Houston Rockets: 3 goals for P.J. Tucker in the 2019-20 season

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PJ Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets grabs the rebound against the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Average at least 7 rebounds per game

Last season, one of Houston’s biggest problems throughout the season was securing rebounds. They were solid on the offensive glass, but they struggled to get defensive rebounds, which obviously gave their opponents a lot of second chance opportunities. The Rockets averaged just 42.1 rebounds per game last season, less than all but two teams in the league.

Of the bottom 10 teams in rebounds per game last season, six won less than 40 games and the Rockets were the only poor rebounding team to win over 50 games. Houston’s superstar talent helped get them over the hump despite being killed on the boards game after game, but Houston’s win total would likely increase if they can just grab more rebounds next year.

Unfortunately, the Rockets haven’t made many roster moves to help improve the team on the boards. Houston added Tyson Chandler, but at 36 years old, he’s unlikely to grab more rebounds than Kenneth Faried did a season ago. Houston’s biggest lift in rebounds will likely come from their point guard Russell Westbrook, who has averaged double-digit rebounds in three consecutive seasons.

While Tucker is a bit undersized for a power forward, it would be nice to see him increase his rebounding average next season. Tucker averaged 5.8 boards per game last season, but he should aim to increase his average to 7 per game next season.

Next: No. 2