#5: Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets were so close last year to dethroning the Golden State Warriors from the top of the Western Conference and having their shot at an NBA Championship. The Rockets have one of the best general managers in the league and certainly one of the most active in Daryl Morey, and it can always be assumed he is going to do whatever it takes to put a contender around Chris Paul and James Harden every year.
This past offseason, the Rockets had to move on from defensive stoppers and great system players, Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute. This has been mightily evident over their first eight games of the season as they have only mustered up a 3-5 record for a team many expected to be right back in the title hunt this year. Adding Carmelo Anthony to the roster also did not do much in terms of defense for this team that clearly needs it.
Enter J.R. Smith, and immediately the tables can turn around for the Rockets. The whole Rockets system is to shoot the 3 point shot and pass the ball on offense after isolation drives. Smith is the prototypical 3-and-D role player that creators like Harden and Paul love. He would give the Rockets yet another offensive threat that demands respect, but also helps the defensive woes the Rockets have been experiencing.
Next Up: Team #4
