HOOPSAHOLIC

Last offseason when the Houston Rockets signed Dwight Howard in free agency, Daryl Morey and the front office staff believed that he was the missing piece for a championship in H-Town. They fought their way through a tough Western Conference, but were ultimately knocked out by the Trail Blazers in the first round after a Damien Lillard buzzer-beater. With a new season ahead of the Rockets, there has been rumors that head coach Kevin McHale is on the hot seat, and he will need to make a long playoff run in order to keep his job. Strap in Rockets fans, this 2014-15 season could be a bumpy ride. 

James Harden is one of the best scorers in the entire NBA, but if the Rockets want to make any type of run at a championship, he must learn how to play defense. Harden averaged 25 points per game last season to go along with five rebounds and five assists, but his defense was laughable. It was almost as if he wasn't trying at all (see video). He's made the all-star team both years that he's been in Houston, but to be considered an elite player in this league you need to be well-rounded.His lack of defense was somewhat surprising to me. When he was playing in OKC, Harden was constantly given the responsibility of guarding players such as Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. I don't know if he decreased effort is due to his increase in role on his team, but regardless he needs to figure it out if the Rockets have any type of legitimate shot at a title. 

With Harden's less than stellar defense, and the departure of Chandler Parsons in the off season, the Rockets signed Trevor Ariza to a four-year deal worth about eight million annually. Last year in Washington, Ariza averaged 14 points and six rebounds per game and was a key part to the success of the Wizards. I think he will fit well in Houston with the players they will have around him. This is actually his second stint with the Rockets. He signed in Houston as a free agent after a great year he had with the Lakers in 2009, but the difference with then and now is that the Rockets were bringing Ariza in to be the best player then, now he will be a nice role player with less responsibility. 

Dwight Howard has widely been considered the best center in the NBA for sometime now, but after a few average seasons (for Howard's standards) people are beginning to question what kind of teammate Howard is. In his one-year stint with the Lakers, Howard burned a lot of bridges and jetted to Houston right when he got the opportunity. Last year with the Rockets he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per night, but he didn't seem to be the dominating force we're all used to seeing. Howard had his flashes, but ultimately last season was looked at as a disappointment after the expectations were set so high before the season. I still believe Howard is a beast, so look out for a monster year from the seven footer. 

As a Thunder fan, it's safe to say that I strongly dislike Patrick Beverley. Despite that, I have to say he is one of the scrappier defenders in all of the NBA. He finally has gotten his chance in Houston, and he's taken full advantage of that opportunity. He took Jeremy Lin's spot in the starting lineup last season, and now he's the point guard for one of the top teams in the league. Last year he averaged 10 points and three assists, but if he wants to make the next step in his career, Beverley must figure out how to set up his teammates better and improve his assist numbers. BTW.. I can't wait to see another match up between him and Russell Westbrook. 

Terrence Jones had a breakout season last year when he solidified his spot at the power forward position in Houston. Jones averaged 12 points and seven rebounds while displaying his rare athleticism for a player his size. I expect him to continue to improve and contribute for this Houston team. Another key piece to this team will be Jason Terry, who was acquired over the summer. He was bogged down by injuries last year with the Nets and Kings, but if Terry can stay healthy then he will be the scoring punch the Rockets desperately needed off the bench last season. 

The Rockets have the talent to compete with anyone, plain and simple. I have them finishing fifth in the Western Conference, but they could easily prove me wrong and end up with home-court advantage come playoff time. The West will be a battlefield in the playoffs, so if the Rockets are in a rhythm when May rolls around, they're a team I wouldn't want to run into.