https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/...exit-survey-james-harden-chris-paul-questions
Can they expand their title window?
Had Houston lost a seven-game series against the Warriors at full strength, it would be easier to envision the third time possibly being the charm to make it out of the West. But the fact that the Rockets couldn’t take down a Golden State team that was taken to six games by the Clippers and didn’t even have Durant in the lineup for the last game calls that into question. Any window that Houston expected to have next season given the rumors that Durant may leave Golden State in free agency just got shut again by the team that would be “left over.”
So, where does Houston go from here? James Harden just put together his best season ever—another MVP-worthy campaign in which he scored 30 points or more for 32 straight games—but the Rockets have nothing to show for it. Now, even if the Warriors lose KD this summer, the West will be up for grabs like the East was this season in the wake of LeBron’s departure, only filled with a deeper pool of talented teams, and up-and-coming ones, too. There will be room for the Rockets to pounce, but they’ll be countered by the Nuggets, Jazz, LeBron’s presumably better Lakers, the Blazers, Thunder, and of course, the Steph Curry–led Warriors.
The Rockets aren’t exactly in a flexible position, either. They’re projected to be $14 million over the cap, which would give them the
sixth-least cap space of any team. They have avenues to be creative (would they ever use Clint Capela as a trade chip?) and add rotation players—we know Daryl Morey thrives in this mode—but big changes or improvements are likely off the table. After another disappointing end to their season, it’s back to the drawing board for the Rockets.