What if... the Houston Rockets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images from http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12004016/nba-truth-james-harden-defense

         
          2013 playoffs. First round elimination. 2014 playoffs. First round elimination. 2015 playoffs? Make it pass the first round. Since the trade for James Harden, they have made it to the playoffs both years. Exciting as it sounds, they should be doing more damage with Dwight Howard in the paint. Last year was tough to swallow. The Houston Rockets were ready for a game 7 with the Portland Trailblazers when all of a sudden, Damian Lillard made a clutch three pointer that sent them to the second round and the Rockets back to the drawing board. They were 54-28 on the season, enough to clinch home court advantage.

          James Harden is only 25 years old and have just entered his prime. He is considered as one of the top shooting guards in the league, right behind future Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant and Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade. With the addition of Josh Smith from the Detroit Pistons, they have a deeper bench who can create their own offense along with Corey Brewer. Josh Smith needs to sacrifice his game and become more like Andre Iguodala who plays an important role for the 29-5 Golden State Warriors. Steve Kerr knows he's a great player and he needs someone who can lead their bench. Kerr has a lot of trust in Iguodala which is one of the many reasons why the Warriors are among the top in the West. Once Terrence Jones is back in the rotation, he will provide more interior defense the Rockets need alongside Dwight Howard. If they don't make it pass the first round, their will be changes made to the team.