Could the Houston Rockets Have Still Been a Playoff Team without James Harden Acquistition?

Apr 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard Carlos Delfino (10) attempts a jump shot during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Which other role players are instrumental in the Rockets’ attack?

The Rockets have some other important players: Carlos Delfino is a consummate sixth man, much like his Argentine backcourt mate Manu Ginobili. He’s stepped it up on nights when Harden and Lin were ice cold and kept the Rockets competitive, and in the world where everyone is considered, people would mention Delfino for Sixth Man of the Year.

Terrence Jones is showing a unique skill set that could allow him to blossom into a game changing defensive talent with an ability to run the court that will absolutely maximize his potential playing with James Harden and Jeremy Lin.

And Greg Smith and Patrick Beverley are both instrumental reserves who can play valuable minutes. Smith has even been experimented with as the latest starter, though McHale fully realizes it’s more about simple quality minutes from Smith than any kind of breakout performance like he might half-expect from D-Mo or T-Rob.

The Rockets have a lot of nice pieces in place, and the best part is the picture is nowhere near complete. Morey will have a lot of cap room this summer to spend on free agents, and certainly his major focus will be on finding Kevin McHale a starting caliber power forward.