The Houston Rockets have finally freed themselves from their obsession with beating the Golden State Warriors, now that the Dubs have undergone a roster overhaul in the wake of Kevin Durant's departure. However, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta believes it is perhaps even more worrisome to have a wide-open Western Conference to watch out for:
“I know, but in a way it was nice just to worry about the Warriors,” Fertitta told Sam Amick of The Athletic. “But now we have to worry about the Warriors, the Clippers, the Lakers, the Jazz, the Nuggets and the Trail Blazers (laughs). … And it wasn’t just the KD deal (former Warriors star Kevin Durant switching to Brooklyn). It’s Kawhi and Paul George – it’s the whole thing. Kyrie Irving leaving (Boston for the Nets), Kemba (Walker) going to Boston, Jimmy (Butler) went to Miami, Mike Conley going to Utah.
“Let’s be honest, this has never happened before. This is going to be the most exciting new season ever, and there’s probably one of eight teams that can win the championship this year.”
The Rockets have chased the top four in the West for the last few years, encountering the Warriors in their way each and every time as a perennial thorn in their side. Now they will find a see-saw battle between both Los Angeles teams, along with others that have bolstered their roster with the same hopes to put themselves among the West's elite.
Houston wouldn't fall behind, though, acquiring Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade in hopes to stake a claim at the top spot and be part of that race at the peak of the Western Conference.
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