3 reasons to be optimistic about the Rockets this season

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Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets blocks shot of DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

3. The Houston Rockets are second in the NBA in blocked shots

The Rockets famously (or infamously) went all-in on the small ball strategy last year, with no true center on the roster. Even with adding Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins, the Rockets are still among the smallest teams in the league.

That, however, hasn’t affected their ability to contest shots at the rim. The Rockets rank second in blocked shots this year at 6.5 swats per game, only trailing the Philadelphia 76ers.

It’s easy to see why the Rockets fare so well in this department upon looking at the roster. For starters, Wood ranks seventh in blocked shots and the Rockets have one of the best shot-blocking guards in the league in John Wall.

In addition, the Rockets have multiple athletic wings in David Nwaba, Sterling Brown, Jae’Sean Tate, and KJ Martin Jr., making the team one of the league’s most athletic teams.

Next: No. 2