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Houston Rockets: THREE Things The Team Must Change

By James D'Elia

Feb 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 27, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is fouled by Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is fouled by Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Lineup Changes

It’s fair to say Corey Brewer‘s time as a starter has not been fantastic, he has played better recently but nowhere near the level he was at last year. I don’t believe Terrence Jones is the answer at the “4” long term and we should experiment with this position.

Trevor Ariza has played well at power forward but Brew is seriously bringing down that starting unit. Before the deadline, I would have claimed to start Thornton at the “3” but he’s no longer an option there so it leaves two choices as J.B. Bickerstaff obviously doesn’t trust Clint Capela and Jones in the starting five.

The Case for Josh Smith

J-Smoove returned as Homecoming King but since going 3-0 to start the Rockets have really struggled.  He has had his bouts with injury recently as per Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com and if healthy could come into the starting lineup.

J-Smoove’s passing ability and rebounding will help Dwight out in the middle and he could be a good choice to partner Howard in the front court. JB may be reluctant to start him however as he seems much more comfortable coming off the bench and providing energy to the team but he will definitely see an uptick in minutes with the departure of D-Mo.

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The Case for Montrezl Harrell

Personally, I don’t believe there is much to gain for this group by playing the same way they are now. Things need to be changed up and if it results in playoff experience for the younger players such as Montrezl Harrel then that is a step in the right direction.

Harrell has been brilliant for the Rockets in the small minutes he has played.

He is always engaged on the defensive end and is a player who has contagious energy and seems to make everyone work harder. This is something the Rockets have struggled with and it would be nice to see them hustling from the outset and Montrezl could be the guy to set things straight for the Rockets.

Next: CLICK HERE: Which Player Should Be Incorporated Most In The Offense?

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