Kudos to Houston Rockets General Manager, Daryl Morey. He got his second superstar to pair with James Harden. After years of hovering around Western Conference mediocrity, the Rockets now have two of the best players in the league 27 years old or under. Dwight Howard is, unquestionably, the best center in the NBA and James Harden is, probably, the best shooting guard currently operating in the league (apologies to Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant, whose respective runs at the top of the position have passed). In addition to simply being two incredible talents at their respective positions, Harden and Howard have synergistic skillsets. Howard is one of the league’s absolute best and most dangerous fingers as the roll-man in the pick and roll and James Harden is one of the best guards in the league at running the pick and roll. There’s a potential for so, so many Harden to Dwight lobs for easy dunks, you guys. It’s going to be so fun.
There’s still loads of work to be done filling out the remainder of the roster. Current center Omer Asik has requested a trade, as he’s too good to be a backup, even for Dwight Howard, and the Rockets need to move his salary to have the space to pay Dwight what they’ve offered him. They will also likely move Jeremy Lin, as Patrick Beverly has proven to be his better at the point guard position for a small fraction of Lin’s salary. There are rumors that the Rockets may try to sign and trade for Josh Smith, using one or both of the Lin and Asik contracts, or possibly trade Asik for stretch power forward Ryan Anderson, a former teammate of Howard’s from Orlando. It will be interesting to watch how Morey is able to round out this roster to maximize its chances at winning it all, but the heaviest lifting is done. Dwight Howard is a Rocket. Daryl Morey’s long chase for a true top 5 player is over.
Kudos, also, to Dwight for choosing the best fit for his talents and his best chance at winning a title, all while sacrificing $30 million in guaranteed money, which is HUGE given his back surgeries. As Dwight reportedly said, he’s betting $30 million that the Rockets will be better positioned than the Lakers going forward to win a ring. Now that Dwight’s wearing the Rocket uniform and not the Purple and Gold, it’s probably a pretty safe bet.
NBA Couchside 
Great post. Daryl Morey is awesome. Dwight Howard will make this team better. It’s not going to be easy but this was probably the right choice if he wants to win. What a crazy time. Gonna be real interesting to see how another season of great NBA storylines develops. Also, you think you could check out my blog cuz I’d love to know your thoughts on my thoughts!! http://chrisross91.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/executive-of-the-year/
Thanks for the feedback, Chris! I enjoyed your blog. Started following. If you ever need a guest blogger, let me know!
Being from Arkansas, and being a Thunder fan, I naturally like what the Rockets bring in Patrick Beverley, and James Harden! Loved the post, and the light sided approach! I’d love to hear your thoughts on my piece which happens to be on the other side of the isle! http://dishnerdevin.wordpress.com
Thanks for the feedback, Devin. We disagree on Dwight. I think he’s whiny, sure, but he also carried a pretty crummy Orlando team to the Finals a couple years back. Who knows if he’s going to be that guy again after having back surgery, but I think he’ll recover and be his old self. And his old self is a top 3 or 4 player in the league and someone who can absolutely carry a team to the Finals and maybe beyond.