This is Part Three of a Five-Part series on the Rockets roster heading into training camp. In this segment, we’ll take a look at the small forwards — or 3’s — where the Rockets have had a nearly complete turnover from last year.

Other Positions

Part 1 – Centers

Part 2 – Power Forwards

Part 4 – Shooting Guards

Part 5 – Point Guards

Small Forwards (3)

Trevor Ariza – 6’8”, 220 pounds, 29-years-old

Gone is Chandler Parsons, sorry ladies… but Trevor Ariza is back for his 2nd stint with the Rockets. This time around should be a much better experience for both he and the Rockets. When Ariza was with the Rockets in 2009-10, the roster was very short on talent. Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola were the leading scorers on that team. As a result, at times Ariza was asked to create his own shot, which is not his game. Then again that’s not Chandler Parsons game either.

Oct 17, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Washington Wizards forward Trevor Ariza (1) shoots against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

What Trevor Ariza is, is a very good complimentary player who is an above-average defender that can defend shooting guards and small forwards and knock down three-pointers. Ariza has also matured since his time with the Rockets four years ago. He knows what he is and what he isn’t. He had his best year as a pro this past season and has commented on how much of a better fit it was for him on the Wizards, given the development of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

Last year Ariza averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals per game in 35.4 minutes per game. But the big jump for Ariza was his 40.7 percent from three-point range which was a career high.

His three-point shooting numbers have been climbing the past few years, a skill that is often one that improves as a player matures, finds his role and knows when and where to take the three-point shots to have the most success. In fact, he lit the Rockets up with 10 three-pointers in a game last February.

This Rockets roster is tailor-made for Ariza. Harden is the offensive leader and Howard is clearly the next option in the post. What the Rockets need Ariza to do, is exactly what he does best and that is play great defense on the opposing team’s best wing player, run the floor and in the half court on offense, hang out on the perimeter for open looks from Harden penetrations and kick out or the inside outside game with Howard.

I fully expect the Rockets to not miss a beat with Ariza at small forward and the end result may even be a starting five that as a group is better than it was with Chandler Parsons. Parsons went backwards on the defensive end this past year. His offense was improving, but it was defense that cost the Rockets more than anything this past season. It will be Ariza’s ability to complement Harden and take up that defensive slack, that will be the key.

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