Predicting Houston Rockets' Starting Five for Next Season

Predicting Houston Rockets' Starting Five for Next Season

Houston Rockets
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have a contending team in place with two shining stars in James Harden and Dwight Howard. Barring any major runs at a third star, the Rockets' lineup should be similar come next season. Here is a look at how things should play out concerning the starting five.

5. Point Guard: Patrick Beverly

Patrick Beverly
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

5. Point Guard: Patrick Beverly

Patrick Beverly
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Beverly brings tenacious defense and toughness to the Houston back court that Harden lacks. Beverly has become a more efficient guard as he has played in more games. Keeping his turnovers down and making great decisions will be the extent of where he can grow in terms of offense, seeing as though his partner at shooting guard will take over in the scoring department. Beverly is as solid as they come at the one spot.

4. Shooting Guard: James Harden

James Harden
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Shooting Guard: James Harden

James Harden
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Harden has blossomed into arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA during his time in Houston. Harden is able to score inside and out, either drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line or hitting shots from beyond three-point range. Harden has a tight handle and is a very good play maker in the back court, making him one of the most valuable players on the Houston roster.

3. Small Forward: Chandler Parsons

Chandler Parsons
Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Small Forward: Chandler Parsons

Chandler Parsons
Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

Parsons is the glue guy for this Rockets team as he is able to do a little bit of everything on the floor. From playing defense to hitting shots to distributing, Parsons is the kind of player that every team wants in the starting rotation. His balanced attack guarantees him a spot in the starting lineup as long as he is there in Houston.

2. Power Forward: Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. Power Forward: Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jones really came into his own this year in Houston after he got an opportunity to start on multiple occasions for the Rockets. Jones can be a terror in the open court, being one of the more athletic power forwards in the NBA. He is a great rebounder on both ends of the floor, and is an underrated scorer around the basket. If Jones can develop a consistent perimeter shot, he could become one of the best power forwards in the NBA in time.

1. Center: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Center: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Howard is the one who holds everything together for the Rockets on defense. With him in the lineup, it makes it much more difficult for teams to penetrate the lane and get easy looks near the basket, as Howard is one of the best at contesting shots and swatting them to the other end of the court or out of bounds. Howard has also been developing a few post moves since he arrived in Houston, making him a two-way factor inside for Houston.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon