the Houston Rockets are tasked with once again proving their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Golden State Warriors fall from grace is why the Houston Rockets weren’t content to run things back with Chris Paul in the mix for the coming season. Daryl Morey wanted to strike an opening that, given the constant movement of the NBA’s elite, has an expiration date that could come into effect at any moment.

The former Executive of the Year managed to draw some attention away from Southern California on the trade market. Out went CP3 and in came Russell Westbrook, a blockbuster deal linking two of the NBA’s most explosive scorers in the backcourt.

The Rockets have certainly looked the part of a championship contender in each of the last two seasons. They’ve got one of the game’s most revolutionary scorers in James Harden. The reigning scoring champ is flanked by snipers at every position with total control of the second-most efficient offense from a season ago.

Stopping Houston both times, however, has been the Warriors, the same team that’s witnessed their tightly-held grip on the NBA loosen on the part of free agency and injuries. What excuse is there now for a Rockets team that’s always appeared on the cusp of true greatness?

Houston is not one with much room for growth, both internally and externally. Morey has never been one to let money halt his goals, but the organization’s financial commitments have them strapped for cash and tradeable assets.

Of the projected starting five, only Clint Capela remains in his 20s. There is no grace period for this group of battle-tested veterans and very little time to experiment. Out west, each of the 82 regular season outings is of vital importance towards establishing rhythm and seeding that can make or break Houston’s playoff run.

Westbrook and Harden are two of the most dynamic shot creators from their respective positions, but the former MVPs have come to operate with historic levels of control on their own.

Just as they got by last season amid discord between Harden and Paul, the Rockets’ talent will have them firmly established in the Western Conference standings. Making the most of this unique pairing, however, will require a level of sacrifice that must be seen to be believed.

Morey is in a frantic pursuit to make the most of whatever he has left of the now 30-year-old Harden. It’s why he traded for Paul only to quickly swap him for Westbrook two years later. It’s why Houston was linked to Jimmy Butler this past offseason without the financial means to turn such a fantasy into reality.

Offseason moves made elsewhere have further blocked Houston’s path to the Finals, but it’s hard to feel sympathy for a team that’s more or less beaten itself in each of the previous two playoff runs.

Until they’re able to avenge those failures of postseason past with a Larry O’Brien trophy, a hole will remain within the organization the size of a missed opportunity, the likes of which no 3-point record or MVP trophy can fill.