Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Houston Rockets

As we continuing the absence of Memphis Grizzlies news, let’s see the Memphis Grizzlies’ chances against one of their toughest division rivals, the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets began their transformation two years ago when they fired Head Coach Kevin McHale. It signaled to the team, the city and the rest of the league that just being good wasn’t good enough.

Kevin McHale made the Rockets good, but they weren’t going to be confused with a serious NBA title contender. When GM Daryl Morey fired McHale early into the 2015-16 season, people within the franchise knew things were about to change.

Last summer, Mike D’Antoni, the inventor of the “Seven Seconds or Less” offensive attack, was brought in, and his first move was to change James Harden’s role on the team from shooting guard to point guard. The change made Harden one of the most feared players in the league and a MVP candidate. This summer, Morey shaked things up again by trading for Chris Paul.

D’Antoni has coached great point guards throughout his career in Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups. Having two players with supreme playmaking skills in Chris Paul and James Harden will give D’Antoni more weapons than ever to attack defenses. With solid role players such as Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and blossoming big man Clint Capella around them, the Rockets look like the team with the best chance among the Western Conference to knock off defending champion Golden State.

Starting Lineup:
PG: Chris Paul
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Ryan Anderson
C: Clint Capella
6th man: Eric Gordon

The Houston Rockets are what the Memphis Grizzlies hope to be one day in many ways, but right now are far ahead of where they appear to be.

Advantages for the Grizzlies

Marc Gasol is the big advantage for the Grizzlies.

His presence inside will be difficult for the Rockets to match up against. Gasol’s outside shooting will also be helpful in keeping the Grizzlies from getting run out of the building too. Finally, Gasol poses a rather large defensive presence inside.

When Gasol is playing aggressive, he’s a beast for most teams to contain. With his long time frontcourt mate Zach Randolph gone, Gasol has to become a beast on the inside and stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting.

Clint Capella is Houston’s best option against Gasol. Capella lacks the muscle to handle Gasol inside however. He also has looked lost on the perimeter defensively, and his offensive game consists primarily of dunks. Gasol won’t need to waste a lot of energy covering Capella on defense, which should help Gasol on offense.

The Memphis Grizzlies bench could be an advantage as well, since the Rockets gave up Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Sam Decker and Montrezl Harrell to acquire Chris Paul. After the “Big 6,” Houston has little proven talent. The Memphis Grizzlies’ bench is deeper than ever before – assuming Parsons and Evans are healthy.

Must Read: ESPN RPM projection puts Grizz at low win total

Advantages for the Rockets

The backcourt will be an issue for the Memphis Grizzlies. Chris Paul may not have an big advantage over Mike Conley. It’s Chris Paul AND James Harden that’s the problem.

James Harden and Chris Paul are going to give everyone fits. When either Paul or Harden want to rest, the Rockets have super-sub Eric Gordon ready to spell either player.

The Memphis Grizzlies appear to be heading into the season without perimeter stopper Tony Allen, making Houston’s strength even more unfavorable on paper. Wayne Selden will likely get the call to stop Harden as Evans and McLemore haven’t shown a desire to be more than adequate defenders.

Ariza and Anderson can stretch the court, creating an issue for the Grizzlies’ wings. It’s unknown who will be the starters on either side of Gasol. Assuming Parsons starts at the 4, he should be able to contain Anderson, leaving Evans or Ennis to guard the more defensive-minded Ariza. I can’t see Parsons staying in front of Ariza, or any of the Grizzlies’ power forwards defending far enough out to deter Anderson.

Long Shots?

During the regular season, it’ll be difficult to see the Memphis Grizzlies matching up well against Houston. Gasol would need to dominate inside, which is not his preferred spot on offense. However, no one is confident D’Antoni can keep his two superstars happy sharing the ball-handling duties. Both players operate at their best when they control the ball, and the league still mandates only one ball on the court at a time.