Let’s take a moment to appreciate the 10th year NBA small forward Trevor Ariza. Rockets fans, no doubt, lament Ariza’s first appearance in a Rockets uniform, but I would challenge (And did in an article back in July) that Rockets fans needed to exalt the arrival of Trevor Ariza. Not only for the man he replaced, Chandler Parsons, at half the price for largely equivalent production in similar minutes and similar use. Instead, I want to focus on Ariza’s contribution to the Rockets in a way that broadens the scope of how much one should appreciate his contributions.

Trevor Ariza came to Houston from Washington largely because of Texas’ lack of state income tax and the opportunity to compete for a title. In his first season back since a tumultuous 2009 campaign, Ariza is averaging 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and hitting his three’s at a 36% clip. Where Ariza truly shines, however, is his 101 defensive rating. Often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s biggest threat, this speaks volumes to his defensive prowess. Individual defense, however, is not the thing to watch.

Oct 7, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) is fouled on the shot by Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The introduction of a competent, or exemplary really, defensive small forward to play next to James Harden has helped Harden elevate his game to the next level. Harden posts a 98 defensive rating, a decline by 9 points from last year’s 107 (For the record, with Ariza out for 6 minutes against Denver, Houston coughed up 12 points). For reference, league average defensive rating is 106.7. Harden gambled on defense frequently last year, often resulting in embarrassing results. This year, however, Harden’s deficiencies are buttressed against excellent defenders in Patrick Beverley, Trevor Ariza, and (at times) Dwight Howard.

Not only has Ariza enabled Harden to gamble without repercussion but he was a noted and vocal leader. Indeed, Ariza, upon arrival in Houston, began putting in time with his new teammates and building the rapport of a leader. That leadership shined through when citing the need for improvement in transition defense. Keep in mind, this is a team that improved from a 106.3 defensive rating last year to a 100.3 this year and saw an unprecedented leap in defensive prowess of its formerly one-dimensional star player.

In an offseason where both James Harden and Dwight Howard exerted their ownership of the Rockets, the introduction of Ariza to help stabilize and guide this young team is invaluable. It’s more critical now than it was before that players understand where they fit in on this team and Ariza, more than any other Rocket on the roster, understands how to adjust (His sought after free agency in 2008, his subsequent journeyman status, and his improvement in Washington show huge career arcs).

Ultimately, Trevor Ariza is the unsung hero of this Houston Rockets team. His contribution is rarely going to be the reason the Rockets win a game this season. Instead, it’s the role he plays and the way he contributes that allows the game to be won. By that, simply, Ariza executes and others execute with him in a way that puts Harden and Howard in a position to be successful. He does as much by not playing beyond himself, which is valuable in the NBA.

Every championship team needs a few core components. Not the least of those components is the quintessential glue guy. Shane Battier carved a career out of being that guy. The glue guy understands what he does and ensures no vulnerabilities remain with his play. Ariza is that glue guy.

The foundation is set with Harden and Howard. Ariza is the key to freeing them up to dominate in the way they best can and the guy who ensures the rest of the role players fulfill their obligations as well.