How Omer Asik And Dwight Howard Can Coexist

Guest Article from Fanduel.com

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     Just one summer ago, the Houston Rockets were looking for a legitimate center to replace the services of the often injured Yao Ming. Houston has always had a reputation of solid big men, from Ralph Sampson to Hakeem Olajuwon to Moses Malone to Yao Ming to Dikembe Mutombo, so size definitely matters to the organization. One year later, the Rockets now have Omer Asik and Dwight Howard to play inside, forming one of the scariest post duos in the game.

Houston took off last season thanks to the addition of James Harden, but Asik quietly put together a solid season himself. He was limited with his minutes while playing for the Chicago Bulls, but the move to the Rockets allowed him to be a full-time starter. He started all 82 games for the team, and the seven-footer averaged 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He became somewhat of a fantasy basketball legend for his efficiency inside. Not only that, but his defense continued to be outstanding, and he anchored a team that overall had trouble making stops. With Asik in the rotation the Rockets ranked in the top 10 defensively, where as with him on the bench they came in at dead last. 

After a solid run as a #8 seed in the playoffs, the Rockets still had money to spend. They made a run this offseason for Howard, and their sales pitch was able to help them land the star center. This was great news for the Rockets, but initially, it was anything but for Asik.

The Turkish center felt a bit betrayed by the organization when they decided to sign Howard. After coming off his best season and still just being 27 years old, why did the Rockets need another center? This led to a trade demand initially, but since then things have cooled off. Once everyone settled in, the Rockets could be on the verge of bringing back the old style of play.

Throughout the history of the NBA, big men have ruled the game. Miami has helped popularize the small ball phenomena recently, but the Rockets know that Howard is a championship type of piece. Asik is an above average post player who is a good enough defender to guard centers and forwards, but they would be foolish to not try and land Howard. Playing them together has more benefits than drawbacks, so the organization will likely do what they can. Coach McHale and GM Daryl Morey have confirmed that they plan to at least try out Howard at the 4 and Asik at the 5. If this rotation can pan out, many a mismatch will come as a result and only the Grizzlies would be able to match the Rockets size. Asik will also work wonders for the second team, which will quickly separate the Rockets from  the pack. 

Sure, things might not be ideal in Houston with the way the NBA is played right now. Neither center can shoot outside particularly well, which means the lane could become clogged and fantasy basketball numbers could be slightly down. It is the defensive side of the ball that will allow things to work. The setup might be reminiscent of the 1980s Rockets teams with Sampson and Olajuwon, and if not for injuries, that team would have been a consistent title contender. We just may see the return of the two towers in Houston. 

P.S. This article was written by our friends at Fanduel.com. Check them out for all fantasy sports and especially this upcoming fantasy basketball season at www.fanduel.com/fantasy-basketball.