Actually, Houston was the 4th worst in the entire league in giving up baskets at the rim. The league average was 15.6 ppg at the rim; Houston gave away 16.8. 1st place was Charlotte (19.5), 2nd was Sacramento (18.4), 3rd was New Jersey (17.1), according to HoopData. That's far from controlling the paint. I'll wager those numbers will look better with Asik in the lineup.
It's a roster of players we've traded away or cut/amestied in the last year or so (+ a couple more that is likely to be waived before season start), vs our expected roster for 2012-13. Personally, I think it's going to be closer than people think between the two teams.
PG: Lowry/Dragic > Lin/*cough* SG: Martin/Lee < Martin (reborn?)/Lamb SF: Budinger/Parsons < Parsons (improved?)/White PF: Scola/Hill/Patterson > Patterson(worked on inside game, also 20% more flavor crystals/D-Mo/Jones C: Camby/Dalembert > Asik/D-Mo In 2 years I could see this team better at all positions except PG. Lowry/Drag combo is tough to beat, and I'm sure we'll pick up another solid C by then. Sound right, or am I bein too ish?
