Houston Rockets: Projecting the starting five for 2017-18

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Power Forward

Ryan Anderson gets the nod here… Awkwardly. After an off season spent trying to offload Houston’s albatross contract (Thanks, Summer of Free Money!) Houston needs to convince Anderson of his value and worth. Anderson is a known commodity – a stretch-four who can’t rebound, doesn’t defend, and doesn’t slash to the basket. Anderson’s job is to shoot well beyond the arc at all places.

Don’t expect Houston to be able to move on from Anderson. At three years and $60 million left, most teams are going to be hesitant to take on such a contract. Such a cash flush team able to spend that lavishly on a luxury piece doesn’t exist. This would be outside of Golden State’s cap space which seems to be theoretical more than practical.

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At 41 percent beyond-the-arc, it’s not like Anderson is a bum, he just doesn’t do much else. Anderson is absolutely at the mercy of almost any other power forward he plays. Houston is most vulnerable at this position not because Anderson isn’t an NBA caliber player but because for all Anderson gives, opposing teams can go ahead and take on their offensive possessions.

What to watch out for?

Anderson’s worst shooting year from deep was 32.8 percent in 2012. There is almost no way he repeats that. Anderson will flex in and out of the lineup depending on defensive match ups where P.J. Tucker will be taking up the obligation of shutting down more traditional power forwards.

Anderson needs to be attentive when Tucker is in. Tucker has the ability to spread the floor and defend multiple positions. Based on how Tucker does when spelling Anderson, it could be the difference between Anderson starting or being one of the priciest reserves in the NBA.

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