Goals for everyone on the Houston Rockets for 2019-20

Now featuring two of the NBA’s last three MVPs in their backcourt, the Houston Rockets are expected to do big things in a loaded Western Conference.

It has been over 166 days since the Houston Rockets suffered a second consecutive devastating series loss to the Golden State Warriors. Every player that dressed for that game has returned to the team besides Chris Paul, who was traded for a younger, more athletic guard in Russell Westbrook.

Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey not only acquired the eight-time All-Star but added veterans Thabo Sefolosha, Tyson Chandler and Ben McLemore as well. Undrafted rookie Chris Clemons has also been an exciting prospect that went from a longshot to a two-way contract over the course of six preseason games.

Many teams in the Western Conference have gotten better, as Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George all moved around to form super duos just as Houston did. The Rockets’ biggest obstacle, however, has gotten considerably worse, as they lost Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson (for the season).

If there is ever a time for the Houston Rockets to make a move and truly compete for a championship, it will need to be now. Head Coach Mike D’Antoni has all the tools he needs to go all the way — the big question is if he’ll be able to put all the pieces together.

As the Rockets tip off their season on Thursday, there will be expectations from all 15 men on the roster. Here is a look at all of the goals and expectations we have addressed over the long offseason.

The Starters

Russell Westbrook
Clint Capela
Danuel House
James Harden
P.J. Tucker

The Bench

Eric Gordon
Austin Rivers
Ben McLemore
Ryan Anderson
Isaiah Hartenstein
Chris Clemons
Tyson Chandler
Thabo Sefolosha

*Note: Nene is out indefinitely with an adductor injury while Michael Frazier is expected to spend most of his time in the G League, so they were not included in our goals and expectations.

Everybody on the roster has something to offer this Houston Rockets team. Mike D’Antoni has had talents of this caliber before but has fallen short. For this narrative to change, the coaching staff and players alike will need to play for each other and come together as one.

The tools are all there, the team just needs to use them all correctly to take a title back to H-Town.