Trevor Ariza: The Houston Rockets' Ultimate Role Player

This summer, the Houston Rockets signed G/F Trevor Ariza to the mid-level exception. Rockets GM Daryl Morey has gone on record to say even if Ariza were not to evolve his game into a more diverse player on the offensive end, that for his defense alone, he was well worth the contract.

The Rockets and their fan base are expecting bigger things. Wearing the sleek No. 1, a jersey that's been rocked by Tracy McGrady the past couple of seasons, many have brought up comparisons with their shared length and athleticism.

Similar to a young McGrady, signing a mult-million dollar deal with the Orlando Magic, and due to the situation around him, Grant Hill being injured, McGrady was able to establish himself as one of the games elite.

In this case both McGrady and Yao are injured, and the Rockets expect Ariza to take advantage of the situation much like McGrady did, and show there was more to his game than defense and athleticism. 

Ariza certainly has all the athletic tools to become a star, he's got long arms, an awesome finisher on the break, and a vastly improved three point shooter, especially if he continues to maintain his percentages in last years playoffs, and preseason so far.

Unfortunately there are some confine differences between McGrady and Ariza, with some hindrances in Ariza's game that will hold him from reaching that elite level.

Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was used more towards the end of the year, and became an integral part of their success in their run to the championship. His role on the team was similar to the one Shane Battier had on the Rockets last season. To play defense, make highly intelligent plays, and knock down open jumpers from dribble penetration.

He was a role player on the Lakers, and one of the best in the league.

In this preseason with the Rockets, he's taken on a larger role. He's been handling the ball, creating his own shot, and setting up plays for his teammates. Unfortunately, those are not his strengths; he has struggled to shoot the ball, particularly due to him having to create his own shot, and shown mediocre handles at best.

Ariza is a role player, anyone expecting him to become the next "all-star," for the Rockets is placing too much pressure on him, and is only setting themselves up for disappointment. 

Instead, the Rockets brought him to be another complimentary piece, an athletic finisher, something the Rockets sorely lack, especially with the loss of Wafer. He brings another elite defender, with the ability to knock down the three. It's no secret that, especially with Yao Ming out for the season, the Rockets are a perimeter-oriented team and will often find themselves either living or dying by the three-point shot. 

This is why the return of McGrady is so keen to the organization. Ariza would in a sense return back to the role he thrived under last season with the Lakers, becoming  primarily an off-the ball offensive player from either behind the arc or cutting to the basket. He'll have more responsibility, so I'd still expect an increase in points per game, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a true upgrade in what he brings on the floor.

It'll be interesting to see how he copes under Adelman and what's expected to be the first season the Rockets will run the true "Adelman," offense.

Instead of blaming Ariza for a subpar preseason performance, it's time to take a step back, and realize what the Rockets are getting, and that's not a player that's going to be the new face of the Rockets franchise. It's a player that can help the Rockets win basketball games with certain qualities that don't show up in the stat sheet.

He won't put the team on his back consistently and lead the Rockets back from large deficits or win the game in the fourth quarter.

But if you think that doesn't mean he'll help this team in making that comeback, or he's not deserving of the contract he's received, either your expectations for him are far too high or don't realize the subtle differences he makes in a game to help your team win.