Houston Rockets 2018 Roster: A Look Back

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Let's take a nostalgic trip back to the Houston Rockets 2018 roster. This was a team that had fans dreaming big, fueled by the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul. They came incredibly close to dethroning the Golden State Warriors, a team that was dominating the NBA at the time. The 2017-2018 Houston Rockets regular season record was 65-17, which was the best record in the whole NBA! This earned them the top seed in the Western Conference and home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference Playoffs. They had a really impressive +8.5 point differential, showing how dominant they were on both offense and defense. Let's dive deep into what made this team so special and where the players are now!

The Star-Studded Backcourt

When you think about the Houston Rockets 2018 roster, the first thing that probably pops into your head is the electrifying backcourt.

  • James Harden: The Beard was in his prime, putting up MVP-caliber numbers. During the 2017-18 season, James Harden averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He shot 44.9% from the field, 36.7% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. These incredible stats earned him the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. Harden's ability to create shots, draw fouls, and score from anywhere on the court made him nearly unstoppable. His step-back three-pointer became his signature move, and defenders struggled to contain his offensive arsenal. After his time with the Rockets, Harden played for the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently, he's with the Los Angeles Clippers, hoping to chase that elusive championship ring.
  • Chris Paul: CP3 brought veteran leadership and playmaking skills to the team. He averaged 18.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game during the 2017-18 season. Chris Paul's basketball IQ and ability to control the tempo of the game were invaluable to the Rockets. His mid-range game was lethal, and he formed a great partnership with Harden in the pick-and-roll. Paul's arrival in Houston elevated the Rockets to championship contenders, providing a steady hand and clutch performances in crucial moments. Since leaving Houston, Paul has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors. He's still a highly respected point guard in the league, known for his leadership and court awareness. Chris Paul is now with the Washington Wizards.

These two guys were a nightmare for opposing defenses, capable of scoring and creating opportunities for their teammates. Their chemistry was undeniable, making the Rockets' offense one of the most potent in the league. They were truly fun to watch!

Key Role Players

But the Houston Rockets 2018 roster wasn't just about Harden and Paul. They had a supporting cast that perfectly complemented their superstars:

  • Clint Capela: Capela was the athletic big man who thrived on lobs and rebounds. He averaged 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during the 2017-18 season. Clint Capela's presence in the paint provided the Rockets with a strong defensive anchor and a reliable finisher on offense. His ability to run the floor and catch alley-oops from Harden and Paul made him an essential part of their offensive attack. Capela's rebounding and shot-blocking skills were also crucial to the Rockets' defensive success. Capela is currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks, where he continues to be a productive center.
  • Eric Gordon: Gordon provided instant offense off the bench with his scoring ability. Eric Gordon averaged 18.0 points per game. Eric Gordon's scoring punch off the bench was a major boost for the Rockets. His ability to create his own shot and knock down three-pointers made him a valuable offensive weapon. Gordon's fearlessness and willingness to take big shots in crucial moments earned him the trust of his teammates and coaches. After his time with the Rockets, Gordon played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. He is now with the Memphis Grizzlies. Gordon is still known for his scoring ability and veteran experience.
  • P.J. Tucker: Tucker was the heart and soul of the team, known for his tough defense and corner three-pointers. During the 2017-18 season, P.J. Tucker averaged 6.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. P.J. Tucker's defensive versatility and toughness were invaluable to the Rockets. He was willing to guard multiple positions and always gave maximum effort on the court. Tucker's corner three-point shooting was also a key part of the Rockets' offensive strategy, providing spacing and knocking down open looks. Since leaving Houston, Tucker has played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing his value as a versatile defender and reliable shooter.
  • Trevor Ariza: Ariza was a reliable two-way player who could defend and hit open shots. Trevor Ariza averaged 11.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds a game. Trevor Ariza's ability to defend multiple positions and knock down open shots made him a valuable asset to the Rockets. His experience and basketball IQ were crucial to the team's success. Ariza's defensive versatility allowed the Rockets to switch seamlessly on defense and disrupt opponents' offensive flow. After his time with the Rockets, Ariza played for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers, continuing to contribute as a reliable role player.

These guys knew their roles and played them to perfection, making the Rockets a well-rounded and dangerous team.

The Coaching Staff

Mike D'Antoni was the head coach of the Houston Rockets 2018 roster, and his offensive system was perfectly tailored to the team's strengths. He empowered Harden and Paul to make plays and encouraged a fast-paced, three-point heavy attack. D'Antoni's coaching philosophy emphasized spacing and ball movement, creating opportunities for the Rockets' shooters and slashers. His ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players made the Rockets one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league. D'Antoni's innovative offensive schemes revolutionized the NBA, influencing many teams to adopt similar strategies.

Regular Season Dominance

The Rockets were a force to be reckoned with during the regular season. Their high-powered offense and improved defense led them to the best record in the league. The Houston Rockets 2018 roster finished the regular season with a 65-17 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Their offensive rating was among the best in the league, and their defensive rating improved significantly under the guidance of assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik. The Rockets' regular-season success was a testament to their talent, chemistry, and coaching. They dominated opponents with their scoring prowess and defensive intensity, setting the stage for a deep playoff run.

Playoff Run and Near Miss

The playoffs were where the Houston Rockets 2018 roster really showed their mettle. They cruised through the first two rounds, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz. Then came the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

This series was an instant classic, with both teams trading blows in a tightly contested battle. The Rockets jumped out to a 3-2 lead and looked poised to dethrone the defending champions. However, Chris Paul suffered a hamstring injury in Game 5, which proved to be a turning point in the series. Without Paul, the Rockets struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity. The Warriors capitalized on Paul's absence, winning Games 6 and 7 to advance to the NBA Finals. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Rockets proved that they could compete with the best teams in the league.

Ultimately, the Rockets fell short of their championship aspirations, losing to the Warriors in seven games. It was a crushing defeat, but it also showed the team's resilience and determination. The Houston Rockets 2018 roster gave Warriors a real scare, pushing them to the brink of elimination. Many fans still believe that if Chris Paul hadn't gotten injured, the Rockets would have won the championship that year. It remains one of the biggest "what ifs" in NBA history.

Where Are They Now?

So, where are the key players from the Houston Rockets 2018 roster now?

  • James Harden: After a stint with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, he's now with the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • Chris Paul: He bounced around a bit, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors, and is now with the Washington Wizards.
  • Clint Capela: He's still a productive center for the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Eric Gordon: After playing for the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, he is now with the Memphis Grizzlies.
  • P.J. Tucker: He's become a journeyman, playing for several teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia Sixers and now the Los Angeles Clippers, known for his defense and toughness.

While the Houston Rockets 2018 roster didn't achieve the ultimate goal of winning a championship, they left a lasting impression on NBA fans. They were a fun, exciting, and competitive team that came incredibly close to reaching the mountaintop. Their innovative offense and tenacious defense made them a formidable opponent, and their legacy will be remembered for years to come. This team will always be remembered for their incredible run and the