Amick: Rockets Lack Championship Fit, Floor Leader

0:00The latest scores, headlines and storylines, right here on NBA News today. Subscribe and stay game ready. Debate is heating up over whether the Houston Rockets qualify as true title contenders. Sports writer Sam Amick from The Athletics says no way. He admits they're a solid team, but doubts they have what it takes for a championship run. The core problems start with the on-court fit between stars, Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengan. Add in the major blow from point guard Fred Van Bleet's torn ACL in preseason, and it's been rough. On my other teams, no key reinforcements are on the horizon. Rockets fans point to their strong 21 wins and 15 losses since December 13th as proof of potential. Still, Amick and others highlight the lack of a steady floor leader, which is shown up in sloppy play. Young guards like Amin Thompson have tried stepping up, but he's not a natural playmaker there. In-experienced options such as Reed Shepard and JD. Davis and Art ready to carry that load yet.

1:01Turnovers from poor focus keep plaguing them too. Injuries have hit hard, sidelineing Steven Adams and others, while costing $40 million in salary for the season. With all that stacked against them, it's easy to see why skeptics like Amick aren't buying a parade anytime soon. Dean in is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. Do not just listen to podcasts, get lost in them comfortably.