About the only thing I hate more than predictions are schedule analysis. For the most part, you play everyone, right? But I suppose this year will be a bit different than most because the Rockets will be implementing a new system while trying to integrate new pieces. Wait, wasn’t that relevant last year too when they added Ty Lawson? In any event, you’d ideally want them to start out against like the Lakers, 76ers, and Kings. Instead, they’ll open against the Lakers, and then play two in a row against Dallas, before paying the defending champs a visit. They’ll get their first glimpse of old buddy Dwight Howard just a few days later when they go up to Atlanta on November 5 to face the Hawks. As for the rest of the schedule, eh, I’ll pass on providing any thoughts. The chips will fall where they fall and everything will even itself out.
As I noted some weeks ago, one of the big stories to watch will be the adjustment period for James Harden. What I’m most interested in is whether there is pushback from Harden: does he acclimate immediately to D’Antoni’s preferences, facilitating the offense or does he start the season out holding onto the ball, resorting to old habits? The success of that relationship will dictate the team’s season. On paper, the Rockets have the potential to have one of the league’s very best offenses. But you have to think there could be some growing pains. The other schedule related question pertains to the rotation. Last year, Houston opened with Ty Lawson as the starter before eventually pulling the plug and sending him to the bench. If you listened to Mike D’Antoni, you’d think Eric Gordon might have a chance to start next to James Harden. D’Antoni also expressed a belief that Clint Capela could become a star in this league. Daryl Morey, however, quickly noted in a summer league interview that Gordon will come off the bench; teams also like to start out game with dependable vets, so I wouldn’t be shocked if Nene is the ‘5’ on opening day. This is all to say that it could be some time before D’Antoni settles on a lineup with which he’s comfortable. (J.B. Bickerstaff went the entire season without getting to that point). As I’ve been saying since the dust settled, I’m getting very excited about this upcoming year. I truly believe the team will be better just from removing Dwight Howard. I know everyone is sleeping on the Rockets this year, but I don’t see why they can’t replicate the success of 2015.
