Houston Rockets: Projecting the starting five for 2017-18

Small Forward

Trevor Ariza will start at the small forward position this year. While his production dipped last year from beyond the arc he was still over 34 percent from that range. I don’t think anyone is about to complain about that. Ariza’s role is to spread the floor and defend the opposing team’s best player. He clogs up passing lanes and embraces his role.

Trevor’s role may be pushed by Luc Mbah a Moute’s presence in Houston and he’ll have to stave off any challenge. Mbah a Moute is an NBA vet known for his defensive prowess. Underrated about Mbah a Moute is his ability to stretch the floor on the corners and to slash. Ariza will have to ensure that his defensive rating stays consistent — as it has the last few years — while keeping his general shooting percentages up.

What to watch out for?

As the incumbent, Ariza will need to slip up pretty hard to lose D’Antoni’s trust. If Ariza’s shooting dips to around 30%, don’t be shocked to see A Moute to slide in to the starting small forward spot. Ariza’s contract makes him, perhaps, Houston’s most movable piece despite his link to Paul, so Ariza’s happiness and presence in Houston may also factor in to any decisions to flex or move on from the small forward.