Ranking the Southwest Division: Summer Edition

4. Houston Rockets

Mar 5, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard

(13) and Houston Rockets center

(12) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, you’re reading that headline correctly.  The Rockets are at number four.  The James Harden–Dwight Howard Rockets.  They were poised to add some major pieces this off-season, who would presumably push them over the top.  Well, that didn’t happen.  They moved Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to make cap space for both Chandler Parsons and Chris Bosh.  That didn’t exactly work out, as they lost Parsons to Dallas, and Bosh remained in Miami.  They did end up getting Trevor Ariza, who played very well in Washington, but is essentially a consolation prize compared to what the Rockets wanted to have.

The Rockets will also more than likely be starting Patrick Beverley and Terrence Jones, who are still young and have a lot to prove.  This team is very solid, but they will struggle at times defensively.  Look for them to certainly make the playoffs, but Houston isn’t much of a contender at the moment.