Daryl Morey likes early showing of Rockets in Orlando

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey likes what he’s seen from the team in the early practices in Orlando.

When the NBA paused the season, many questioned if there would be a return to action. The future seemed bleak as it was deemed nearly impossible for basketball to resume. The Houston Rockets had just snapped a four-game losing streak and were coming off a 117-111 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver brilliantly concocted a way for the season to resume, as the players and teams have already been practicing again in Orlando, which is the site of the NBA’s bubble. The Rockets have been the popular pick in the national media, as we’ve heard a slew of analysts heap praise on the team.

The early returns have been promising, as we’ve heard how Eric Gordon has looked impressive in the team workouts. We also heard Ben McLemore state how the Rockets have looked good during the team’s practices, which is a positive sign.

But McLemore isn’t the only one who has expressed excitement about the team’s initial showings on the hardwood, as Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey stated the same on SportsTalk 790’s The A-Team.

Morey likes early showing of Rockets in Orlando

“Obviously everything works alot better in walk-throughs, but I will say when you watch the film they put together for the players everyday, it’s very hard to figure out how we’re going to lose. If we can execute and bring the right execution and energy, obviously there are some great teams out there so you’ve got to respect them, but I do think we have easily as good a chance as anybody.”

The Rockets have every reason to be excited, as they benefited from the break more than others, due to the fact that they’re one of the oldest teams in the league. In addition, the Rockets dealt with injuries to key contributors such as Gordon and P.J. Tucker, which have been healed due to the lengthy absence from the court.

In addition, the element of home court advantage has been removed from the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers, who hold the top two spots in the Western Conference. But for as good as the Rockets have looked thus far, they’re about to look even better with James Harden back in action.

The Rockets had been without Harden through the team’s first four workouts in the bubble for undisclosed reasons, but he arrived in Orlando on Tuesday night. Russell Westbrook has also not been with the team, as he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and must self-quarantine before being able to join the team in Orlando.

The next phase of the NBA’s training camp will be the team scrimmages, which start on July 24th for the Rockets and conclude on July 28th. The Rockets’ will have the following scrimmage schedule:

• July 24th-Toronto Raptors
• July 26th-Memphis Grizzlies
• July 28th-Boston Celtics

This will be an even better gauge of what to expect from the team, as Morey cited the danger of being excited about walk-throughs. Regardless, it’s good to hear Morey and the rest of the team express confidence, as the Rockets have a golden opportunity to rise through the conference standings over the final eight games, which could play a major part in their path to an NBA title.