Houston Rockets: Four projected lineup combinations the team must use
By Neal Sharma
Lineup #3: Bring in the defense
What I’d like see: Paul, Ennis, Tucker, Zhou/Hartenstein, Capela
The player that most likely shocks you in this line up is Zhou Qi. He played really well in the summer league, averaging around three blocks per game. While the NBA is definitely another level without question, we can tell that Zhou puts the effort into that side of the floor. The experience will be good for him, and who knows, he might be able to hit the three-ball prolifically one day as well.
But the best part about him is that the dude is so damn tall.
He may not get minutes right away, so the aforementioned lineup will probably not end up happening until Zhou proves himself. One would have to replace him with somebody else in this lineup and more people than not would prefer anybody other than Anthony.
Must Read. Three defenders the Rockets can add via trade. light
Most people would refer to Harden as well, however the Beard is surprisingly an above-average post defender.
Something to think about…
One could even argue for Isaiah Hartenstein in the same way one can for Zhou. Hartenstein averaged 2.3 blocks per game in the summer league, implying that he is willing to lay out on defense just like his counterpart.
Though to be honest, you may not see either of these lineups too often. But if we do, defense should step up and try to get some points on offense out of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if they put Harden in this lineup as he can be a decent defender in the post as well as provide needed offense.
Did you notice how my expected defensive lineup is exactly my favorite possible starting lineup?
Expected Lineup: Paul, Harden, Ennis, Tucker, Capela