Collectively, the Western Conference got better over the summer. Sure, the west lost Kevin Durant and the super team that was the Golden State Warriors, but the Lakers and Clippers got significantly better while the Rockets, Jazz and Blazers took a step forward over the offseason.
With all of the new talent in the west, the Rockets will definitely have to be better in the 2019-20 season than they were last year in order to make the Finals. Swapping an aging Chris Paul for a prime Russell Westbrook will definitely help, but Clint Capela will continue to be one of the biggest X-factors for this team going forward.