I disagree. The Rockets got a lot of stops when it mattered last year, winning a LOT of close games. That's how they were able to pull off 56 wins and the 2 seed even though their point spread was only +3.4
If you want to see how the Rockets performed last year in the categories of defence go here : http://imgur.com/a/tAmdJ#10 The problem was cuts and post. But most importantly transition because of the number of turnovers. (third in the league in turnovers). Exum had a negative RPM and is much worse defender than Hayward or Favors. He's not the second most important player they hda in defence. He was lost in rotations most of the time. He has great potential tho as a on ball defender and combo guard because of his length.
His defensive rpm was quite a lot more negative earlier in the season, it wasn't just Gobert but as he became accustomed what he had to do that improved Utah's defense right? Instead now their back court will be Burke and Burks, both who are catastrophic defenders.
I think the difference pre and post ASW was Kanter out not so much the improvement of Exum. He has high potential tho to become an elite guard defender no doubt. Burke is trash. Got to take into account that this was Gobert's also first full season, he should be expected to improve even more. Utah's defence has amazing potential. May go over the GSW if Gobert improves. Also Favors is always soo underrated. He is great in defence as well.
