Basketball has always been a game of evolution. From its early beginnings in the late 19th century to the high-octane spectacle it is today, changes in style, strategies, and athlete profiles have continually reshaped the NBA. Among these evolutions, “small-ball” emerged as one of the more controversial and transformative strategies, with the Houston Rockets at the forefront. Although small-ball had existed in various forms, the Rockets took this concept to new heights, popularizing it in a way that forced the league to reconsider the definition of effective basketball. This article will delve into the principles of small-ball, examine the Rockets’ bold shift, discuss the impact of small-ball on both their success and challenges, and explore how this revolution influenced the broader NBA landscape.
1. Understanding Small-Ball in Basketball
Before analyzing the Rockets’ contributions, it’s crucial to understand what small-ball is. Traditionally, basketball is played with two guards, two forwards, and a center. The center is usually the tallest player, positioned close to the basket for rebounds, shot-blocking, and easy scoring opportunities. Small-ball challenges this conventional lineup by replacing the center with a smaller, faster player who can handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter.
The core concept of small-ball lies in trading height for speed, agility, and shooting ability. Rather than relying on post plays and physical dominance, small-ball teams look to space the floor, spread the defense, and create open shots, often from beyond the three-point line. This approach prioritizes perimeter shooting, quick transitions, and defensive switches, making it ideal for modern offenses that favor three-pointers and pace over low-post scoring.
2. The Emergence of Small-Ball in the NBA
While the Golden State Warriors are often credited with popularizing small-ball in the mid-2010s with their “Death Lineup,” the concept had historical precedents. In the early 2000s, Don Nelson, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, experimented with small-ball lineups to maximize the shooting abilities of players like Dirk Nowitzki. However, the tactic didn’t gain widespread popularity until the Warriors found immense success with it, led by the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala.
The Warriors’ small-ball revolution inspired teams across the league to experiment with faster, three-point-heavy offenses. Yet, while most teams adopted small-ball selectively, the Houston Rockets, under General Manager Daryl Morey and Head Coach Mike D’Antoni, fully committed to it, radically redefining small-ball and pushing it to its limits.
3. The Houston Rockets’ Bold Shift to Small-Ball
The Arrival of Daryl Morey and the Focus on Analytics
Daryl Morey, who became the Rockets’ GM in 2007, was one of the NBA’s earliest proponents of analytics-driven decision-making. Known as the “godfather of NBA analytics,” Morey used advanced data to find ways to improve team efficiency, with an intense focus on shot selection. His analysis revealed that three-pointers and shots near the rim were the most efficient in terms of points per shot, while mid-range shots were statistically less beneficial. This led to a fundamental shift in the Rockets’ offensive philosophy, emphasizing high-volume three-point shooting, layups, and free throws—a framework later dubbed “Moreyball.”
This philosophy brought some success, especially after acquiring star players like James Harden, but it was the small-ball era in the 2019-2020 season that marked the most radical implementation of Morey’s vision.
The Trade of Clint Capela and the All-In Commitment to Small-Ball
In February 2020, the Rockets made a shocking move by trading their traditional center, Clint Capela, to the Atlanta Hawks in a four-team deal that brought in forward Robert Covington. Capela had been an essential part of the Rockets’ defensive scheme, providing shot-blocking and rim protection. With his departure, the Rockets’ tallest starter was Covington, standing at 6’7”. By NBA standards, this lineup was unprecedentedly small, especially for a team with championship aspirations.
This decision signified a complete commitment to small-ball. By eliminating the center position, the Rockets were able to maximize floor spacing, allowing James Harden and Russell Westbrook more room to drive and create. Defensively, they relied on relentless switching and quick double-teams to counter taller opponents.
4. The Rockets’ Small-Ball Strategy in Action
Offensive Execution
The Rockets’ offense under small-ball was built around James Harden and Russell Westbrook, both of whom thrived in isolation and transition. With Capela gone, the paint was open for Westbrook’s explosive drives and Harden’s step-back threes. Surrounding them with versatile shooters like Covington, P.J. Tucker, and Danuel House created a “five-out” system, where all players stood beyond the arc, ready to shoot.
By emphasizing three-point shooting, the Rockets aimed to outscore opponents through sheer volume of attempts, often attempting over 40 three-pointers per game. Their offense was designed to push the boundaries of efficiency, relying on the high-risk, high-reward nature of three-point shooting. This philosophy aligned with Morey’s analytics-based approach, aiming to maximize every possession’s point potential.
Defensive Adaptations
While the small-ball approach amplified offensive spacing, it posed significant challenges on defense. Lacking a traditional shot-blocker or rim protector, the Rockets depended on tenacious, switch-heavy defense. P.J. Tucker, a forward known for his toughness, became the de facto “center,” often guarding players much taller than him. The team embraced a “scrappy” identity, doubling in the post and forcing turnovers to compensate for their lack of height.
Switching on defense allowed them to guard against screens and contest three-point shooters more effectively, although this left them vulnerable to offensive rebounds and post play. However, by prioritizing pace and aggression, the Rockets often turned defense into fast-break opportunities, further complementing their high-speed style of play.
5. Successes and Shortcomings of the Rockets’ Small-Ball Experiment
Initial Successes
Initially, the Rockets’ small-ball approach generated excitement and optimism. They achieved several high-profile victories against teams with larger lineups, proving that their system could compete against conventional styles. James Harden and Russell Westbrook thrived in the system, posting high scoring numbers and capitalizing on open driving lanes. Defensively, the Rockets demonstrated resilience and adaptability, employing creative schemes to compensate for their lack of height.
Their ability to stretch defenses and force opposing big men out to the perimeter disrupted traditional schemes. Teams were compelled to adjust, often finding themselves unable to exploit the Rockets’ lack of size efficiently.
Challenges and Shortcomings
While the Rockets’ small-ball experiment showed promise, it was also fraught with challenges. Their dependence on three-point shooting made them susceptible to cold stretches; if their shots weren’t falling, they struggled to generate points elsewhere. In the 2020 playoffs, the Rockets faced the Los Angeles Lakers, a team with a towering frontcourt that included Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The Lakers exploited Houston’s lack of interior defense and rebounding, winning the series in five games. This loss exposed the limitations of the Rockets’ extreme commitment to small-ball, underscoring the value of versatility and size, especially in the playoffs.
6. Impact on the NBA and the Legacy of the Rockets’ Small-Ball Era
While the Rockets did not win a championship with small-ball, their radical approach influenced NBA teams and coaches. By fully committing to small-ball, Houston illustrated the potential and the pitfalls of a three-point-heavy, centerless lineup. Teams like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors have since incorporated elements of small-ball into their systems, often using shorter, faster lineups to gain a strategic edge.
Moreover, the Rockets’ small-ball era pushed the NBA further into a positionless direction, where traditional roles are increasingly blurred. Players are now trained to shoot, pass, and guard multiple positions, regardless of height. This paradigm shift has led to a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play across the league.
7. The Departure of Daryl Morey and the Future of Small-Ball
The end of the 2019-2020 season marked a turning point for the Rockets. Daryl Morey resigned, and the team eventually traded James Harden, signaling the end of their small-ball experiment. However, the small-ball legacy lives on. Teams continue to adopt elements of the Rockets’ strategies, and Morey’s analytics-driven approach has left a lasting impact on the NBA.
The Rockets’ experiment with small-ball was both revolutionary and divisive. While it didn’t result in a championship, it forced the league to rethink conventional wisdom about size, shot selection, and defensive schemes. Teams across the NBA have adopted variations of small-ball, and the modern game is defined by versatility, quickness, and perimeter shooting, much of which stems from the Rockets’ influence.
Conclusion
The Houston Rockets’ commitment to small-ball represented one of the boldest strategic shifts in modern NBA history. By challenging traditional lineups, they highlighted the power of perimeter shooting, spacing, and positionless play. While their journey with small-ball had its limitations, the Rockets succeeded in reshaping how teams view and construct their rosters. Small-ball may not be a one-size-fits-all strategy, but its principles of speed, space, and versatility continue to shape the future of the NBA. In many ways, the Rockets’ gamble has cemented their place in the evolution of basketball, sparking debates, inspiring teams, and proving that the NBA remains a league where innovation can change the game.
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