12up Logo

3 Flaws Rockets Must Improve on After NBA Season Restart

By Alexander Wolz

Houston may be talented, but there is a lot of fix if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
Houston may be talented, but there is a lot of fix if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs this season. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

The NBA is on its way back and the Houston Rockets are certainly one of the league's most intriguing teams. Despite the talent on the roster, including one of the game's greatest scorers, Houston is stuck in the sixth seed out West. However, if they play their cards right, it is not out of the question for the Rockets to make some noise in the playoffs.

Here are three flaws the Rockets must improve on to compete this postseason.

3. Ball Movement

Easy baskets and assists are the key for Houston to find much more consistent offensive production.
Easy baskets and assists are the key for Houston to find much more consistent offensive production. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

Houston is well-known for its isolation style of offense, which is bound to dominant with the league's best individual scorer in James Harden. However, not everyone is able to create their own shot like Harden and finding opportunities for others are essential to scoring points. Houston has had trouble in that category, ranking 29th in assists per game with 21.5. The problem is not with Harden or Westbrook, however, as both average 7 assists a game, but with the rest of the roster. No other player averages over 2 assists, an embarrassing situation for a team dominated by guards. Houston needs to improve at playing as a team, moving the ball around more consistently is the best way to do so.

2. Lack of Size

Houston's lack of size may become a problem when big men enter the picture.
Houston's lack of size may become a problem when big men enter the picture. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Rockets made a controversial decision in losing any semblance of size on their roster and choosing to play small ball. While it has worked out so far, the Rockets' roster may doom them down the stretch, especially considering their struggles in rebounding. Houston ranks toward the bottom of the league in offensive, defensive and total rebounds. Second-chance points can become significant in close affairs, meaning Houston's struggles on the boards may prove costly if they go unchecked.

1. Three-Point Inconsistency

For as much as they shoot the ball, the Rockets need to improve from beyond the arc.
For as much as they shoot the ball, the Rockets need to improve from beyond the arc. / Tim Warner/Getty Images

It is no secret that the Rockets like to shoot the three ball, as they lead the league in three-point attempts per game. The issue, however, comes in conversion. Despite shooting more than any other team, the Rockets are 23rd in the NBA in three-point percentage at just under 35%. That is not good enough considering their reliance on three-point shooting. We remember what happened just last season when Houston struggled to hit a three and the same cannot occur this postseason. It is live and die by the three-point line for Houston, and they better come out on the right end or an early playoff exit will be in store.