Newly acquired Houston guard Ty Lawson has some natural affinity with the Rockets — one of the NBA’s fastest players, he often appears to have rockets on his feet. Getting a refresh in life and hoops in Houston, Lawson expects to deliver on talent that — even when hindered by personal troubles — still made him one of the toughest covers in the NBA. In Houston, he’ll play next to a man who’s undoubtedly one of the toughest covers — James Harden. The Rockets suddenly look deep. Lawson will compete for the starting point guard job with Patrick Beverley.
[Houston Rockets: Ty Lawson’s Chance To Be Robert Downey Jr. of Sports]
Beverley is the ferocious defensive guard who made Jeremy Lin expendable in Houston. He was injured for the Rockets playoff run last year but still comes into the season as the starter. If Lawson is at his best, he should relegate Beverley to a critical, energizing role off the bench — and take over the starting spot. A healthy Ty Lawson, in mind and body, playing with James Harden immediately becomes one of the top backcourt duos in the NBA.
