Houston Rockets: Predicting the team’s leader in every statistical category

TyTy Washington will lead the Houston Rockets in steals.

You can make the argument that Porter Jr. should be featuring again here. By the end of next season, you could be proven right. He averaged over a steal per game last year and as mentioned, led the Rockets in this category. But let’s take this one in a different direction, and go with the rookie Washington instead.

There are two reasons to pick him here. The first is that if we assume Porter Jr. will again average around 1.1 steals per game. Washington certainly has the potential to clear that rate. It is unclear just how much run he will get in his rookie campaign, but as a guy who can play both guard positions on a rebuilding team, you have to think it will be a lot.

So the opportunity and minutes will be there, early on at least, for Washington to have a real go at leading this category. The second, and more important reason, to take him here is because he will be coming into the NBA with a lot to prove. This is true of all rookies, but Washington was not known for his high defensive play in college.

So if he wants to stick in the rotation here, then the more he can show two-way skills, the better. The midrange shooting and ability to attack the rim are not in question. But staying in front of his man, especially seasoned pros, will be harder to do. Washington does have a potential ace card here, however.

A 6-9 wingspan is ideal for hounding opposing guards on the perimeter, and for poking the ball free. If Washington can develop a reputation for this early, for at least trying defensively and getting his hands into passing lanes, then not only is he going to lead the Rockets in steals, but he will quickly become a fan favorite as well.