As much as the Rockets might not have anticipated the slow start to the season, it is not difficult to explain. Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, speaking before the Rockets faced the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, said that the changes in the rotation with new players, injuries and Chris Paul's suspension have led the Rockets to "almost have to rebuild the team. We have to rebuild to where we were last year. It takes patience."
Though D'Antoni said the Rockets needed to play with greater or more consistent energy and intensity, the process of becoming instinctive with schemes has slowed reaction time, especially defensively.