I celebrate in triumph as the Houston Rockets eliminate the Oklahoma City Thunder in a dramatic seven-game series. My arms raise in joy as Russell Westbrook steals a season-ending inbounds pass away from Steven Adams. I imagine a 2020 championship banner being raised in Houston, until reality sets in: the Rockets must now prepare for battle against the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.
The analysts on ESPN’s post coverage show confirm my worries. The Rockets need a true big man, someone the rest of the league can take as a serious lob and defensive threat.