But after the Rockets were outraged that he was not an All-Star in his first season in Houston, no one made that claim in his second season. The turnaround of the Rockets defense coincided with his return, and he remains beyond crafty. But he averaged the fewest points on the worst shooting percentage of his career. Paul was still productive and showed flashes of still being able to take over. Less clear whether that was the result of coming back from hamstring injuries, with a chance to be better physically as he gets further removed from the injuries or if it was time catching up to him. There was no doubt that Paul seemed diminished in his second season with the Rockets, unable to beat switches one-on-one. Karen Warren/Staff photographerĬontract status: Signed for three more seasons, worth $124 million. Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter of Game 3 of a NBA Western Conference semifinal playoff game at Toyota Center, in Houston, Saturday, May 4, 2019. ![]() If his value to the Rockets was not already clear, doing so much in the series against the Warriors, as the leading scorer of the NBA’s second round, and having it be not enough offered another reminder. Remarkably, Harden has improved in each of his past three seasons. Harden did not have the dud of a finale that marked previous seasons, but that likely will come as little solace. But it ended as each of his previous five seasons had, with a loss in the first elimination game the Rockets faced. Harden had the finest season of his career, with accomplishments unmatched since Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain, and in some measures unprecedented. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographerĬontract status: Signed for four more seasons, worth $132.9 million (Player option in final season.) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) works the ball toward the basket against the Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) defending during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Oracle Arena on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Oakland. His improvement has not leveled off with his touch around the basket getting better, but he could benefit if he continues to get stronger, as long as that does not cost him quickness. Even his improved free throw percentage declined dramatically. But when he got in a matchup in which he did not have a quickness and athleticism advantage against the Warriors, he struggled badly. ![]() Karen Warren/Staff photographerĬontract status: Signed for four more seasons, worth $72 millionĬapela remains just the sort of center that fits in the Rockets system, a reliable rim runner and rim protector, with a good motor and outstanding hands. Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) celebrates a play during the first half of game 2 during the NBA playoffs at the Toyota Center in Houston, Wednesday, April 17, 2019. He is the epitome of a 3-and-D forward for the Rockets, attempting 74 percent of his shots from the 3-point line this season, making 37.7 percent of those 3s. The Rockets knew Tucker’s value before the post-season, but it became even clearer when he was assigned to defend Kevin Durant, just as his mirrored the minutes played by LeBron James and other stars during the season. ![]() Karen Warren/Staff photographerĬontract status: Signed for two more seasons, worth $16.2 million Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker (17) reacts to a score against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game 4 of a NBA Western Conference semifinal playoff game at Toyota Center, in Houston, Monday, May 6, 2019. He is more than deserving of landing a contract in today’s NBA, as House’s stellar performance - combined with his ability to play multiple positions - might help him become the second hometown hero within the last year to sign with Clutch City.Rockets postseason Video: Alexandria Alejandro, Houston Chronicle So I think I made a pretty huge jump from when I first started until now.”Īlthough no one knows where the 25-year-old might end up, landing on the Rockets’ roster next season would make for a dream come true and a nice homecoming for House.Ī Houston native whose size and explosiveness makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing guards, as his ability to shoot the basketball and get to the rim makes him an instant scoring threat. I’m still learning the defensive principles that they also want. ![]() “I think I’ve made a good case,” House said when asked about his performance at Summer League by Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Remains to be seen if there's room in Houston… but in a 3&D league, he's earning a spot somewhere. Danuel House is clearly going to be on an NBA roster next season.
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