Dwight Howard has hardly been his usual self for the Rockets, particularly last year which required James Harden to carry the team on his shoulders.
It was widely speculated that Howard was battling injuries, something many linked up to his back. But now the 6-foot-11 NBA All-Star center reveals the real reason behind it all and it was because of a torn MCL which he had to play through, according to ESPN.
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Everyone of course knows that the Rockets fell short against the Warriors in the Western Conference Final with Howard hardly providing any help. All that has come to pass but the concern now is how healthy is Howard heading into the coming NBA season?
The Rockets find themselves in a pretty competitive Western Conference that includes the defending champs as well as the retooled Spurs and Clippers.
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There are also the Grizzlies to worry about, each with a big man that Howard would need to match up once they cross paths.
It should be noted that Howard did not undergo surgery to repair tears since they weren’t severe as diagnosed by physicians. Considering that the Rockets are in for another grinding season, head coach Kevin McHale may have to manage Howard’s minutes to make sure that he is effective throughout the 2015-16 NBA season.
Howard missed a total of 41 games last season due to varying injuries. The Rockets stand to experience the same problem if they don’t keep a close eye on Howard’s health.
With that said, it looks like the Rockets will have to rely once more on Harden and perhaps some of the other guys like Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer, Patrick Beverly and Terrence Jones.
There is of course new recruit Ty Lawson as well. Looking at those players, there is a gaping hole in the middle for the Rockets in case Howard’s minutes would be limited.
The Rockets will likely have problems in the middle unless centers Clint Capela, Jeremy Tyler and Donatas Motiejūnas somehow provide valuable minutes in lieu of Howard.
If not for the centers on the roster, unless the Rockets use stretch provision on its player positions and transform into an up-tempo brand of basketball, something several teams like the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly planning to try out for the coming season.
Could it work for the Rockets as well?
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