Predicting the Houston Rockets Starting 5 After Russell Westbrook Trade
By Mark Powell
The Houston Rockets shocked the NBA landscape by landing Russell Westbrook and shipping Chris Paul out of town. In doing so, the Rockets aren't necessarily changing their strategy but altering their assets. Here's what their starting five should look like after the trade for Westbrook.
5. Clint Capela
Assuming the Rockets do decide not to trade Capela, he'll very clearly be their starting center in 2019. An All-Star caliber big at best, Capela earned his contract last season and should back that up with another solid campaign in a league which continues to move away from the traditional big man.
4. PJ Tucker
Tucker is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NBA, as he's willing to do just about anything to win. PJ's improved three-point shooting proved to be an efficient weapon in the playoffs, and that should remain a significant part of his offensive game moving forward as he excels defensively.
3. Eric Gordon
Gordon's three-point shooting and off-the-dribble playmaking both improved in 2018, and as an emerging threat alongside Harden expect the 30-year-old to have another huge year offensively.
2. James Harden
Harden failed to thrive with CP3 in 2018, and the two very rarely saw the floor together as the Rockets focused on giving Paul the reigns with the bench unit when possible. The former MVP is still in his prime and as ball-dominant as ever. That won't change next season, even with Russ.
1. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook must reinvent himself somewhat in Houston. While the Rockets will surely stagger Russ with Harden as they did with CP3, when they're on the floor together they'll have to learn to share the ball, which is easier said than done with this duo.