Losing control, the Rockets are still guaranteed to be in the top 4 in the Western Conference? Star showdown: It is too critical for one person to join the Aerospace City

With the Rockets' main point guard VanVleet being reimbursed for the season due to injury, the Rockets next season will be fighting against various powerful teams without a main point guard. Although the Rockets' overall strength is still at the top level in the Western Conference, do they really have a chance to enter the top four in the Western Conference and not only advance directly to the playoffs, but also get a home court advantage? Obviously, benevolence is in the eye of the beholder, and wisdom is in the eye of the wise.

There are some celebrities who are not optimistic about the Rockets. For example, Danny Green, the shooter of the Spurs, said that without VanVleet, the Rockets would not even make the playoffs. Obviously this is a bit exaggerated. With the strength of the Rockets, there is still hope of getting a ticket to the playoffs. Although Shepard and Amen Thompson did not perform particularly well at the point guard position, the Rockets have a large reserve of personnel at this position. In addition to Amen and Shepard, there are also Davidson and Holiday. The four major point guards can still keep the Rockets competitive at the No. 1 position.

And everyone has also seen that in the two preseason games, the performance and statistics of Shepard and Amen Thompson are getting better and better. Especially when Shepard faced the Jazz in the second game, he dared to break through and made 2 of 4 three-pointers. He also sent three assists. This is the embodiment of Shepard's ability. As long as he doesn't be nervous on the court, calms down, and dares to make moves, then he will be one of VanVleet's best substitutes.

Now, NBA legend Charles Barkley talked about the situation of the Western Conference in the new season when participating in a program. He believes that the situation of the Western Conference next season is relatively clear. The Thunder, the defending champion, is still one of the favorites to win next season, but don't underestimate the Houston Rockets. Although the Rockets are missing their main point guard VanVleet, the addition of Durant has directly given the Rockets a huge boost.

The Nuggets have finally equipped Jokic with strong teammates, such as Valanciunas, Cameron Johnson, or Bruce Brown in the backcourt. These players have good strength, which makes the Nuggets' Jokic even more powerful. The Lakers' Doncic is in excellent condition, and James has also been very good, which makes the Western Conference game even more exciting. Therefore, Charles Barkley believes that the Thunder, Rockets, Lakers and Nuggets are very likely to be the top four choices in the Western Conference regular season.

It seems that the Rockets have not fallen behind. Although they have lost the star point guard VanVleet, in Barkley's view, Durant's arrival has given the Rockets a huge help. In fact, what Barkley did not say is that the Rockets' new star Amen Thompson has also made huge progress, especially Shen Jing. Judging from his performance in the two preseason games alone, he is not inferior to the Nuggets' superstar Jokic. He has even almost locked in a position as the Western Conference All-Star center next season.

Of course, the Rockets' No. 1 position is indeed a shortcoming, but the Rockets still have the opportunity to strengthen the point guard position through mid-season trades. What's more, if Shepard, Amen Thompson, and even Davidson can become more and more adaptable and play better in the game, then the Rockets do not need to make mid-term trades at all, and can rely on their current No. 1 position reserves to play against any team.

After all, Shen Jing has already given out 19 assists in two preseason games. He has shown his true qualities as a super passer. In this regard, perhaps only Jokic in the league can compare with him. Therefore, the Rockets have booked a spot in the top four in the Western Conference in Barkley's eyes.