Predicting the Houston Rockets' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

Predicting the Houston Rockets' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

By Derek McVay

July 15, 2015

Predicting the Houston Rockets' 2015 Starting Five Following Free Agency

Houston Rockets — Houston Rockets will look very similar to last season in 2015-16. They chose to focus on retaining their own free agents this summer instead of seeking new players. Last year's roster was plagued by injuries and forced the Rockets to use 18 different starting lineup combinations. Assuming full health at the start of the season, there is little doubt as to who the starting five should be.

Houston Rockets will look very similar to last season in 2015-16. They chose to focus on retaining their own free agents this summer instead of seeking new players. Last year's roster was plagued by injuries and forced the Rockets to use 18 different starting lineup combinations. Assuming full health at the start of the season, there is little doubt as to who the starting five should be.

Point Guard - Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley

Point Guard - Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley — Don't be fooled by the team's success without Patrick Beverley in the starting lineup last year. The return of a healthy Beverley will be a big boost for the Rockets, specifically on the defensive end. He's one of the most tenacious and pesky defenders in the NBA, and has a knack for getting under an opposing player's skin. He's not a traditional point guard as he rarely handles the ball, but he provides some good spot-up shooting.

Don't be fooled by the team's success without Patrick Beverley in the starting lineup last year. The return of a healthy Beverley will be a big boost for the Rockets, specifically on the defensive end. He's one of the most tenacious and pesky defenders in the NBA, and has a knack for getting under an opposing player's skin. He's not a traditional point guard as he rarely handles the ball, but he provides some good spot-up shooting.

Shooting Guard - James Harden

James Harden

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Shooting Guard - James Harden

James Harden — Though he's listed as the starting shooting guard, everybody knows that Harden runs Houston's offense. The Rockets are at their best when Harden is aggressive. By attacking the basket, he opens up three-point opportunities for his teammates and forces the defense to choose between double-teaming him or keeping a body on Dwight Howard. One of the top five players in the league, Harden is the driving force behind the Rockets' success.

Though he's listed as the starting shooting guard, everybody knows that Harden runs Houston's offense. The Rockets are at their best when Harden is aggressive. By attacking the basket, he opens up three-point opportunities for his teammates and forces the defense to choose between double-teaming him or keeping a body on Dwight Howard. One of the top five players in the league, Harden is the driving force behind the Rockets' success.

Small Forward - Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza

Small Forward - Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza — Believe it or not, Ariza was the only member of the Rockets to start in every game last year, including the playoffs. Ariza's three-point shooting helps open up driving lanes for Harden, and it also gives the star a kick-out option. He's also a terrific wing defender and was a big reason why Houston finished in the top five in steals and turnovers forced. The combination of him and a healthy Beverley give the Rockets some great perimeter defense.

Believe it or not, Ariza was the only member of the Rockets to start in every game last year, including the playoffs. Ariza's three-point shooting helps open up driving lanes for Harden, and it also gives the star a kick-out option. He's also a terrific wing defender and was a big reason why Houston finished in the top five in steals and turnovers forced. The combination of him and a healthy Beverley give the Rockets some great perimeter defense.

Power Forward - Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones

Power Forward - Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones — With both Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas, this is the only starting position in question for the Rockets. However, with Motiejunas coming off an injury that prematurely ended his season last year, the Rockets may want to ease him back into the rotation. Jones was much more effective as a starter last year, averaging 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds compared to 7.0 and 4.2 as a reserve. Plus, the Rockets were 18-6 in those 24 starts.

With both Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas, this is the only starting position in question for the Rockets. However, with Motiejunas coming off an injury that prematurely ended his season last year, the Rockets may want to ease him back into the rotation. Jones was much more effective as a starter last year, averaging 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds compared to 7.0 and 4.2 as a reserve. Plus, the Rockets were 18-6 in those 24 starts.

Center - Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard

Center - Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard — This is a no-brainer. Howard has come off the bench one time in his 11-year career, which totals almost 900 games counting playoffs. He may have limited moves offensively, but he is still the most athletic center in the NBA and can dominate at his position on both ends of the floor. Though he missed half of the season last year due to an injury, he still managed to average over 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.

This is a no-brainer. Howard has come off the bench one time in his 11-year career, which totals almost 900 games counting playoffs. He may have limited moves offensively, but he is still the most athletic center in the NBA and can dominate at his position on both ends of the floor. Though he missed half of the season last year due to an injury, he still managed to average over 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.

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