Houston Rockets: Imagining the Rockets rotation with Carmelo Anthony
By T.A. Mock
Center
Starter: Clint Capela
He’s obviously the man to start here. Capela established himself as a legitimate two-way threat last season. His defensive ability is absolutely phenomenal, he showed last season that he can switch all the way to a guard and hold his own.
The reason the Rockets are likely hesitant to offer what Capela wants is he is fairly limited in his offense. He rarely takes a shot outside of the paint. Which, in today’s NBA, doesn’t quite cut it for elite money. Regardless, he remains a priority and will be a Rocket this coming season.
Related Story. Capela just needs to sign. light
Reserves: Nene, Isaiah Hartenstein, Zhou Qi
Nene remains under contract in spite of not being able to play regularly. He still provides nice energy and hustle in these short bursts off of the bench. He still has the ability to go offensively as well as he had multiple games last year with double-digit points.
Hartenstein spent last season in the G-League but, the Rockets wanted him bad this season. They had to pony up with a three-year deal to get him to not leave for Europe. Hartenstein averaged nearly 10 points and 6 rebounds a game for the Vipers. He could provide solid rebounding and defense off of the bench.
Qi likely figures into the equation as well. He showed serious strides in the Summer League this year as well. His three-point ability has increased and he continues to adjust well to the pace of the NBA. He could be a darkhorse contributor with his stretch ability.