The Houston Rockets looked really scary during the season opener. In fact, they looked exactly like all the fans and the NBA world expected – dominant. Dwight Howard had a superb debut in a Rockets uniform, after greeting the home crowd prior to the tip-off. Although there were some moments of bad sync and communication, in general the team looked really solid.
Certainly, the team will need some time to build chemistry and to allow Dwight Howard find his exact role in the offensive and defensive system. Nevertheless, the potential of the team is obviously great. The Rockets are one of the strongest contenders in the Western Conference as of now and in fact, they might even be the team that stands the best odds to win the title in the West.
There is almost nothing this Rockets team is lacking. They have a trio of capable point guards, in Jeremy Lin, Aaron Brooks and Patrick Beverly, a superstar shooting guard, James Harden, who can score at will, a rising star at the small forward in Chandler Parsons and then the twin towers inside, in Howard and Omer Asik. Whilst there still exist some questions about how well will Asik be able to combine with Howard, the two of them might actually emerge as a one-two punch in the frontcourt.
Certainly, Superman is the one who will dominate the paint and take the most offensive possessions. Nonetheless, we might see Asik also having a non-negligible role in the Rockets’ system. He can be a great presence at the defensive end and also draw defensive attention on offense. In addition, although Kevin McHale will most probably start Asik at the power forward spot, he might quickly draw one of his big men to the bench and at for some stretches of the game use a lineup with one classic center.
Houston’s starting unit is really powerful, but the bench can also contribute. Every title contender needs a deep bench, who can provide solutions when the main members of the team have an off night or when they need to catch a breath. Francisco Garcia has shown some very promising signs and he is projected to be a big contributor off the bench, assisting in the Rockets’ scoring. Patrick Beverly and Aaron Brooks seem be solid backups for Jeremy Lin. Of course, Kevin McHale might choose to start him off the bench, increasing the firepower and the quality of his reserves. Ronnie Brewer and Donatas Motiejunas are also projected to be significant role players for Houston.
The most encouraging fact for the Rockets might be the fact that the team has a great future. Out of the entire roster, only Garcia is over the age of 28, so things might get even scarier in Houston.
The Houston Rockets stand big chances to win it all in the Western Conference and make it to the NBA Finals in their first year after Howard’s addition. Of course, we will be able to form a more certain opinion after a few weeks in the 2013-2014 season.
About The Author:
Ron Leyba is the lead editor of FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com, and LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+.
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