The makeup of the team has some polar opposites in terms of experience. McDaniels, Dekker, and Harrell are all currently 21 years of age. Harden and Lawson are in the prime of their careers and form one of the most intimidating backcourts in the Western Conference. Harden came in 2nd in MVP voting and Lawson was 3rd in the league in assists per game last season. Dwight Howard has seen better days, but is still one of the top Centers in the league when healthy.

A majority of the minutes will be given to the veterans on the Rockets. Harden, Lawson, Howard, Ariza, Beverly, and Brewer aren't going anywhere. The 2nd squad is a huge mystery for this upcoming season. The young guys jobs are to learn what it's like to play in the NBA, while becoming a part of the Rockets system. Minutes will come when guys go down throughout the course of the season, as they always do. With the more advanced age of the vets on the Rockets, this is a huge possibility.

Young guys like Donatas Motiejunas, Clint Capela, and Terrance Jones should also be getting minutes ahead of the rookies because of their experience and potential. Before his injury, Motiejunas looked like he may be coming into his own at age 24, averaging 12.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 71 regular season games (62 starts). He benefited largely from Howard's injury as well. For two years, he came off the bench and played 12-15 minutes per game, until his time came when Howard went down.

Clint Capela earned some minutes in the playoffs due to Motiejunas' injury. At just 20 years of age, Capela showed some serious skill beyond his year in the post and finishing at the rim. After only playing 90 minutes in 12 games during the regular season, Capela played 127 minutes in 17 playoff games throughout the playoffs. In those 127 minutes, he was very efficient, putting up a 21.8 PER while scoring 16.2 points and 11.9 rebounds per 36 minute average. He should continue to develop behind Howard and Motiejunas in practice this season. The addition of Harrell should create a challenge as he is an aggressive and athletically talented power forward with limitless energy.