Dennis Rodman calls Kevin Durant "selfish" for his comments in Warriors

For the first time in five seasons, the Warriors are on a new territory at the start of the 2019-2020 season. With Kevin Durant at Brooklyn Nets, Klay Thompson rehabilitating his surgically repaired left ACL and eight new players on the roster, the Warriors are not the favorites for the pre-season NBA title.

While the Warriors are reconciling a new reality, the rest of the Western Conference has reorganized with superstar talent. Over the next seven days, NBC Sports Bay Area will examine teams that may challenge the throne of the Golden State Western Conference.

Wednesday edition: The Houston Rockets.

Out of season transactions

Nearly two weeks into the free time, the Rockets knocked out the world of basketball, aging playmaker Chris Paul, as well as two first-round selections and two play selections against the goalkeeper. star of Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook.

The Westbrook couple – who have averaged triple-double in each of their last three seasons – with former teammate James Harden for the second time in their career. From 2010 to 2012, the two teammates in Oklahoma City, alongside former Warrior forward Kevin Durant, reached the NBA Finals in 2012. They will now be trying to reach the finals for the first time. once since Harden left the team in 2012.

Houston has also re-signed the former Warriors training camp, Danuel House Jr., Gerald Green and guard Austin Rivers, one of the best defenders of the team this season. Eric Gordon also signed a $ 75.6 million four-year contract extension.

Strengths

With a backcourt of Harden, Westbrook, Rivers and Gordon, the Rockets could have the deepest unit in the league. Last season, Harden averaged 36.1 points, 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds. While Harden was preparing a season for the Most Valuable Player title, Westbrook wrote his own script, becoming the first player in NBA history to average a triple double in three consecutive seasons.

Last year, Paul missed 24 games and averaged 15.6 points on 41 percent of his squad. After Paul leaves, Westbrook provides an upgrade at the guardhouse and can lighten Harden's offensive burden.

Houston was the league's best 3-point league last season, scoring 16 assists per game, helping the Rockets become the league's second-best offensive.

weaknesses

Although the Westbrook-Harden partnership looks great on paper, the high-use duo may not be up to the hype once the season begins. Since Harden left OKC seven years ago, Westbrook and he are among the most used players in the league. Last season, Westbrook was responsible for 41.6% of Oklahoma City's offensive – the league's best mark – while Harden was second with more than 40% of Rockets' offensive production. .

While the stars seem to coexist, the Rockets will have to find production on their bench. Last season, Houston finished last in production on the bench, averaging 14.9 points per game. With the return of most players, the success of the Rockets will depend on the evolution of the bench.

How to stack the warriors

The Warriors were successful against the Rockets during their historic run, beating Houston in the playoffs in four of their five races for the title. This season will be different, since Golden State has eight new players, including three recruits.

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The Rockets have said they are obsessed with winning the Warriors in the playoffs. With Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and Klay Thompson for most of the season, this may be their best shot.