The Rockets will still be an incredibly good team next season

By Michael Knight

Jul 31, 2018

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 1 : James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets talks with teammate Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets while Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets,L watches the game at AT&T Center on April 1 , 2018 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 22: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors and Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trevor Ariza

One thing that we aren’t going to do is downplay the contributions that Trevor Ariza brought to the team. Year in and year out, he provided stability at the small forward position and played solid defense for the Rockets and could shoot. Trev had many great moments with the team, and something tells me that he might find his way back someday.

It was time for the team to get a little bit younger in the 3-and-D role, though, and the overpay by the Suns for Ariza was the perfect time to do so. They will bring in James Ennis and, hopefully, someone via a trade to fulfill that position.

The Rockets were still extremely good without Ariza whenever he was hurt (or suspended), too. He missed 15 games last season for Houston. The team was 14-1 (!!!) in those games. The one loss came on the last day of the season when most of the starters rested.

Look for the team to be just as good on both ends with the new additions.

Next: Mbah a Moute's impact