Rockets vs. Hornets approach

Looking at their record and how they've managed over the years, there's an interesting approach difference that I think is worth looking at.

First off is Coaching: Hornets have been going with a proven defense-first assistant coach for years and for the last 2-3 years it has paid off. Hornets are pretty solid defensively which helps them to win games despite their obvious lack of talent.

Rockets have been going with unproven McHale, J.B. to now offense only MDA. As we can all attest to, outside of the 14-15 season, we've not had much success mainly because when our shooting is off, we lose. We do not win many games where defensive stops are necessary and things get intense.

Roster: Hornets have pretty much stayed with Kemba as their man and have tried to pair him with a solid big, tried to get Howard, and in MKG / Batum seemed to have found their wing men for offense and defense. They have developed their core from the ground up. A mix of veterans and youngsters with little expectations, hoping to compete in the near future and get that star. My guess is secretly they hope for a homecoming of Curry, but that's not going to happen. They are where we were right before Harden came around, though already with some foundation of youngsters. Just need that star to come around.

Rockets have tried to get a big 3 together, already had their star in Harden since 2013 and while the keys have been handed over and we finally have some competent shooters, I'm sure that search for a star is always there. If Capela keeps developing, you can bet your ass he's out of here as soon as the right deal comes along. The problem is with our past star chasing, outside of our new additions our roster leaves a lot to be desired. I'd say outside of Harden, we do not have anything better than the Hornets do. We do not have much flexibility and I'd say with a roster of non-defenders, we are lucky to get higher than 7-8 seed. Rockets also still need that star to come around, because Harden is not enough.

Expectations: These are precious years with Harden in town and if we don't get better, guess who's outta here? Our expectations should be high, but realistically, I don't think anyone is fooling themselves we are a contender. MDA is good for Harden's stats and our offense, but for winning I don't see how we are ever going to be a solid top 4 team in the West with James still here. That miracle 2nd star might come, but with our lack of defense, I'm not sure we can become a contender in the near future.

For the Hornets, expectations are lower, but after some play-off experience and almost taking out the Heat last years, the city and players want more. They can get back to the play-offs with a roster that shouldn't impress anybody simply because they can play defense. They have a clear structure and have stuck with it for years, since 2013 to be exact. Maybe they can get lucky in February or the off-season to get them into top 4 territory.

Conclusion: the Rockets have the better individual talent, a MVP type star, a GM who can sometimes work miracles and an attractive FA spot if a top-tier PF / SF wants to come here and understands that playing with Harden could mean championship. More so than in the past with McHale, of that I have no doubt. So should we get that 2nd star, we are definitely better set.

The Hornets have a clear structure they have worked on for years, there's trust and a coach who understands defense still wins you games. There's a lot less pressure on this team and while Kemba, Batum, MKG, Hibbert and some youngsters is not much,they have proven last year and the beginning of this year they can outscore people and defend. They just need that one star player in my opinion to get them into contending position. The downside is if they cannot, they will probably blow it up. Kemba might leave, Batum is getting older, they might see what they can get for MKG and their GM is not the best miracle worker. His acquisitions this summer left something to be desired (Bellinelli over Lee for example).

Right now, I think the Hornets are better set, because they are in the East and play much better defense. The different conferences makes this a tough comparison, but I think the Hornets approach of defense first and keeping their youngsters to develop together was a bold move and it paid off. I'm not sure the Rockets could've even began to try this, but we do see that even with all our veterans we are still a relatively young team where Harden makes the difference. We are back to where we were when we first acquired Harden, are young and have taken a new direction. I just think the obvious offense first approach will come back to bite us in the ass.

Any thoughts?