Get to Know Your 2014-15 Houston Rockets

Photo by Jeff Balke

Some names may have changed, but Superman remains.

It seems like having a wheeler dealer as a general manager means reintroducing ourselves to the Rockets roster every season. Gone are some familiar faces from last year, replaced by some interesting choices and some youngsters. But, the big names remain and that is more important than anything.

It is difficult to imagine that with the losses of three rotation players including one starter in Chandler Parsons that this team could be better than last year when they won 54 games. In fact, it is likely they won't be. When Darryl Morey swung for the fences and whiffed, missing out on Chris Bosh and Parsons while trading away Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik for cap space, it left some gaping holes in the roster. Some will need to be filled by unproven players and aging veterans.

If you are confused -- especially since you may have not been able to watch games on TV with regularity that last two seasons -- let me help you out with this primer on the Rockets roster.

The Starters

Trevor Ariza
Position: Small Forward
Strengths: Outside Shooting, Perimeter Defense
Weaknesses: Getting Own Shot

Ariza re-joins the Rockets after his best season in Washington where he helped the Wizards to a surprising playoff run while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. Ariza has always been a good perimeter defender, but with the addition of a consistent jumper, he could be the ideal compliment to the Rockets starters, and may make fans quickly forget the guy he replaced: Chandler Parsons.

Terrence Jones
Position: Power Forward
Strengths: Offensive Game, Rebounding
Weaknesses: Low Post Defense, Shooting from Distance

Jones, perhaps more than any other player, will be pivotal for the Rockets this season. The third-year forward appeared to make a leap forward last year, but that development will need to continue in earnest. Jones needs to rely on hustle and rebounding to make his name as few plays will be called for him. He did that in stretches last season, but will need to put together a full year to become the player fans and coaches hope he can be.

Dwight Howard
Position: Center
Strengths: Low Post Scoring, Shot Blocking, Defense
Weaknesses: Free Throw Shooting

For all the problems Howard had when leaving both Orland and LA, he has been the model player for the Rockets. He appears to have regained both his health and his offensive form, now two years removed from a back injury that shut down his season and career with the Lakers. He should continue to provide scoring, rebounding and interior defense at his typical high levels as long as he stays healthy.

James Harden
Position: Shooting Guard
Strengths: Scoring from All Areas on the Floor, Passing
Weaknesses: Perimeter Defense

The Beard has committed himself to playing both ends of the court and after an embarrassing YouTube video highlighting his defensive lowlights, it would seem like the right thing to do. Harden is one of the best all-around scorers in the NBA. He is deadly efficient and can get to the basket at will. He might be the best two guard in the league. If he takes a step up on the defensive end, he could make a case for being in the same tier as former teammate Kevin Durant and Lebron James.

Patrick Beverley
Position: Point Guard
Strengths: Perimeter Defense, Hustle
Weaknesses: Consistent Scoring

One of the most tenacious on-the-ball defenders in the league, Beverley has made a name for himself in a conference loaded with some of the best players at the position in the history of the game. He is a guy you would hate if he were on the other team, but love when he is on your roster. He will have to be a more consistent scorer, particularly from distance. It will be tough for the Rockets to advance deep in the playoffs with a below-average offensive point guard considering the competition.