3 things the Rockets can do to increase chances at winning a championship

By Andy Yanez

Sep 20, 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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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 18: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on October 18, 2017 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Reduce the amount of usage for Chris Paul.

Last season was a very successful debut for Chris Paul in a Rockets uniform. Paul averaged a total of 18.6 points and 7.9 assists on around 31 minutes per game for 58 games in the regular season.

Most of the games missed by Chris Paul came in his first month as a Rocket as he was bothered with a knee injury. Outside of that first month, Paul was relatively healthy for the rest of the season until he suffered a hamstring injury in the playoffs.

Related Story. The Rockets want to preserve Chris Paul this season

While that hamstring injury was a freak injury, the Rockets should take extra care of Chris Paul in the regular season to reduce the odds of him having another freak injury, and the Rockets now have depth at point guard to be able to do it.

Whenever it is the second night of a tough back to back, Brandon Knight and Michael Carter-Williams are more than capable of stepping into the position.

The Rockets also frequently play Eric Gordon with the starters and have James Harden play point guard, so the team has many ways to reduce the amount of time Chris Paul has to be used throughout the season.

The Rockets have given players, like Nene, a rest plan before, and Chris Paul would benefit tremendously if his minutes were reduced now and then to stay fresh for key match ups and the postseason.

Next: No. 2