NBA 2018/19: 3 most disappointing players of the Houston Rockets season so far

The Houston Rockets have been the biggest disappointment of the 2018/19 NBA season so far, and it is hard to believe that this is the team that were just one game away from dethroning the dominant Golden State Warriors last season.

The offseason was a disaster for the Rockets, as they lost important two-way player Trevor Ariza, while their only notable addition was 10-time All-Star, Carmelo Anthony. Melo didn't get a fair opportunity and was discarded after just 10 games, while the Rockets reportedly now want Ariza back.

Due to the Rockets poor summer of player recruitment, the team currently have an 11-14 record and are well outside the Western Conference playoff spots. The Houston team may make a late run for the postseason, although their chances of dethroning the Warriors look as they are now over. This should be concerning to a franchise that has nearly all its cap space tied up on the trio of Clint Capela, Chris Paul, and James Harden.

So with all the gloom and doom in Houston, here we will delve into three of the individuals who have been contributing factors to the Rockets disastrous start to the 18/19 NBA season.

#3 Gerald Green

Green previously played for the Rockets in 2008

Gerald Green was one of the best stories from the 17/18 NBA season, as he transformed from a peripheral figure in Boston to an important part of the Rockets success. The story was made even better by the fact that the Rockets are the 32-year-old's home team, although things haven't transpired quite as well for Green this season.

The shooting guards minutes have decreased by more than 5 per game, while his scoring contribution has tumbled from 12.1 points-per-game to 6.9. His three-point shooting is also down to a near career low of .302, and the Rockets are currently missing the impact from the bench that they have come to expect from the veteran.

#2 Chris Paul

Chris Paul has not matched last seasons form

Chris Paul's season has been by no means disastrous, although statistically, it is one of the worst of his career. After twenty games this season, Paul is currently averaging 16.7 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds. CP3 has not scored so few points-per-game since 2011, while his field goal percentage of .431 is the lowest since his rookie season with the New Orleans Hornets.

The Rockets invested a huge amount of money in the 33-year-old point guard over the summer, and the team desperately needs the 9-time NBA All-Star at his best. His four year $160 million maximum contract extension with the Rockets leaves little room for additions, so if the Rockets are to challenge in this years postseason, CP3 will need to refind his shooting range. Nevertheless, there are some positive signs, as Paul last week dropped 23 points on the Timberwolves while shooting a much better .500 from the field.

#1 Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon has failed to match his impact from the 17/18 season

Eric Gordon was a vital part of the Rockets impressive 17/18 season as the 30-year-old enjoyed the best season of his career to date. The 2017 Sixth Man of the Year was utilized mainly from the bench but was nonetheless able to contribute 18 points, while shooting .359 behind the arc.

Gordon's effectiveness has however been in decline this season, with the shooting guard averaging just 15.7 points-per-game, while shooting a dismal .309 from three-point range. His overall field goal percentage stands at .366, which is the worst of his career, and the player's frustration was clear this week as he said I'm just not having fun'.

In back to back games in November, Gordon dropped 28 on the Cavs before unleashing 36 points on the Wizards, so there is hope for Rockets fans that the player can soon return to form. Consistency seems to be the issue, and if the 30-year-old can re-discover his form, it will be a big help to the Rockets potential playoff push in the new year.