Rockets are walking proof elite teams don’t have to take the same path

Orlando Magic v Houston Rockets | Alex Slitz/GettyImagesThe Houston Rockets, despite all of the concerns surrounding the construction of their roster following the injury to starting point guard Fred VanVleet, have emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, and, in doing so, they have forged a new and unconventional path toward contention.

Through the first month of NBA action, the Rockets are first in the NBA in offensive rating and first in 3-point percentage, yet they are dead last in the NBA in 3-pointers attempted per game. In the modern spacing era, Houston is redefining what it means to be contender, living instead in the realm of second chance points and highly effective…