The Houston Rockets have been the forgotten team in the Western Conference which has so far focused a lot on the San Antonio Spurs and, of course, the recently crowned Golden State Warriors.
Although they have been silently competing in the background, no one can take away the fact that the Rockets have the tools to spoil the Spurs–Warriors party. In fact, with an intact lineup headed to the 2015–16 wars, don't be surprised if the Rockets pull off some stunners.
On paper, the Rockets find themselves, perhaps, as the third among the leading teams to watch in the coming NBA season, with the Spurs, Warriors, and the retooled Los Angeles Clippers ahead of them.
Looking at the Rockets, the team seems to have covered all bases. James Harden is still around and they do have one of the best big men in the middle in Dwight Howard. Their key weakness at the point may have been addressed with the addition of Ty Lawson as long as the guard shies away from off court trouble.
Speaking of Harden and Howard, some may find it interesting how the two have been coexisting. Harden has had a breakout career with the Rockets but Howard has been silent in the background.
Injuries have slowed Howard down, but one has to wonder if it comes to a point when Dwight may want more touches on the spheroid.
Heading into next season, there is a chance he could opt out but strong indications point to the 6-foot-11-inch dunking player staying in Houston. Unless, of course, he has kept mum on his concerns, Howard has been known to want a share of the spotlight, one of the reasons why he bolted the Lakers camp and joined the Rockets. Remember his issues with Kobe Bryant before?
Well Harden doesn't seem that different so it will be up to Kevin McHale to make sure it doesn't come to that point.
For now, both seem to be doing fine and hopefully stardom doesn't spoil either, a spat that could once again end in unwanted feud.
