In order to improve upon a playoff bound team, I think the Rockets need to improve in three areas. 1) Solidify the PF position with an at least above average PF who brings defense and can roll to the basket on picks. 2) Strengthen the backup C position when Asik sits. 3) Find a decent SG/SF backup to avoid burning out Harden/Chandler and who isn't just a 3-pt specialist.
If dmo makes himself heavier, i have no doubt that he can be our above average pf. The effort is already there, its just that he gets pushed around too much. I hope the coaches work with him over the summer and help him bulk up so he can back others down more easily and he doesnt get oushed around for rebounds. As for our needs, i think we need a wing stopper that can contain players like wade and kobe. Iggy would be a great fit for us but then we'd have to sacrifice a younger,cheaper and more handome parsons - unless he's willing to play off the bench or improve his defense like how it was last year.
One of dmo Trob or tjones will break out next yr. iv seen enough flashes to believe that with an offseason with our player development one of them will break out and be our 2/3 best player on the team. It's crazy to think that the rockets have 3 rookie pfs who all look like they can be solid starters in this league. Personally I think Trob has the most star potential. Tjones the most solid and dmo the wild card who could be great or bust.
The most obvious is an upgrade at PF. We have so many young PFs though that we should expect improvement at the position through the growth of our rooks. Because of that it may be in our best interest to avoid signing a PF, letting them develop, and pursuing the 2014 FA class. The 2nd priority is just internal improvement, particularly on defense. Harden might want to play some next season. Third is a back-up C who can spell Asik without inviting a lay-up drill, I think Ohlbrecht might be capable of doing this though and he's being paid the minimum. Fourth is a lockdown perimeter defender like Iguodala, Tony Allen, Sefolosha or a dynamic sixth man and hope that McHale reduces Parsons offensive load and moulds him into our designated defender.
Anything besides this is basically worthless unless your goal for the Rockets is only the 2nd round of the playoffs.
Yes, DMo needs to get a little stronger; he needs to improve his cardio, too. He also needs to get a little smarter. Some of his fouls are tired fouls, or stupid fouls, or both. Ditto his turnovers. Because of his length and ambidexterity, I hope we won't give up on him. A summer of working out and shooting thousands of corner threes and free throws daily might just fix that boy...
james harden to play some defense. and i mean literally, just "some". i understand his burden on the offensive end of the court, so i dont expect him to become a lockdown defender, but good lord, at least put "some" effort in on the other side. he exemplifies matador defense and it's incredibly frustrating to watch.
a defensive 2 or 3, a low post option at the 4 that can score from the perimeter and a back up center
Primary target should be a second star. Then we need to build our second unit and get some serious depth, from PG all the way to C.
