Houston Rockets 2017-18 Roster: A Championship Contender

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

The 2017-18 Houston Rockets roster was a team built for one purpose: to win an NBA championship. Led by the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets blazed through the regular season with a 65-17 record, the best in the league. This article delves deep into the players who made up this iconic team, examining their roles, strengths, and contributions to a season that came agonizingly close to ultimate glory. So, buckle up, Rockets fans, and let's take a nostalgic trip back to relive the magic of the 2017-18 Houston Rockets!

The Backcourt Maestros: Harden and Paul

At the heart of the Rockets' success was their explosive backcourt featuring James Harden and Chris Paul.

  • James Harden, the reigning MVP, was at the peak of his powers. His scoring prowess was unmatched, blending step-back threes, driving layups, and a knack for drawing fouls. Harden's ability to control the offense and make pinpoint passes made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, solidifying his place as one of the league's elite players. His isolation plays and ability to create shots for himself and others were crucial to the Rockets' offensive strategy.
  • Chris Paul, the "Point God," brought veteran leadership, playmaking brilliance, and a deadly mid-range game to Houston. His arrival transformed the Rockets into a true championship contender. Paul's basketball IQ and ability to manage the game were invaluable. He averaged 18.6 points and 7.9 assists per game, providing a steady hand and clutch performances in crucial moments. His presence allowed Harden to thrive both on and off the ball, creating a dynamic offensive partnership that few teams could contain.

The synergy between Harden and Paul was truly remarkable. They complemented each other's strengths, creating a potent offensive force that propelled the Rockets to the top of the Western Conference. Their ability to read each other's movements and anticipate plays made them a constant threat, keeping defenses on their toes throughout the season. Off the court, their leadership and experience set the tone for the team, fostering a culture of winning and accountability.

The Supporting Cast: Role Players Who Shined

While Harden and Paul were the stars, the Rockets' success was also due to a talented supporting cast that embraced their roles and contributed in meaningful ways.

  • Clint Capela, the athletic center, was a dominant force in the paint. His rim protection, rebounding, and ability to finish lobs made him an ideal complement to Harden and Paul. Capela's energy and hustle were infectious, and his defensive presence was crucial to the Rockets' success. He averaged 13.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league's premier centers. His ability to run the floor and catch lobs from Harden and Paul added another dimension to the Rockets' high-octane offense.
  • Trevor Ariza, the versatile wing, was a key 3-and-D player. His perimeter defense, timely shooting, and veteran experience made him an invaluable asset. Ariza's ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open shots made him a perfect fit for the Rockets' system. He averaged 11.7 points per game while providing solid defense and leadership. His experience in high-pressure situations was particularly valuable during the playoffs, where he consistently delivered clutch performances.
  • P.J. Tucker, the tough and gritty forward, was the heart and soul of the Rockets' defense. His physical play, rebounding, and ability to guard multiple positions made him a fan favorite. Tucker's toughness and determination were contagious, and his willingness to sacrifice his body for the team made him a true leader. He averaged 6.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. His defensive versatility allowed the Rockets to switch seamlessly on defense, disrupting opposing offenses and forcing turnovers.
  • Eric Gordon, the sparkplug scorer, provided instant offense off the bench. His ability to create his own shot and knock down contested jumpers made him a valuable weapon. Gordon's scoring punch was crucial to the Rockets' success, and he often provided a much-needed boost when the starters were struggling. He averaged 18.0 points per game, earning him the Sixth Man of the Year award. His ability to score in bunches and stretch the floor made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
  • Luc Mbah a Moute, the defensive specialist, brought energy and athleticism to the wing position. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes made him a valuable role player. Mbah a Moute's defensive intensity was contagious, and his willingness to do the dirty work made him a valuable asset. He averaged 7.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, providing solid defense and hustle plays. His ability to switch on defense and guard multiple positions allowed the Rockets to be versatile on that end of the floor.

These role players were essential to the Rockets' success, complementing Harden and Paul and providing the depth needed to compete for a championship. Their willingness to embrace their roles and contribute in meaningful ways made them a cohesive and dangerous team.

The Coaching Staff: D'Antoni's Offensive Genius

Mike D'Antoni, the offensive mastermind, was the architect of the Rockets' high-powered attack. His emphasis on pace, spacing, and three-point shooting transformed the Rockets into an offensive juggernaut. D'Antoni's coaching philosophy empowered Harden and Paul to thrive, creating an environment where players could maximize their potential. His ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players was a key factor in the Rockets' success. Under his guidance, the Rockets set numerous offensive records and became one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league.

D'Antoni's coaching staff also played a crucial role in the Rockets' success. They provided valuable insights and support, helping the players to develop their skills and execute the game plan. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence helped the Rockets to reach their full potential.

The Playoff Run: A Heartbreaking End

The Rockets entered the playoffs as the top seed in the Western Conference, with high expectations of reaching the NBA Finals. They cruised through the first two rounds, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz in convincing fashion. In the Western Conference Finals, they faced the defending champion Golden State Warriors in a series that would be remembered as an instant classic.

The Rockets jumped out to a 3-2 lead in the series, putting the Warriors on the brink of elimination. However, Chris Paul suffered a hamstring injury in Game 5, which would ultimately derail the Rockets' championship aspirations. Without Paul, the Rockets lost Games 6 and 7, falling short of their ultimate goal.

The loss to the Warriors was a heartbreaking end to a season that had promised so much. Despite the disappointment, the 2017-18 Rockets will be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Their high-powered offense, tenacious defense, and unwavering belief in each other made them a force to be reckoned with.

The Complete Roster

Here is the complete roster of the 2017-18 Houston Rockets:

  • James Harden
  • Chris Paul
  • Clint Capela
  • Trevor Ariza
  • P.J. Tucker
  • Eric Gordon
  • Luc Mbah a Moute
  • Ryan Anderson
  • Joe Johnson
  • Gerald Green
  • Tarik Black
  • Nene Hilario
  • Zhou Qi
  • Isaiah Canaan

Conclusion

The 2017-18 Houston Rockets roster was a special group of players who came together to form a truly memorable team. Led by the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets captivated fans with their high-powered offense and tenacious defense. While they ultimately fell short of their championship aspirations, their season will be remembered as one of the greatest in franchise history. The contributions of every player, from the stars to the role players, made this team a force to be reckoned with, and their legacy will continue to inspire Rockets fans for years to come. They were a team built for a championship, and they came incredibly close to achieving that goal. The memories and moments created by this team will forever be etched in the minds of basketball fans. So, let's raise a glass to the 2017-18 Houston Rockets – a team that dared to dream big and left it all on the court!