It’s seems like an eternity since the playoffs ended for the Houston Rockets, but fans got a look at Mike D’Antoni’s new system in their preseason opener. While the Shanghai Sharks aren’t an NBA caliber team the game still offered hints at what to expect in 2016-17.
Certainly the Houston Rockets will look to push the ball in transition and utilize their depth. Though many questioned whether the newly assembled team would be able to defend there were signs that Jeff Bzdelik has instilled some defensive principles. Of course this is just preseason, but the fact James Harden was active defensively and new recruits Anderson, Gordon and Nene all seemed to be attempting to talk on the defensive end is an encouraging sign.