The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Way too early predictions for 2019-20 Western Conference standings

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 16
Next
HOUSTON, TX – JULY 26: General Manager Daryl Morey, and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets pose for a photo during the Houston Rockets Introductory Press Conference on July 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JULY 26: General Manager Daryl Morey, and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets pose for a photo during the Houston Rockets Introductory Press Conference on July 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are another team that are extremely difficult to predict. As many people as there are that think I’m shafting them and have them far too low upon seeing this, there’s probably others that will think they should be even lower.

In Houston’s defense, they’ve been the closest team in the West to beat the Golden State Warriors during their impressive run, and with the Warriors now looking far less daunting, it could be the Rockets’ time to shine. Despite the changes made this summer, they still have former MVP and unstoppable offensive force James Harden along with Mike D’Antoni at the helm and a host of prolific role players such as Clint Capela, P.J. Tucker and Eric Gordon.

The hugest question surrounding the Rockets, of course, is how will newcomer Russell Westbrook fit alongside Harden? Westbrook is undeniably one of the league’s top talents and in many ways an upgrade over the aging and slowing Chris Paul. But he doesn’t come without his shortcomings.

First of all, he’s a ball-dominant guard who will have to figure out a rhythm with James Harden who also likes the ball in his hands. Yes, they are former teammates and, by all accounts, good friends. But they’re different players than when they played together before and the dynamic between the two could be an interesting one.

Also, unlike Paul, Westbrook is far from a mid-range threat which was a key weapon in Houston’s otherwise perimeter-focused offense last year. In fact, he’s not much of a shooter at all as he’s far from reliable from beyond the arc. In this sense, while Russell will bring some good things to Houston, he may also hurt their well-crafted offensive identity.

Not to mention, Westbrook isn’t exactly known for being a playoff standout as he’s struggled each of the past three seasons to make his mark come postseason time thanks to poor decision making and the aforementioned inefficiency. That’s a lot for D’Antoni and the rest of the Rockets to deal with and try to rectify.

However, last season when Paul George was healthy (prior to the shoulder injuries) and Westbrook learned to defer to him, the Thunder looked like one of the best teams in the NBA. If Westbrook can once again take on that deferment role – this time ceding opportunities and playmaking to Harden – he could very well help the Rockets be an incredible team.

And that’s just it – despite the growing pains they might experience or struggles they may face throughout the season, this team has two recent former MVPs on their roster as well as plenty of talent and depth. Such should put them easily in the mix for the fourth seed in the West, if not a much higher finish.

Home/Jazz News