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NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets

Last Week: Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 122-115, Lost to Phoenix Suns 133-130, Beat Dallas Mavericks 102-93, Lost to LA Clippers 126-109, Lost to Golden State Warriors 125-109

This Week: 4/12 at Phoenix Suns, 4/14 vs. Indiana Pacers, 4/16 vs. Denver Nuggets

Leaders of the tank race, the Houston Rockets have by far the least to play for of any team. They do not have much young talent that is likely to be the core of the next great Rockets team (apologies to Christian Wood, Jae’Sean Tate and Kenyon Martin, Jr.), making the rest of this season more about getting extra reps for Stephen Silas as head coach and extra ping pong balls for the lottery.

If there is anyone to keep an eye on for the stretch run, it is Kevin Porter Jr. He has appeared in just 16 games so far for the Rockets and has been impressive by averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. He has been far from efficient, including a putrid 25.8 percent from distance, but that can almost be excused.

It would be nearly impossible to look like a winning player when splitting your time between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets this year. He did not suit up for the Cavs before being traded but neither on-court product is conducive to winning. If Porter can stay out of trouble, Stephen Silas may be the best coach for him to take the next step as an offensive force.