Houston Rockets put faith in a new superstar duo
By Alec Liebsch
2019-20 Roster
Key Additions: Russell Westbrook (trade), Tyson Chandler (free agency), Ryan Anderson (free agency), Thabo Sefolosha (free agency), Ben McLemore (free agency), Jaron Blossomgame (free agency)
Key Subtractions: Chris Paul (trade), Kenneth Faried (free agency), Zhou Qi (free agency)
Though the Houston Rockets gave up quite a bit to acquire Russell Westbrook, it was probably better than the alternative options. Letting P.J. Tucker or Eric Gordon go would’ve been a tough pill to swallow; they’re both excellent complements to this two-headed Hydra.
The rotation won’t change much; James Harden and Westbrook will be fully staggered to where one of the two is always on the court. As long as Mike D’Antoni is comfortable with it, Gordon will start again, and Austin Rivers will fill in the gaps between those three.
Tucker and Clint Capela will clock in for their regular amounts, with Danuel House due for a slight uptick after earning a three-year, $11.1 million contract this July. Tyson Chandler can eat the backup 5 minutes during the 82-game grind and start if Capela goes down.
Gerald Green is once again an intriguing piece who must shoot well to stay on the floor. Ben McLemore was a low-risk signing who has a slight chance to pop in Houston.
The Rockets are by no means deep, but their pieces work. It all depends on how the top two end up complementing each other.