5 Hot Questions: Houston Rockets Playoff Preview Edition #1
By Salman Ali
May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; iHouston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after Portland Trail Blazers guard
Damian Lillard(0) last second shot in the second half in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center.Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
2.) Is Dwight’s return enough to make Rockets legit contenders? Are there any potential drawbacks to his return?
Salman’s (@rednation_hoops):
Yes.
Dwight’s an elite rim-protector (Top 5 when healthy), a fantastic rebounder, and a great pick-and-roll/alley-oop man. His presence alone provides great spacing for the Rockets because he draws so much attention and double-teams that leaves many shooters open and more room for James Harden to operate. I’ll take it a step further and stay that he’ll improve shooting percentages for the team in dramatic fashion. Dwight’s return will also deepen the bench and there won’t be any drawbacks. There is this misconception that a Rockets team without Dwight Howard is a better offensive team. The numbers actually say otherwise – the Rockets assist percentage goes up from 59% to nearly 62% when he’s on the floor, the Rockets are 1-2 points better on offensive rating and true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage both go up nearly 3% when he’s on the floor.
Alykhan (@Rockets_Insider):
Dwight Howard, when healthy, is the best center in the game. No question. His rim-protection allows the Rockets to gamble more defensively and play their opportunistic defensive-scheme. His post-up game will allow the Rockets to slow it down in certain situations and force the double-team, allowing three open shooters open looks.
The only thing I’m concerned about is the fluidity of the offense and pace the team plays with. Since the Dwight injury, the Rockets have played at a much faster pace. Will be interesting to see how Dwight’s addition into the lineup affects their fast pace play. I don’t see it as too much of a problem, particularly since Dwight is a positive offensively; opens up the Rockets offensive playbook.
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