D'Antoni on new-look Rockets: 'The worst we're going to be is great'

Last season's 65-win Houston Rockets suffered some key losses in free agency with perimeter defenders Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute walking away. After ranking sixth in the Association in defense, those departures led many to consider Houston a weaker team.

Mike D'Antoni has grown accustomed to the masses doubting his roster, and the 2016-17 NBA Coach of the Year has faith that the Rockets will once again rise to the occasion.

"It's our job to prove them wrong. And we did it for two years now. 'James (Harden) can't be a point guard' and now, 'Those guys (Harden and Chris Paul) can't play together.' We've got one more big step. If we're going to beat Golden State - which everybody is searching for - you've got to take some chances and you've got to hope that things ... hit that sweet spot," D'Antoni said Saturday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Brian T. Smith.

"Doesn't mean it will happen. But I'm confident and I love our guys. And I think the worst we're going to be is great and hopefully we can take that last step."

Houston managed to retain Paul on a new four-year deal worth $160 million, while also keeping Swiss center Clint Capela for $90 million over the next five years. James Ennis comes aboard after spending last year with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, and Carmelo Anthony is expected to join the franchise once he clears waivers after being released by the Atlanta Hawks.

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Though losing Ariza and Mbah a Moute is a tough pill to swallow, D'Antoni believes other players will step up.

"You hate to lose Trevor and you hate to lose Luc. It happens. That's the business part of it and we'll miss them. But at the same time, it gives opportunities to other guys," D'Antoni added. "We're moving along. It's changed but we're trying to make it for the best."

The Rockets held a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals against the Warriors, but Paul was forced to miss the next two games with an injured hamstring and Houston was ultimately eliminated.