After Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Houston Rockets flew home from Oakland and packed their bags for a long offseason. After that long offseason, the Rockets added that playmaker James Harden was asking for, Ty Lawson. Lawson and Harden combine for a top backcourt duo in the NBA. With Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza, along with Patrick Beverley off the bench, the Rockets will contend in the Western Conference.
Now all of the pressure is now on Dwight Howard. James Harden and Ty Lawson are going to produce, and Howard needs to be on the court on a nightly basis. He is already dealing with back issues, but looks ready for the start of the regular season. We saw a glimpse of the old Howard in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, and that will need to translate into a full season.
What can fans look forward to?
Fans can look forward to an exciting team with championship aspirations. The Rockets have Ty Lawson, James Harden, and Dwight Howard who bring excitement on a nightly basis. Harden is exciting every time he touches the ball.
The Western Conference is much improved from last season, but the Rockets are still near the top of the conference. They will look to at least win the conference, and Kevin McHale will need the Rockets to emulate his former Celtics teams. The Rockets have the skill to beat any team in the NBA.
Projected starting lineup:
PG- Ty Lawson
SG- James Harden
SF- Trevor Ariza
PF- Terrence Jones
C- Dwight Howard
Who can emerge as a star?
James Harden, fear the beard. Harden is one of the leagues top players and scorers. He can score from anywhere on the court with the size to shoot over most NBA shooting guards. The Rockets are Harden’s team.
As long as Harden is a member of the Houston Rockets, they will be competitive. Harden is an NBA star, and the one thing missing from his resume is winning an NBA Championship. To win a title, Harden will have to become a superstar. He is going to be a superstar in 2015-2016.
What will be their final record?
58-24
