Early on it was Beverley. Now its Gordon Rockets did okay with Capela out. Certainly seems when Gordon is off, or when he's out, Rockets simply do not outscore their opponent enough. He maybe personifies the Live & Die By 3's approach. It also stretches the rotation too thin when he's out. Rockets dont really have a "versatile" approach with the reserves. Its not like they can turn into a defensive team with KJ, Brewer, Ennis. (Maybe where a healthy D-Mo woulda been okay for an offensive option). And it puts too many minutes on the remaining rotation, wearing them out quicker
Harden should win MVP just based on the names in this poll. What a sad amount of talent. On the other hand, what an incredible star and what an incredible group of role players to be able to achieve what they have so far. You really have to applaud these guys and the coaching staff. As for the main question, if it is based on who is most important to us winning right now this season, it's probably Ryno or Ariza. Not that they're necessarily the second best player, but just when I take system and fit and backup options into account, I feel like losing Ryno or Ariza temporarily would hit us hardest. Gordon is probably the second best player on the team though. However, if we're talking about this rationally, then we look at this in a 5 year window. In that case it's easily Capela. If his pace of improvement holds up, he will be an extremely important player by even next season. He has been an incredible young prospect so far, still has room for both defensive and offensive improvement, still seems to be consuming info like a sponge. Dekker/Gordon a close second and third.
corey brewer easily. great locker room presence, veteran leadership, championship experience, on the cournt intangibles like making his team worse and making the opposing team better, clogging the lane so he's always open for three, and he always wears a handband so it looks like he's a baller.
I think it's Gordon. But I voted for Ariza. When he scores 15 pts or more, we're almost unbeatable. But really it's all our shooters, at least 2 of them have to have it going.
It's hard to say, but if Gordon were to miss extensive time that would really hurt this team considering he is our only reliable offense coming off the bench. Capela is a close second just for the interior presence and we have no one else but Nene there.
