Rockets' 2019-2020 Roster: A Deep Dive

The 2019-2020 Houston Rockets roster was a fascinating blend of star power and strategic role players, all engineered to compete for an NBA championship. This season was particularly notable due to the team's commitment to a small-ball strategy, heavily influenced by head coach Mike D'Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey. Let's dive deep into the specifics of this roster, exploring the key players, their roles, and the overall impact they had on the Rockets' season.

The Star Duo: Harden and Westbrook

At the heart of the Rockets' 2019-2020 campaign were two undeniable superstars: James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Harden, already an established MVP and scoring champion, continued his offensive dominance, showcasing his incredible ability to score from anywhere on the court. His step-back three-pointer became a signature move, and his playmaking skills were crucial to the team's offensive flow.

Harden's impact extended beyond just scoring; he was the focal point of the Rockets' offensive strategy, drawing double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, while not his strongest suit, he made improvements and contributed to the team's overall effort. His leadership, both on and off the court, was essential in guiding the team through a season of high expectations and intense pressure.

Westbrook, acquired in a blockbuster trade that sent Chris Paul to the Oklahoma City Thunder, brought an explosive energy and relentless attacking style to the Rockets. His ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities was a perfect complement to Harden's perimeter game. Westbrook's rebounding prowess, especially for a guard, was also a significant asset for the Rockets, helping them control the boards and ignite fast breaks.

The pairing of Harden and Westbrook was initially met with some skepticism, as many wondered how two ball-dominant players could effectively share the same court. However, D'Antoni and the Rockets' coaching staff implemented a system that allowed both players to thrive, staggering their minutes and creating opportunities for each to lead the offense. While there were moments of adjustment and occasional friction, the duo ultimately proved to be a formidable force, leading the Rockets to a successful regular season.

The Supporting Cast: Key Role Players

While Harden and Westbrook garnered most of the attention, the Rockets' success in 2019-2020 was also heavily dependent on the contributions of their supporting cast. These players filled crucial roles, providing shooting, defense, and overall team cohesion.

P.J. Tucker: The Heart and Soul

P.J. Tucker was arguably the most important role player on the Rockets' roster. His defensive versatility, toughness, and three-point shooting made him an invaluable asset. Tucker was willing to guard any position, from point guards to centers, and his relentless effort and physicality set the tone for the team's defensive intensity. His corner three-point shooting was also a vital part of the Rockets' offensive strategy, providing crucial spacing for Harden and Westbrook to operate.

Clint Capela and Tyson Chandler: The Rim Protectors

Clint Capela was the Rockets' starting center for the first half of the season, providing rim protection, rebounding, and a reliable lob threat. Capela's athleticism and ability to finish around the basket made him a valuable offensive weapon, and his presence in the paint helped deter opposing teams from attacking the rim. Halfway through the season, Capela was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, a move that signaled the Rockets' full commitment to the small-ball approach.

Tyson Chandler, a veteran center, was brought in to provide mentorship and depth at the center position. Chandler's experience and leadership were valuable assets, and he provided solid minutes off the bench, contributing with rebounding and defensive presence. His role became even more important after Capela's departure, as he provided the team with a traditional center option when needed.

Eric Gordon and Danuel House Jr.: The Sharpshooters

Eric Gordon was a key offensive weapon for the Rockets, providing instant offense off the bench. Gordon's ability to create his own shot and knock down three-pointers made him a valuable scorer, and his experience and toughness were essential to the team's success. While he struggled with injuries at times during the season, he remained a crucial part of the Rockets' rotation when healthy.

Danuel House Jr. emerged as a reliable three-and-D wing for the Rockets. House's ability to knock down open shots and defend multiple positions made him a valuable role player. His athleticism and energy were also contagious, and he provided a spark off the bench.

Austin Rivers and Ben McLemore: The Offensive Spark Plugs

Austin Rivers provided valuable minutes as a backup point guard, bringing energy and scoring ability off the bench. Rivers' aggressiveness and willingness to attack the basket made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and his defensive intensity was also a plus.

Ben McLemore was a pleasant surprise for the Rockets, emerging as a reliable three-point shooter. McLemore's ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes made him a valuable floor spacer, and he provided a much-needed offensive boost off the bench.

The Small-Ball Experiment

The 2019-2020 Rockets season will be remembered for their bold experiment with small-ball. After trading Clint Capela, the Rockets fully embraced a lineup with P.J. Tucker playing center, surrounded by a cast of versatile wings and guards. This strategy was designed to maximize spacing, create driving lanes for Harden and Westbrook, and force opponents to adjust to their speed and athleticism.

The small-ball approach had its advantages and disadvantages. On the offensive end, it created a dynamic and unpredictable attack, making it difficult for defenses to contain Harden and Westbrook. The increased spacing allowed for more open shots, and the Rockets became one of the highest-scoring teams in the league. However, on the defensive end, the Rockets struggled at times to defend bigger opponents and protect the rim. Rebounding also became a challenge, as they often found themselves at a size disadvantage.

The Playoff Run and Disappointment

The Rockets entered the 2020 playoffs with high hopes, but their championship aspirations were ultimately cut short. They defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series in the first round but fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the second round. The Lakers' size and physicality proved to be too much for the Rockets to handle, and their lack of a traditional center was exposed.

The playoff loss led to significant changes in the Rockets' organization. Head coach Mike D'Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey both departed, signaling the end of an era. The team underwent a significant roster overhaul in the following offseason, as they looked to rebuild and retool for the future.

Conclusion

The 2019-2020 Houston Rockets roster was a unique and intriguing experiment. The pairing of James Harden and Russell Westbrook created a dynamic offensive force, and the team's commitment to small-ball challenged conventional wisdom. While they ultimately fell short of their championship goals, the 2019-2020 Rockets season will be remembered as a bold and innovative chapter in NBA history. The contributions of key players like P.J. Tucker, Eric Gordon, and Danuel House Jr. were essential to the team's success, and their collective effort made for an exciting and memorable season. Even though the experiment didn't end with a title, it provided valuable lessons and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.