The Rockets most definitely took a risk when they went all in on small ball at the trade deadline. True, they had advanced analytics to back up their contention that going for speed as opposed to size would lead to increased productivity. With All-Stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook requiring room to maneuver, they figured dealing starting center Clint Capela and, in the process, acquiring versatile Robert Covington would further prop up an already-potent offense. At the same time, however, there was reason to question the capacity of their new roster composition to take the measure of opponents on the other end of the floor.
No doubt, the Rockets’ resolve to go against the grain was strengthened by their performance without Capela through the first half of the 2019-20 season; for all his contributions, they went 10-1 in games he had to sit out because of an ailment or injury. It was likewise propped up by the potential of Covington to be a defensive anchor despite a relative lack of height. And, indeed, they have so far been proven right. Since going small at the turn of the month, they have gone a heady eight and two; they were blown off the court by the Suns on the second night of a back-to-back set, and then beaten by the Jazz on a last-second heartbreaker that was tightly guarded and had a mathematically minuscule chance of gong in.
To be sure, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has long been optimistic. In seeing just about every possible lineup permutation through two and a half years at the helm of the franchise, he has stayed upbeat regarding the title chances of the red and white. Of late, though, his positive demeanor appears more grounded in reality. Both Harden and Westbrook have thrived under the new setup, which maximizes head coach Mike D’Antoni’s pace-and-space predilections. Meanwhile, Covington has burned rubber exactly as advertised: a decided boon on either side of the court.
Whether or not the Rockets get to improve their standing in the West heading into the playoffs remains to be seen. What isn’t, though, is their utter belief that they’re near or at their best since Harden joined them in 2012, and that they can take on all comers, including the vaunted Clippers and Lakers, en route to claiming the hardware. Fact? Folly? The answer will depend on how they go the rest of the way, and determine where they aim to be thereafter.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
